Moving into a new place in Tokyo and finding you have no internet for a couple of weeks is a classic newcomer surprise. Home fiber is fast and reliable, but it usually involves an installation appointment and — if you rent — your landlord's permission, so it rarely happens overnight. The good news: there are easy ways to stay online from day one, and once you know the options the choice is straightforward.
Your main options
- Home fiber (光 / hikari) through an ISP: the fastest, most stable choice for a long-term home. You apply, then a technician comes to set it up. Installation can take anywhere from about a week to several weeks depending on your building and the schedule, and in a rental it usually needs landlord or building-management approval.
- Pocket / mobile wifi: a small portable battery-powered router that turns a mobile signal into wifi for your devices. Great as a bridge while fiber is being set up, or if you move often. Many services aimed at newcomers offer short rentals and airport pickup.
- Home router on a mobile line: a plug-in router that runs on a mobile network with no construction needed — useful when fiber isn't available or you can't get installation approval.
- Phone tethering: most smartphone plans let you share the phone's data as a hotspot. Handy to cover the gap for a few days, but watch your plan's data allowance.
If you rent, get your landlord or building manager's OK before booking fiber installation. Fiber work can involve minor wiring, and in an apartment the technician may need access to shared equipment rooms (the MDF room) that the building must unlock. Ask early — plans, availability and terms change, so confirm the details on the provider's official site.
Tips & common mistakes
- Don't wait until move-in day to apply for fiber — the queue plus the installation visit means weeks, not hours. Apply as early as you can.
- Check what's already in your building. Many apartments are pre-wired for fiber, which can make setup much quicker; ask the provider to confirm before you commit.
- Line up a stopgap (pocket wifi, a home router, or tethering) so you're not offline while fiber is being arranged.
- Read the contract terms before signing: how long the minimum term is, what happens if you cancel or move, and any installation costs. Ask for the explanation in writing.
- If you'll only be in Japan short-term, a rental router or a no-construction option can save you from a long contract.
- Look for providers and rental services that offer support in your language if Japanese is a barrier.
- Can I cancel a contract soon after signing if I change my mind?
- Japan's Telecommunications Business Act includes an initial-contract-cancellation system (初期契約解除制度): for fiber and similar services, you can generally cancel within 8 days of receiving the written contract, without the provider's agreement. Some fees you've already incurred (like certain installation or usage charges) may still apply, and the exact rules vary, so read the contract document and check the official sources below.
- What if I can't get fiber installed in my apartment?
- If the building doesn't allow installation or fiber isn't available, a home router or pocket wifi on a mobile line needs no construction and can be set up quickly. They're a common solution for renters who can't get installation approval.
- How do I stay online before fiber is connected?
- Use a pocket wifi rental, a no-construction home router, or your phone's tethering/hotspot to bridge the gap. Many pocket-wifi services aimed at newcomers offer airport pickup and English support, so you can be online from the day you land.
