How To Save on Internet Fees in Japan

Internet in Japan: what you need to know

If you live alone, share a space, or spend most of your time outside, getting a home Wi-Fi plan in Japan may not be the best choice. Home internet in Japan typically costs 4,000 yen or more per month, depending on the speed, provider and usage limits.

In addition to the monthly fee, you might need to pay installation and setup costs, which can range from 4,000 yen to 30,000 yen.

Another challenge for foreigners is language support. Many internet providers in Japan do not offer their service in English or other languages like Tagalog, Bahasa or Vietnamese. In these cases, you may need help from a Japanese-speaking friend or family member during the setup process.

Major internet carriers in Japan:

To give you a better idea of how much it might cost to order a home Wi-Fi plan from some of the widely used internet carriers in Japan, here is a breakdown of their fees and services: 

Internet carrier	Type of internet	Speed	Min. contract period	Monthly rate	English support
au (KDDI) Hikari	au fiber optic	From 1 to 10 Gbps	From 24 months	From about ¥4,400	Very limited
SoftBank	SoftBank fiber optic	From 1 to 10 Gbps	From 24 months	From ¥4,180	Very limited
Docomo Hikari	Docomo fiber optic	From 1 to 10 Gbps	24 months	From ¥4,400 (incl. tax)	Limited

Source: Tokyo Cheapo

Mobile data in Japan

Getting a mobile SIM card for your smartphone in Japan can be more challenging for foreigners. Most network carriers require a credit card and phone number—but you often need one to get the other. This process can be confusing, especially if you’re new to the country.

To help fill this gap, Smiles Connect was launched. 

Smiles Connect

Smiles Connect is a foreigner-friendly SIM service from the same company that operates Smiles Mobile Remittance, the “Absolute number one” mobile international money transfer app in Japan. It was developed with empathy and passion to help immigrants stay connected with family and friends—without the usual paperwork or language barriers.

Smiles Connect uses top Japanese network carriers for its SIM service:

• SoftBank for data plans
• NTT Docomo for voice plans

These networks are known for strong, fast and reliable coverage across the country.

How you can save money on data and internet fees in Japan

Smiles Connect offers Combo plans, which include both data and voice SIMs—perfect if you want a Japanese phone number and plenty of data.

One of their most recommended options is the 110GB Combo plan, which includes two SIMs:

• One 100GB SIM for mobile internet data
  
• One 10GB SIM, which has data and calling/SMS functions 

You can use the Data SIM in a pocket Wi-Fi device and bring it anywhere—ideal for those who are always on the go. It also works well as a substitute for home Wi-Fi.

Price: ¥4,980 per month (excluding tax)

With this plan, you get fast, flexible internet access across Japan without long contracts or complicated paperwork. Learn more about the plan here.

Smiles Connect plans

Smiles Connect offers three different types of SIM plans to meet the diverse needs of people living in Japan, especially foreigners. These plans are designed with flexibility, affordability and ease of use in mind. Whether you need large amounts of mobile data, just a Japanese phone number for calls, or both, Smiles Connect has a plan for you.

To learn more about Smiles Connect, click here. 

To stay up to date with Smiles Connect’s service, campaigns and more, follow the Facebook fan page here.