Internet

Home internet in Japan is fast — genuinely among the fastest in the world. But setting it up as a foreigner involves navigating Japanese-language contracts, installation windows, and router fees. Here’s how to get connected quickly without overpaying. Your Main Options Type Speed Price Setup Time Best For Fiber optic (光回線) Up to 10Gbps ¥4,000–6,000/month 2–4 weeks Long-term residents Home WiFi router (au/docomo) 100–300 Mbps ¥3,000–5,000/month Same day Short-term or can’t get fiber Pocket WiFi 30–150 Mbps ¥2,000–4,000/month Next day Temporary or mobile use Fiber Optic (光回線) — Best Value for Long-Term Residents NTT Flet’s Hikari + ISP Japan’s fiber runs primarily through NTT’s Flet’s Hikari network. You pair this with an ISP (internet service provider): ...

Setting up electricity, gas, and water in Japan sounds straightforward — until you realize the process involves phone calls or web forms that are entirely in Japanese. Most foreigners rely on a helpful colleague or neighbor. This guide lets you handle it yourself. Overview: What You Need to Set Up Utility When How Electricity Before move-in Online or phone Gas Before move-in In-person inspection required Water Usually already active Sometimes need to notify Internet 1–3 weeks before Online application Electricity (電気) Step 1: Find your provider Check the contract from your landlord or the flyer in your apartment — it will say which company supplies electricity (e.g., TEPCO in Tokyo, Kansai Electric in Osaka). ...

Pocket WiFi and SIM cards are both solid options for staying connected in Japan — but which one makes sense depends entirely on your situation. Choosing the wrong option means either overpaying or dealing with constant connectivity problems. Here’s how to decide. Your Options at a Glance Option Speed Cost Setup Time Pocket WiFi (rental) Medium ¥3,000–¥5,000/month Immediate Data SIM card Medium ¥1,500–¥4,000/month Same day Home WiFi router (SIM) Medium ¥3,000–¥5,000/month Same day Fiber internet Fast ¥4,000–¥6,000/month 2–4 weeks Pocket WiFi A portable WiFi router that connects multiple devices (phone, laptop, tablet) to mobile internet via a SIM card inside. Carry it in your bag and you have WiFi anywhere in Japan. ...