Are you considering applying for SoftBank Hikari internet in Japan?
Navigating the service's details can be tricky, especially with the website in Japanese and the complexities of the contract. But don't worry, we've got your covered!
In this comprehensive guide, we'll cover everything you need to know before applying to SoftBank Hikari internet, from connection speeds and pricing to the availability of English support.
Related Article
For those who want to read about the best internet services for international residents in Japan, check out the following article. We compared a variety of internet services including, but not limited to SoftBank Hikari here:
Compare the Top 7 Internet Providers in Japan | Best Plans with English Support
What is SoftBank Hikari
Image courtesy of SoftBank
SoftBank Hikari is a high-speed fiber-optic home internet service provided by SoftBank, one of the largest mobile carriers in Japan.
Offering speeds up to 10 Gbps, it's one of the fastest options available in Japan.
Outline of SoftBank Hikari
| URL | https://www.softbank.jp/internet/sbhikari/ |
| Fees | Monthly fees
Initial fees
(All prices include tax) |
| Minimum Contract Length | Renewed automatically every two years *Cancelling your contract early will result in a 4,180~6,380 JPY penalty |
| Connection Speed | 10 Gbps Plan: 10 Gbps maximum 1Gbps Plan: 1 Gbps maximum |
| Allocated Data | Unlimited |
| English Support | Both website and customer service available in Japanese only |
| Network | NTT FLET'S Hikari |
FYI: What is FLET'S Hikari?
”FLET’S Hikari” is a fiber-optic network by NTT, Japan’s largest telecommunications provider. It covers over 90% of the country, more than any other network.
Many internet providers, including SoftBank Hikari, use this network to offer their plans and pricing. So, while SoftBank provides the service, the infrastructure comes from NTT.
How Much is SoftBank Hikari Internet?
SoftBank Hikari offers various internet plans based on the type of home (apartment or detached house).
Here's the breakdown:
Monthly Fee
| 10 Gbps Plan (Apartment & Single-Family House Type) | 6,380 JPY/month |
| Single-Family House Type | 5,720 JPY/month |
| Apartment Type | 4,180 JPY/month |
Additional Monthly Fees (For those looking to use WiFi at home)
| Equipment Rental | 550 JPY/month |
To use wireless internet in your home, you must rent specific equipment from SoftBank. This includes a home gateway and a wireless LAN. Together, these two items will cost you 550 JPY per month.
Initial Fees
| Administrative fee | 3,300 JPY |
| Installation fee | 4,620 ~ 31,680 JPY |
The above are the initial fees, which you pay once at the beginning of the contract. They will cost you a maximum of about 34,980 JPY.
Take Note of the Contract Length
SoftBank Hikari has two possible contract lengths: 2 and 5 years. If you cancel before the contract period is up or outside the contract renewal period, you will be charged a penalty.
SoftBank's website provides information on the cancellation fee changes, though understanding your specific eligibility may require careful reading.
This may be challenging as the cancellation page is in Japanese. Consider using Google Translate or asking a Japanese-speaking friend for help.
SoftBank Hikari Internet Connection Speed and Allocated Data
| Maximum Connection Speed (theoretical) | 10 Gbps Plan:
1 Gbps Plans:
1Gbps maximum |
| Average Connection Speed (actual) | Upload: 368.8 Mbps Download: 448.68 Mbps |
| Allocated data | Unlimited |
Connection Speed
While SoftBank Hikari internet offers theoretical speeds up to 10 Gbps, real-world speeds depend on several factors. Check customer reviews for more details on actual performance.
SoftBank Hikari internet delivers solid speed, but so do other providers using the same NTT network, including Sakura Mobile!
Coverage
| Coverage | Over 90% of Japan |
| Covered Prefectures (for 10Gbps Plans) | Hokkaido, Aomori, Iwate, Miyagi, Akita, Yamagata, Fukushima, Ibaraki, Tochigi, Gunma, Saitama, Chiba, Tokyo, Kanagawa, Niigata, Yamanashi, Nagano, Gifu, Shizuoka, Aichi, Mie, Shiga, Kyoto, Osaka, Hyogo, Nara, Wakayama, Okayama, Hiroshima, Ehime, Fukuoka, Saga, Kumamoto, Miyazaki, Kagoshima |
| Note | Coverage is expanding. Check SoftBank's site for the latest service areas. |
English Support
Unfortunately, SoftBank Hikari 🚫does not provide English support.🚫
- Website:All content is in Japanese
- Application Page:In Japanese only.
- Phone/Chat Support:Available only in Japanese.
There is no official English support for SoftBank Hikari. This can make navigating contracts, installation, billing, and troubleshooting difficult if you're not fluent in Japanese.
Unlike SoftBank Hikari, Sakura Mobile is built with international residents in mind. All services, forms, and support are available entirely in English—from your first click to the final installation.
Our team handles:
- All communication
- Applications & Billing
- Building Approval Processes
- Tech Coordination & Installation
With Sakura Mobile, you never have to worry about reading the fine print in Japanese or stressing about a phone call you don't understand.
Reviews
We have gathered comments about SoftBank Hikari from Twitter. Below are examples of both good and bad customer reviews.
👍Good reviews
High Speeds
"SoftBank Hikari M4 Mac mini. I can get such high speeds with the wireless connection. I don't have to do any complicated settings..."
👎Bad Reviews
Failure to Provide Service
Customer Service Dissatisfaction
"In the end, I replaced the fiber optic cable and it was fixed (ㅠ︿ㅠ) I don't trust the support center at all. The quality of SoftBank Hikari's service has gotten worse..."
From Application to Use
The image above is the process from start to finish—from application to use.
Applying for SoftBank Hikari Internet involves several steps, and the entire process may be confusing.
This is especially true for non-Japanese speakers, as all application forms, service details, and communication are in Japanese.
📅Timeline: From the time of application to full internet setup, the process typically takes about a week. However, this can vary depending on application processing time, the installation company's availability, and unexpected issues that may arise during the process.
If You Are Looking For Fiber Internet in Japan
Although SoftBank Hikari internet is good for existing customers due to discounts, it has limited English support, and customers are locked into long-term contracts.
If you're worried about confusing contracts, no English support, or getting stuck in long-term commitments, but still want fast internet, Sakura Mobile is a great option.
Why Choose Sakura Fiber Internet?
- Fast, Reliable Internet: Same NTT network as SoftBank Hikari.
- No Long-Term Contract: Cancel anytime after the first month.
- Full-English Support: Customer service and support are available in English.
- Easy Setup: We assist with installation, building approval, and more.
- Flexible Payment Options: Foreign-issued credit cards and convenience store payments are accepted.
With plans starting at 6,480 JPY/month, Sakura Mobile offers competitive prices with the added benefit of English support and flexible terms.
🔗Learn more about Sakura Fiber Internet
For those who want to read about the best internet services for international residents in Japan, check out the following article. We compared a variety of internet services, including but not limited to SoftBank Hikari, here:
