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Best Internet Providers in Japan

Best Internet Providers in Japan (2025 Comparison: SoftBank Hikari, NURO, AU Hikari)

Choosing the right home internet provider in Japan can be confusing, especially when every company advertises “the fastest speeds” or “the best value.” In practice, most households end up choosing between three major fibre-optic networks: SoftBank Hikari, NURO Hikari, and AU Hikari. Each differs in speed, real-world performance, installation time, and availability depending on your apartment type.

If you are still arranging your move or setting up your first home, it may help to read our step-by-step guide on getting a mobile phone and internet in Japan, which explains the documents, contracts, and basic terminology you will see when applying.

SoftBank Hikari – Best for Most People (Wide Coverage & Simple Setup)

SoftBank Hikari is one of the most widely available fibre-optic options in Japan because it uses the NTT FLET’S Hikari network. This makes installation faster and compatible with many older apartment buildings, including properties that only support NTT-based lines.

Pros

  • Excellent nationwide coverage, including many older apartments
  • Faster and simpler installation than NURO in most cases
  • Stable performance for everyday use (streaming, work, calls)
  • Easy setup for renters with minimal building restrictions
  • Discounts available for SoftBank mobile users

Cons

  • Peak-time slowdowns can occur in crowded buildings
  • Shares NTT infrastructure, so performance depends on local congestion
  • Best bundle discounts require you to use SoftBank mobile

Typical Speeds

  • Download: 200–800 Mbps
  • Upload: 100–500 Mbps

Estimated Monthly Cost

Around ¥5,000–¥6,000, depending on building type, campaign discounts, and whether you bundle with a SoftBank mobile plan.

Best For

Anyone who wants a straightforward, widely compatible internet service with minimal headaches at the installation stage.

NURO Hikari – Fastest Option (But Slow Installation)

NURO Hikari is known for some of the fastest consumer internet speeds in Japan thanks to its dedicated fibre network. In real-world use, it is ideal for heavy downloaders, online gamers, and people working from home who regularly handle large files or video calls.

Pros

  • Extremely high performance, especially for downloads
  • Dedicated NURO backbone reduces congestion at peak times
  • Strong choice for gaming, 4K streaming, and remote work
  • Pricing remains competitive for the performance level

Cons

  • Installation often takes 3–8 weeks and requires two separate visits
  • Not supported in many apartments, especially older or NTT-only buildings
  • Some landlords are reluctant to approve additional drilling for new cabling

Typical Speeds

  • Download: 400–1,500+ Mbps
  • Upload: 300–1,000 Mbps

Estimated Monthly Cost

Around ¥5,000–¥6,500, depending on campaign pricing and building type.

Best For

Heavy users, gamers, and remote workers who prioritise maximum speed and low latency, and who can tolerate a longer installation timeline.

AU Hikari – Most Reliable (Stable Speeds Using KDDI’s Independent Network)

AU Hikari runs on KDDI’s own fibre network, independent from NTT. This often results in very stable performance, even during busy evening hours, because traffic is not competing on the same shared backbone as many other providers.

Pros

  • Very stable speeds, including evenings and weekends
  • Less congestion than many NTT-based services
  • Good long-term reliability for households that work from home
  • Discounts are available for AU mobile customers

Cons

  • Not available in many older or NTT-only buildings
  • Coverage can vary outside major metropolitan areas
  • Contracts may include fixed terms and early cancellation fees

Typical Speeds

  • Download: 300–1,000 Mbps
  • Upload: 300–1,000 Mbps

Estimated Monthly Cost

Around ¥5,000–¥6,500 for most standard household plans.

Best For

People living in modern apartments or detached houses who value stability and consistent performance more than raw maximum speed.

Which Provider Should You Choose?

The right provider depends on three main factors: your building’s compatibility, how quickly you need installation, and how heavily you use your connection.

  • Best overall / easiest to set up: SoftBank Hikari
  • Fastest speeds (if you can wait for installation): NURO Hikari
  • Most stable and consistent performance: AU Hikari

For most newcomers to Japan, SoftBank Hikari offers the most practical balance of availability, installation speed, and price. NURO is the best choice if you want top-end performance and are willing to wait, while AU Hikari is appealing if your building supports it and you prioritise a stable connection during busy hours.

Practical Tips Before Installing Internet in Japan

  • Confirm building compatibility: Many apartments list which providers are allowed or already wired. This is often mentioned in the property listing or can be confirmed with your real-estate agent.
  • Expect delays in March–April: This is Japan’s main moving season, and internet installation slots fill up quickly.
  • Have your documents ready: Technicians and providers typically require your residence card and basic identification details.
  • Check building rules if you rent: Some landlords restrict new holes in walls or exterior work; this can affect NURO or certain AU Hikari installations.
  • Review contract terms carefully: Many plans still use 2-year contracts with early cancellation fees.

If you want a broader view of monthly household expenses, including electricity, gas, water, and internet, see our guide on utilities and monthly bills in Japan. It can help you estimate your total fixed costs before committing to a plan.

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