Confused about whether to go with Fiber Internet or Home WiFi for your internet needs?🤔 With so many factors to consider — like speed, reliability, flexibility, and setup—it can be tricky to decide which option suits your lifestyle best.
Whether you're a gamer seeking lightning-fast connections, a digital nomad craving convenience, or a family juggling multiple devices, this guide will help you with the pros and cons to find the perfect fit for your internet needs in Japan.
TL;DR
Fiber Internet
- Great fit for: gamers, heavy data users, and families sharing multiple devices.
- Fast speeds up to 1 Gbps or 10 Gbps
- Perfect for 4K streaming, multiplayer gaming, and remote work.
- Covers over 90% of Japan, using Flet's Hikair fiber-optic network (NTT).
Home WiFi
- Great fit for: smaller households, students, and short-term residents who want flexibility.
- High-speed 4G/5G connection.
- Perfect for everyday activities like web browsing, video calls, and HD streaming.
- Coverage over most of Japan. Unlimited data with no installations.
Finding the Right Fit for Your Internet Needs
Your journey to better internet starts here! 🗺️
Are you:
- A gamer who needs high speeds and no lag?🎮
- A digital nomad or short-term resident looking for convenience?🧳
- A family sharing devices for work, streaming, and browsing?👨👩👧👦
Whatever you lifestyle, Sakura Mobile is here to help you.
As you explore this guide, you'll learn the differences between Fiber Internet and Home WiFi, discover their strenghts, and identify which one fits your needs.
To begin, let's break down the two main types of internet services available in Japan.
What is Fiber-Optic Internet?
First, let's start with fiber-optic internet. Fiber-Optic or Fiber Internet uses cutting-edge technology to transmit data through ultra-thin glass cables.
Fiber offers a stable, wired connection that is faster and more reliable than traditional broadband.
See our table below to compare the pros and cons of Fiber Internet, and what Sakura Mobile has to offer
Pros👍 | Cons👎 |
|---|---|
| Ultra-fast speeds: 1 Gbps or up to 10 Gbps (with Sakura Mobile). | Installation required: It can take from 1 week to 1 month to set up.** |
| Low latency: Perfect for gaming, streaming, and remote work.* | Fixed location: Not as portable as home WiFi. |
| Unlimited data: Ideal for heavy internet users. | May not be feasible: Shared housing or certain apartments may not support fiber installations. |
*Latency is the time it takes for data to pass from one point on a network to another.
**Sakura Mobile provides support for negotiations in Japanese (ex. confirming installation details with your property manager).
What if you need internet right away?
Don't worry! Sakura Mobile offers rental pocket WiFi to keep you connected while your fiber installation is underway.
Wondering what other options are out there? Make sure to check out our guide on the best Fiber Internet plans in Japan if you are still on the fence about whether Fiber is the right fit for you!
📖Learn more here: Top 7 Home Internet Providers in Japan
What is Home WiFi?
Next, let's look at home WiFi. This option connects your home to the internet using celular networks (4G/5G). A wireless router receives the signal and broadcasts it as WiFi, providing flexible connectivity without complex installation.
See our table below to compare the pros and cons of home WiFi, and what Sakura Mobile has to offer.
Pros👍 | Cons👎 |
|---|---|
| Simple set-up: Just plug in and go (with Sakura Mobile’s Home WiFi device). | Less stable than fiber: Speeds can vary depending on network conditions and location. |
| Relocation-friendly: No installation required, ideal for short-term residents. | May experience higher latency |
| Fast speeds, unlimited data, and coverage over most of Japan | More likely to be impacted by bad weather conditions |
What Makes Sakura Mobile Stand Out?
- Full English Support: Our firendly team is here to help you (no translation apps needed!)
- No Annual Contract: For both Home WiFi and Fiber Internet.
- Excellent Fiber Speeds: Plans at 1 Gbps and 10 Gbps!
- Competitve Pricing: Home WiFi and Fiber start at 6,480 JPY/month (10 Gbps at 8,980 JPY/month).
- Japanese Negotiation Support: We can liaise with your property manager regarding installation.
- One Complete Package: Fiber plan covers everything you need—wireless router, ISP, etc.
See our Fiber Internet and Home WiFi plans below!⬇️
Want even more flexibility?
Consider getting a Pocket WiFi if you aren't worried about having unlimited data, but want to have the most portable option.
Check out our guide on the Best Long-Term Pocket WiFis!
Comparing Speeds
Wen choosing an internet plan, understanding speed requirements is key to making the right decision.
The chart below highlights the recommended speeds for common online activites.
Activity | Recommended Speed |
|---|---|
| 4K Video Streaming/Online Gaming | 25 Mbps |
| Online Meetings | 10 Mbps |
| HD Video Streaming (1080p) | 5 Mbps |
| Web Browsing/Emails/Messaging Apps | 1 Mbps |
See the connection speeds for Fiber Internet and Home WiFi below! ⬇️
*Average fiber speeds are from FLET’S Hikari Next as of 12/22/2021 as listed in Minsoku.
🌸Our Fiber Internet uses Flet's Hikari fiber-optic network by NTT, the largest network provider in Japan.
To sum up the speed differences between Fiber and Home WiFi:
- Fiber Internet:Consistent, symmetrical speeds; perfect for heavy uploads or multiplayer gaming. Up to 1 Gbps / 10 Gbps
- Home WiFi:High-speed 4G/5G connection, but performance can fluctuate depending on signal strength and usage.
For the fastest speeds, fiber is your go-to option. On the other hand, if you aren't a heavy-data user and flexibility is your priority, home WiFi may suit you better.
*Maximum network service capability speed for fiber. Depending on your residence, the line type may be between 10 Gbps and 100 Mbps. After applying, we will look into your location and options to determine what the line/speed will be.
Choose Your Adventure (Best Use Cases)
Now it's time to choose your adventure. Select the path that aligns with your internet needs and discover the perfect connection for your journey!
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Explore the scenarios below to find your perfect fit! ⬇️
Scenario 1
Scene: After a long day at work, you come home and want to play games online with your firends from back home.
→ But you're using a wireless connection and experiencing the worst lag of your life, making the game unplayable.
🎮 Your Priority: Speed, stability, and no interruptions.
With speeds up to 10 Gbps and unparalleled stability, it ensures your gaming sessions and livestreams run without a hitch.
💡Recommendation: Go with Sakura Mobile's Fiber Internet plan for ultimate performance.
Scenario 2
Scene: You just moved to Japan for the JET Programme, and discover that yur apartment doesn't offer free WiFi.
→ You call around and hear it could take at least a month or even 3 months to get WiFi! You will be without internet for a long time...
✈️ Your Priority: Flexibility and convenience.
If you're new to Japan, frequently moving, or only here for a short time, home WiFi is the solution for you. It's quick to set up, portable, and doesn't require installation, making it perfect for short-term residents or frequent travelers.
💡Recommendation: Choose Sakura Mobile's Home WiFi for a stress-free, flexible internet solution!
Scenario 3
Scene: You just got a new job that lets you work from home—yay! Your partner is also working remotely. Now school is on vacation and your kid is at home streaming YouTube videos on their phone and Netflix on the TV.
→ You notice that having so many devices using the internet simultaneously—running Zoom meetings, streaming movies, etc.—is seriously slowing down your connection.
Your Priority: High capacity for multiple users and devices.
If everyone is streaming, gaming, and working simultaneously, you'll need the unlimited data and high speeds of Fiber Internet.
💡Recommendation: Opt for Sakura Mobile's Fiber Internet to handle the demands of a busy household.
But what if your family is smaller or you sahre WiFi with only a few roomates? In that case, Home WiFi can be a practical alternative. Home WiFi offers a hassle-free solution with sufficient speed for everyday streaming, browsing, and casual gaming.
Another tip: If you aren't sure about your household's data needs, try Home WiFi first. You can always upgrade to Fiber Internet if you find it doesn't quite meet your demands.
Conclusion
Did you find your perfect fit? Whether you're a gamer, a family streaming across devices, or someone just starting out in Japan, Sakura Mobile has the right solution for you.
To sum up, the choice between Fiber Internet and Home WiFi depends on your lifestyle and priorities.
- Fiber Internet is perfect for gamers, families, and heavy data users who need speed and stability.
- Home WiFi is ideal for travelers, digital nomads, and short-term residents seeking convenience and flexibility.
Will you wield the speed and stability of fiber or embrace the freedom of Home WiFi? Whichever you choose, Sakura Mobile is here to guide you.🌸
