Japan Wi-Fi Guide to Internet, Phone SIM Data & Internet Speed | Smiles Connect
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Japan offers one of the world’s most advanced and reliable internet infrastructures, providing many connectivity options for both foreign residents and visitors. This Japan internet guide explores the different types of Japan Wi-Fi services, phone data plans and internet speeds, offering important information for individuals who wish to stay connected in Japan.
Understanding the key factors such as mobile data coverage, Japan Wi-Fi options and internet speed is crucial for anyone living in or visiting the country.
Types of Japan Wi-Fi and internet connectivity
1. Home Wi-Fi (fiber optic broadband) in Japan
Home Wi-Fi in Japan is commonly provided through something called, “fiber optic broadband.” It is a type of internet that uses thin strands of plastic (fiber optics) or glass with a combination of pulses of light to create a data connection. This offers fast and stable connections for heavy internet users. Major internet service providers such as NTT Docomo, SoftBank, and au (KDDI) provide fiber optic services with high internet speeds. This is a perfect option for long-term residents and those who need high-speed internet for activities such as remote work, streaming, gaming and video calling like FaceTime.
- Internet speed: Up to 10 Gbps (gigabits per second)
- Pros: High-speed, reliable internet for intensive usage
- Cons: Installation required, usually involves a long-term contract and a little more expensive
2. Pocket Wi-Fi (portable Wi-Fi) in Japan
Pocket Wi-Fi is a portable device that provides an internet connection and access to Japan’s 4G and 5G networks. It is a great solution for tourists and short-term residents. If you’re looking for more affordable long-term home Wi-Fi, pocket Wi-Fi can be a great solution. Just purchase a device and insert a data SIM card.
These devices are small, easy to carry and often come with high or unlimited data options, making them highly convenient for travelers. Rental services are widely available at airports and other key locations. Devices can be easily purchased online like Amazon.
- Internet speed: 4G speeds up to 150 megabits per second (Mbps), 5G speeds exceed 1 Gbps
- Pros: Portable, easy to use and more affordable compared to home Wi-Fi routers
- Cons: Coverage may vary based on location and you’ll need to constantly charge the device’s battery
3. Phone data (SIM cards and eSIMs) in Japan
Phone data in Japan is widely used and is provided by major carriers like NTT Docomo, SoftBank, Rakuten Mobile and au. These providers offer extensive 4G and 5G coverage, which allows users to stay connected via prepaid SIM cards or eSIMs. Phone data is ideal for travelers and residents in Japan who need flexibility and quick access to the internet while on the move.
- Internet speed:
- 4G: up to 150 Mbps
- 5G: exceeding 1 Gbps
Pros: Instant access without reliance on Wi-Fi
Cons: Data caps and potential roaming fees
Key Japan Wi-Fi and network provider
- NTT Docomo
NTT (Nippon Telegraph and Telephone) Docomo is one of Japan’s most reliable internet providers, offering fiber optic services with speeds up to 10 Gbps. Its extensive mobile network provides strong coverage for both 4G and 5G users. - SoftBank
SoftBank provides both fiber optic broadband home Wi-Fi and mobile SIM data services, offering competitive pricing and excellent network coverage. Its 5G coverage is expanding rapidly, providing customers with high-speed internet options. - au (KDDI)
au, which is operated by KDDI Corporation and is Japan’s second-largest wireless carrier. It provides HIKARI fiber optic internet services which deliver reliable high-speed internet, while its mobile data services provide 4G and expanding 5G coverage. au offers multiple data plan options suitable for different usage needs. - Rakuten Mobile
Rakuten Mobile is one of Japan’s major and newer mobile network providers, known for its affordable and flexible data plans. It operates on its own 4G and 5G networks and partners with KDDI for coverage in areas outside its network. Rakuten Mobile offers a simple, tiered pricing system where users only pay for the data they use, with unlimited data available within Rakuten’s network areas.
Choosing the best Japan Wi-Fi and phone SIM data plan
When selecting a Wi-Fi or mobile SIM data plan in Japan, consider factors such as the speed you require and your budget. Visitors on a short-term stay will benefit from pocket Wi-Fi or prepaid SIM cards, while long-term residents may prefer fiber optic home Wi-Fi for higher speeds or pocket Wi-Fi for its convenience and affordability. It is also important to consider the availability of 5G services in your area, as 5G offers faster speeds and lower latency than traditional 4G networks.
Smiles Connect offers strong internet with Docomo and SoftBank SIM plans
Smiles Connect, a new MVNO service from Japan’s “absolute number one” mobile remittance service provider, Smiles Mobile Remittance, offers SIM plans for foreigners living in Japan with its multilingual support, affordable plans, simple registration process, and easy payment method (no credit card needed).
Despite being relatively new, Smiles Connect assures users of high-quality service by offering strong networks: SoftBank for data plans and NTT Docomo for voice (calling and data) plans. Both companies have long-standing reputations for delivering reliable and strong internet services.
Smiles Connect SIM plans chart
Japan Wi-Fi and mobile data services are diverse, offering various options to meet the needs of residents and visitors. Whether you choose fiber optic home Wi-Fi for its high speed, portable Wi-Fi for travel convenience or mobile data for on-the-go connectivity, Japan’s internet infrastructure provides reliable and fast options. Understanding the available services and selecting the one that best fits your needs will ensure you stay connected with ease.
Click here to see all Smiles Connect SIM plans and benefits.
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