Guide to docomo Hikari | Prices, Reviews and How to Apply

Are you interested in docomo Hikari?

docomo Hikari is an internet service that is popular among those who use smartphones from docomo.

However, the website is completely in Japanese, so you might be struggling to understand the specifics of the service and contract.

In this article, we will be going over everything you need to know about docomo Hikari (connection speeds, prices, English support, installation process, customer reviews, etc.).

We will be explaining all the concepts as simply as possible, so even those with limited knowledge about telecommunications can understand.

Let’s get started!

In this article, we’ll cover

1. What is docomo Hikari?
2. Plans and pricing
3. Connection speed and allocated data
4. Coverage
5. English support
6. Installation process
7. Reviews
8. How to Apply
9. Conclusion: Pros and cons of docomo Hikari
10. If you are looking for fiber internet as an international resident in Japan

1. What is docomo Hikari?

docomo Hikari is a fiber internet service supplied by one of the three biggest mobile carriers in Japan, docomo.

One of the biggest benefits of docomo Hikari is that those who are also using a smartphone from NTT docomo are eligible to receive a discount.

With a docomo smartphone, users can save up to 1,100 JPY per month on their smartphone bill.

Additionally, the wide coverage is what makes docomo stand out from other companies. docomo uses the NTT FLET’s Hikari network, making it superior in terms of covered area to services such as au HIKARI and NURO Hikari that use their own networks.

On the other hand, some downsides to docomo Hikari are that the contract lasts two years and that you will need Japanese skills to get through the application process.

Below is a rundown of the details of docomo Hikari.

Outline of docomo Hikari

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※Average connection speeds as recorded on the website Minsoku on July 28th, 2021.

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2. Plans and pricing

Once again, the pricing for docomo Hikari is as follows.

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The initial fees are one-time fees paid at the start of the contract.

Depending on the type of building you live in, the monthly fees will change slightly. If you live in a house, you will be paying the prices for the Single-Family House Plan.

Likewise, if you live in an apartment, you can expect to be paying the prices for the Apartment Plan.

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3. Connection speeds and allocated data

Below are the connection speeds and data limits for docomo Hikari.

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※Average connection speeds as recorded on the website Minsoku on July 28th, 2021.

Connection Speeds

The connection speeds for docomo Hikari are 1Gbps (both upload and download), but these are only the maximum speeds in theory. To understand the actual speeds, you will need to check customer reviews.

Although the site is in Japanese, “Minna no Net Kaisen Sokudo,” or “minsoku” for short, includes over 68,000 customer reviews for docomo Hikari. According to the data on minsoku, the average speeds are 186Mbps (upload) and 246Mbps (download).

With these speeds, you will be able to participate in Zoom video conferences or play online games without problems.

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4. Coverage

docomo Hikari uses Japan’s largest fiber-optic network, “NTT FLET’S Hikari.” This network covers over 90% of the country.

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5. English support

docomo Hikari offers English customer support over the phone. However, the website is entirely in Japanese, so you are going to need Japanese when going through the application process or when deciphering your phone bills.

If you are considering applying for docomo Hikari, you should be sure to have someone who speaks Japanese available to help you.

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6. Installation process

Similar to NTT FLET’S Hikari, you will only need one installation for docomo Hikari.

It will take anywhere from 2 weeks to a month from the moment your application is processed until you are able to use the internet in your home.

Take note that during Japan’s moving season (around March to April), installation schedules are quite packed and you may end up waiting longer.

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7. Reviews

The following are Japanese customer reviews of docomo Hikari. We have included both positive and negative reviews for your reference.

Good reviews

• If you use NTT docomo as your phone provider, your cell phone bill will be discounted

僕色々調べたけど
自分がdocomoだからdocomo光にしたかな
携帯docomoだと携帯料金月々1000円引かれるってプランもあったから
それにした！

— なつ (@natu_IdentityV) March 15, 2020

“I did a lot of research and ended up going with docomo Hikari.
When your phone is with docomo as well, there was an option to get a monthly 1000 yen discount, so that’s why I chose it.”

• The wireless router is free

ドコモ光はルーター無料レンタルしてくれるから盲点だったね

— あさん (@ayou_chikin) January 20, 2021

“I didn’t realize that docomo Hikari lets you use the router for free.”

Bad reviews

• It is difficult to get connected to customer support

ドコモ光のサービスセンター？に電話してるけど全然繋がらない…😩

— カフェモカ☕ (@MM03004109) July 2, 2021

“I’m trying to get a hold of the docomo Hikari service center? But I can’t get on the phone with anyone…😩”

ドコモ光の解約したくて電話かけても一時間くらい繋がらない…

ネットでの解約は出来ず、電話か来店のみ…

店舗にいくしかねえか…

不便だし今後の契約は他社をもっとみてから決めよ

— YS(ヤス) (@SEYS00000) June 30, 2021

“I wanted to cancel my contract with docomo Hikari, but I’ve been waiting on hold for a whole hour…
You can’t cancel the contract online, so I either have to wait on the phone or go in person…
I guess I’ll have to go to the store…
This is so inconvenient, I need to make sure to check other services before making a decision next time.”

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8. How to Apply

You can start your application from the docomo Hikari official website!

1. By scrolling down on the application page, you will find several different options. The top three will give you more information on each type of application (from left to right: New contract, changing from another service on the NTT FLET’S Hikari network to docomo Hikari, and changing from FLET’S Hikari to docomo Hikari).

If you are not interested in reading the details, proceed to the application by clicking the option at the bottom labeled, “ドコモ光のお申込み／ご相談”

2. The next screen explains the online application process. After submitting the application form, you will get a call from a customer service representative who will help you schedule your installation dates.

Proceed to the next screen by clicking the option at the bottom labeled “ドコモ光のお申込み／ご相談フォームへ”

3. You are now looking at the application page. The first question asks whether you are looking to apply for docomo Hikari (お申込み) or have other questions regarding the service (ご相談). The second question asks what kind of procedures you are contacting about. If you are a new customer that needs home internet, you should select the first option.

The later questions will ask you to input information such as your name, cellphone number, and times and dates that you are available for installation.

Check out docomo Hikari’s homepage here ↓

• docomo Hikari Official Page: https://www.nttdocomo.co.jp/hikari/

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9. Conclusion: Pros and cons of docomo Hikari

Pros

• Available nation-wide
• If you are an NTT docomo smartphone user, you can receive a discount (550 ~ 1,100 JPY/month)
• The WiFi router is free

Cons

• The 2-year contract is a long commitment (you will be required to pay a 14,300 JPY fee if you cancel early)
• The application process must be done in Japanese

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10. If you are looking for fiber internet as an international resident in Japan

Some of you may be thinking the following.

• “The contract for home internet is complicated and I want English customer support to rely on just in case something goes wrong.”
• “I don’t want to deal with the commitment of a 2 to 5-year contract.”
• “But I also want the fastest internet possible.”

If any of these apply to you, we recommend getting Sakura Fiber Internet.

Sakura Fiber Internet’s monthly fees are 6,480 JPY/month, which is slightly more expensive than other providers. However, you will have access to English customer support 365 days a year and there is no commitment of a 3-year contract.

Additionally, because Sakura Fiber Internet uses NTT FLET’S Hikari’s network (the same as docomo Hikari), the maximum connection speed is 1Gbps and the coverage is over 90% of the populated area of Japan.

If you are interested, please check here for more details.

• Sakura Fiber Internet: https://www.sakuramobile.jp/internet

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