NTT FLET’S Hikari Internet: Pricing, English Support & How to Apply

If you're an expat or English speaker living in Japan, you've probably come across NTT FLET'S Hikari (フレッツ光) while researching home internet. It's Japan's most widely used fiber optic service—but the pricing structure, signup process, and available support aren't always easy to navigate, especially if Japanese isn't your first language.

Now, let's break down everything you should know before signing up: monthly costs, setup fees, cancellation terms, connection speeds, service coverage, and what English support actually looks like in practice.

What is NTT FLET'S Hikari?

NTT FLET'S Hikari is Japan's most widely used high-speed fiber optic internet service, provided by NTT.

Important: FLET'S Hikari provides the fiber optic line only, which is the physical cabling that delivers high-speed internet to your home. To access the internet, you'll also need a separate ISP contract (ISP stands for Internet Service Provider—the company that connects your FLET'S Hikari line to the internet). When comparing plans:

Line fee (NTT) + ISP = your actual monthly total

Some ISPs – like Sakura Mobile – bundle their ISP service with the FLET'S Hikari line into a single contract, handling both on your behalf. This means one monthly bill, one point of contact for support, and a simpler setup process overall. For English speakers in Japan, this can make a significant difference when navigating paperwork, installation, and troubleshooting.

Fun Fact:

The name "FLET'S" combines the "F" from "Flat" (fixed-rate pricing), "Friendly," and "Flexible" with "Let's." "Hikari" (光) means "light" in Japanese – hence its appearance in most fiber optic service names in Japan.

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Want to compare more options? Check out our full guide to the best internet providers in Japan for international residents—including Sakura Mobile.

Compare the Top 7 Internet Providers in japan | Best Plans with English Support

NTT East and NTT West

NTT FLET'S Hikari runs through two regional divisions: NTT East (NTT東日本) for eastern Japan and NTT West (NTT西日本) for western Japan. Plans, pricing, promotions, and support channels—including English options—differ by region. Confirm your region before applying.

NTT East – Plan Overview

*Average speeds from Minsoku (みんそく).

NTT West – Plan Overview

*Average speeds from Minsoku (みんそく).

Note: Due to ongoing semiconductor shortages affecting device supply, some NTT East plans listed above are currently suspended. Check the NTT East website for the latest available plans before applying, as availability may change.

How Much Does NTT FLET'S Hikari Cost?

NTT East – Initial Costs & Monthly Rates

*Apartment pricing depends on your building's wiring method (Giga Mansion Smart Type: Tier 1: 4,785 yen / Tier 2: 4,125 yen / Tier 3: 3,685 yen).

The above rates do not include your ISP's fee. Add the ISP cost to see your total.

NTT West – Initial Costs & Monthly Rates

*Apartment pricing depends on your plan type (Mansion Type Hayabusa): Plan 1: 4,070 yen / Plan 2: 3,520 yen / Mini Plan: 4,950 yen.

The above rates do not include your ISP's fee. Add the ISP cost to see your total.

Installation fees for both NTT East and NTT West can be paid all at once or spread across monthly installments.

If your plan includes a discount, keep in mind that canceling early may trigger an early termination fee. A plan that looks affordable upfront can end up costing more if you cancel before your contract term ends — so always read the terms carefully before signing.

NTT FLET'S Hikari Cancellation Fees

Check the minimum contract period and cancellation fees before signing up – not just the monthly rate and setup costs. Both NTT East and NTT West have a two-year minimum contract.

Estimated Cancellation Fees

NTT East: Canceling outside the renewal window (Ninen Wari discount) incurs a fee of 4,950 yen (house) or 1,650 yen (apartment). No fee is charged if you cancel during the 3-month renewal window (months 24–26).

NTT West: Canceling within 24 months incurs a fee of up to 4,400 (house) or 2,200 yen (apartment). No fee is charged if you cancel on the last day of the 24th month or during the 3-month renewal window (months 24–26).

Conditions vary by contract — confirm the latest terms with NTT directly before canceling.

Canceling While Paying Installation Fees in Installments

If you cancel during an installment period, you'll need to pay the remaining balance in a lump sum. This is separate from the termination fee – always check for both when canceling.

Connection Speed and Data

Connection Speed

NTT FLET'S Hikari offers theoretical maximum download and upload speeds of 1 Gbps.

Actual speeds vary depending on:

• Location,
• Wired vs. WiFi,
• Time of day,
• Router quality, and
• Device performance

If speeds seem slow, test with a wired connection first. Then check your router's frequency band (2.4 GHz vs. 5 GHz) and placement – these are the most common causes.

A 10 Gbps plan (FLET'S Hikari Cross) is available in select areas. Confirm address coverage, ISP compatibility, and home equipment before applying.

Comparing NTT FLET'S Hikari vs NURO Hikari Speeds

*Average speeds from Minsoku (みんそく). Results vary by testing conditions and period. Averages show for standard plans.

The table above gives a useful comparison, but real-world speeds vary. If upload speed matters to you — for video calls, uploading large files, or working from home — make sure you compare upload rates alongside download speeds.

Here's a quick reference for what different speeds support:

NTT FLET'S Hikari Service Area

If you live in an apartment or condominium, the signup process may be more involved than for a standalone house. The equipment already installed in your building affects which plan type you're eligible for, what your monthly cost will be, and how long the setup takes.

Before applying, check these three key factors:

• Coverage area: Confirm your address is eligible for FLET'S Hikari service
• Building wiring: Check if your apartment or house already has fiber optic installed
• Installation requirements: Find out if a technician visit is required

Confirming these things in advance can save you a lot of back-and-forth.

English Support for NTT FLET'S Hikari

NTT West

NTT West's customer information line handles applications and general inquiries in English. Technical support for FLET'S service and Hikari Phone is available only in Japanese.

NTT East

NTT East offers English-language support for FLET'S Hikari, video services, and related services.

💻 Want Full English Support From Day One? With Sakura Mobile, every step – from signing up to troubleshooting is handled in English. No language barriers, no guesswork. ✨

How to Apply for NTT FLET'S Hikari

The Application Process

Choose your ISP: FLET'S Hikari is the fiber line only — you'll also need to choose an ISP to get online. Select the one that best fits your needs.

Check your service area: Enter your postal code to confirm that FLET'S Hikari is available at your address.

Select your plan and options: Choose your plan (such as a standard FLET'S Hikari service) and any add-ons you want to include.

Prepare your ID: You'll need a valid photo ID — such as a driver's license, My Number card, or Residence Card (在留カード).

Complete your application: After submitting, NTT may follow up by email or phone to confirm your details.

Preparing for Setup

Power up your devices: Make sure all network equipment — including anything provided by NTT — is plugged in and ready.

Prepare your devices:

• Wired connection: Your device needs a LAN port.
• WiFi connection: Your device needs WiFi capability.

You'll also need a WiFi router — either from your ISP or purchased separately.

★ With Sakura Mobile, a WiFi router is included with your plan. No extra purchase or compatibility concerns.

Documentation and Installation

Receive your documents: NTT will send you the necessary paperwork, including installation instructions.

Installation Type: Your setup will either require a technician visit or be self-setup, depending on your building type and existing wiring:

• Technician visit required: If fiber optic installation is needed, a technician will visit and complete setup in approximately one to two hours.
• No visit required: If your building already has fiber optic wiring, you'll self-setup using NTT's FLET'S Setup Guide. NTT East also offers setup support by phone.

Note: Whether a visit is required is determined by your building type and existing equipment — not your preference.

Installation Timeline:

From application to activation typically takes 2-4 weeks, depending on:

• Technician availability
• Time of year (spring moving season is especially busy)
• Your building's existing setup

Tip: If you're short on time, find out whether a technician visit is required as early as possible.

Service Activation

Configure your equipment: Follow NTT's setup guide to connect and configure your devices. The guide will be in your welcome packet—or mailed in advance if you're doing self-setup.

Connect to the internet: Follow the FLET'S Setup Guide step by step, connecting devices in the correct order.

Start using your service: Once the setup is complete, your internet service is active and ready to use.

Which ISP Should You Choose?

What Is an ISP?

An ISP (Internet Service Provider) is the company that connects your FLET'S Hikari line to the internet. The fiber line alone doesn't give you access – you need both an NTT line contract and an ISP contract to get online.

When comparing ISPs, consider these key factors:

• Total monthly cost = line fee + ISP fee + any optional add-ons
• Connection type: IPv6/IPoE or PPPoE — and how easy each is to set up
• Router: Is one included, or do you need to buy your own?
• English support: Is it available, and how do you reach them?
• Payment methods: Do they accept non-Japanese credit cards?

Sakura Mobile 10 Gbps Fiber Internet?

For households with multiple users, remote workers, gamers, or anyone transferring large files, a 10 Gbps plan is worth considering.

Sakura Mobile's 10 Gbps plan delivers the speed and reliability for any online activity.

Key Features:

• Speeds up to 10 Gbps—streaming, gaming, remote work
• 9.878 yen/month (tax included)
• Available across most of Japan
• Built for households with multiple devices and heavy data usage

With Sakura Mobile, there's no need to manage two separate contracts. One plan covers fiber line and ISP—less paperwork, faster setup, one place for support.

Ready for faster internet in Japan? Sign up with Sakura Mobile today.

Which Internet Service Is Right for Expats in Japan?

NTT FLET'S Hikari is a reliable, widely available network—and if you need coverage in a specific area or have a preferred ISP, it's worth checking out.

That said, for most English speakers in Japan, NTT FLET'S Hikari comes with real friction.

• Two separate contracts required: NTT fiber line + ISP.
• Parts of the application, setup, and support process are Japanese only.
• Technical issues can be genuinely hard to resolve without Japanese.

Sakura Mobile removes all of that:

• One contract — fiber line and ISP bundled together
• Full English support — signup, billing, and technical help
• WiFi router included — no extra purchase needed
• Plans up to 10 Gbps, available across most of Japan
• Straightforward pricing, no hidden complexity

If you want to spend less time on Japanese-language paperwork and more time enjoying your connection, Sakura Mobile was built for you.

🌸 Ready to Get Online? Sakura Mobile's fiber internet plans come with full English support — from signup to tech support — so you can get connected without the stress.

Frequently Asked Questions