Internet in Japan: Finding English-Speaking Providers in Japan
An internet connection is one of the first things you will need once you have relocated. Even if you do not speak Japanese, rest assured. We provide a list of English-Speaking service providers below.
English-Speaking Internet Service Providers
Sakura Fiber Internet
Sakura Fiber Internet provides English Service and fast internet connection (1Gbps), and they use Flet’s Hikari fiber-optic network from NTT EAST and NTT WEST. There is no 2-year contract either.
GTN Home Internet Service
GTN offers a total support to get an internet connection for you! You can also get a Free WiFi Router as gift.
Flet's (Tokyo)
NTT East is the main line provider in Tokyo and offers Hikari Fiber through its FLET’S network in and around Tokyo and all of the Kanto area. Also, the Giga service, which is the latest and fastest version of broadband Internet access, offers download speeds at rates of up to 1 gigabyte per second.
AU
AU, formerly a purely mobile phone service provider, now offers hikari fiber access with download speeds up to 1 gigabyte per second.
You may need to prepare a wifi router
If you would like to use WiFi, you may need to purchase a wifeless LAN router (Wifi Router) by yourself. They can be easily found on a web shop like Amazon.
Pocket Wi-Fi from Mobal
Mobal offers a pocket WiFi and they deliver for free in Japan.
You get 100GB each month for ¥4,980 yen (including tax).
Pocket Wi-Fi from Sakura Mobile
You can also rent a Pocket-WiFi. Sakura Mobile offers from ¥3,480 per month.
For more details, please check on Sakura Mobile's website.
Pocket Wi-Fi from GTN Mobile
Check GTN's Mobile Services for details.
English-Speaking Internet Service Providers (ISP) in Japan
The second part of getting your broadband Internet connection is finding an Internet Service Provider. Some providers can bundle your line connection with the Internet service they provide for added convenience. Check with your ISP about this possibility. Below are the four main ISPs available in Japan.
Assist Solutions (Tokyo)
Assist Solutions is Japan’s only hybrid ISP, partnered with not just one but two of Japan’s top tier network backbone (IIJ and NTT PC Communications). And unlike many other ISP’s in Japan, Assist Solutions provides English customer support.
Asahi Net
Asahi Net is one of the largest Internet Service Providers in Japan and has overseas access points. Asahinet will bundle your line connection with AsahiNet has been ranked number 1 in customer satisfaction for more than 10 years, so you know you will be happy with the service you receive.
Rakuten Broadband Premium
Rakuten Broadband Premium (formerly Fusion GOL) offers Hikari Fiber, and provides technical support with native English and Japanese speaking staff.
https://business-isp.rakuten.co.jp/en/biz/
SpinNet
Broadband Internet service provided by the FLET’S network with full support in English. Note that SpinNet does not bundle line connections with its Internet service.
https://www.spinnet.jp/indexe.html
English-Speaking Wi-Fi Providers in Japan
Another way to access the Internet is by using the cellular networks. Wireless modems give you the ability to connect wirelessly to the Internet–at speeds comparable to wired Internet access–wherever cellular service is available.
This is ideal for individuals who are unable to have wired Internet service in their home or apartment, or for those who prefer the flexibility of reliable Internet access wherever they go in Japan.
If you don’t want to be tied down to a wired connection (albeit possibly with a WiFi router at your apartment), there are a couple of options for wireless Internet around Japan. Your two major options are either portable wireless Internet modems or connected WiFi.
Portable wireless Internet modems connect to one of several wireless data networks and provide Internet access to your computer either via WiFi or an Ethernet cable. Below are five companies that offer this kind of service.
Asahi Net
AsahiNet, mentioned above as a broadband Internet provider, also provides wireless Internet service via several networks, with its fastest being the WiMax 2+ network. If for some reason this network doesn’t cover your address or needs, they have several other options that cover almost 100% of Japan with wireless Internet access.
AU
au is the cellular service brand of KDDI, a major Japanese telecom that offers wireless Internet access through its “au one net” either by tethering your computing to your mobile phone or via its WiMAX service.
http://www.au.kddi.com/english/
Genki Mobile
Genki Mobile offers affordable portable Wi-Fi routers to visitors in Japan. They provide data usage of 1GB/day using NTT Docomo’s network–one of the most popular service providers in Japan–which provides fast and reliable service in subways and rural areas. They also provide free delivery across Japan, free pick up at the Genki Mobile office, and pick up at select airports.
NTT Docomo
NTT Docomo provides high-speed wireless access to the Internet through multiple data networks. It’s also the largest and most popular service provider in Japan due to its reliability of underground service, in subways and in rural areas.
https://www.nttdocomo.co.jp/english/
Rakuten Broadband Premium
Softbank is a major cellular network service provider. They have several shops throughout Japan with English speaking staff to assist with any questions or needs.
http://www.softbank.jp/en/mobile/
Wi-Fi Hotspots in Japan
If none of the above options appeal to you, you can always rely solely on WiFi hotspots. This is frequently a perfectly viable option in Japan. While not ubiquitous, free Wi-Fi access points can be found throughout Japan, including most train and subway stations. You can also find them in Starbucks, a variety of convenience stores, and a variety of public places throughout the city.
There are also paid WiFi subscription services that will provide you with much more access to WiFi access points throughout the city. Depending on where you live and/or spend your time, this may be a more convenient and cost-effective alternative to having a wired Internet subscription at your home.
Wi2 300 is one company that offers hourly, daily, and weekly subscriptions to over 200,000 WiFi hotspots throughout Japan. Examine their website to see if you have adequate coverage where you live and work.
The main disadvantage of relying solely on WiFi hotspots is that you never know when you will be out of range of the nearest access point. However, if 1) you don't need much dedicated high-speed access, 2) you do most of your Internet browsing on your phone, or 3) your home is within range of a WiFi hotspot access point, you can have the best of both worlds at a very reasonable price.
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