Tokyo: set up home fiber internet as an expat

Moving to Tokyo and need reliable home internet? This guide walks expatriates through choosing a fiber (FTTH) provider, checking building compatibility, preparing required documents, applying and scheduling installation, payment and contract details, and short-term alternatives while you wait. All examples focus on services and procedures relevant to Tokyo residents and cite local sources.

Why choose FTTH in Tokyo

Tokyo has extensive fiber infrastructure and many households use fiber to get gigabit-class speeds. The incumbent NTT FLET'S (NTT East/West) provides the primary fiber backbone used by many retail brands in Tokyo [1]. NURO Hikari (So-net/Sony) offers higher symmetric speeds on fiber where available, though its coverage is more limited than the NTT backbone [2]. For most apartments and houses in central Tokyo, FTTH provides lower latency and higher sustained throughput than mobile-only options [1][2].

Major providers serving Tokyo

Key providers and platforms to consider:

• NTT FLET'S / NTT East (and NTT West in some areas) — backbone and retail FLET'S Hikari plans; broad coverage in Tokyo and used by many resellers [1].
• NURO Hikari (So-net/Sony) — 2 Gbps plans and higher when available; faster symmetric speeds but more limited building compatibility and coverage [2].
• Other retail brands (au/KDDI and SoftBank) are commonly available through resellers — check specific provider pages and GaijinPot guidance for comparisons for foreigners [5].

Check availability and building compatibility

Before applying, confirm two things: whether the provider serves your exact address and whether your building (mansion) already has FTTH wiring or an NTT optical terminal installed. Use each provider's address search on their site; NTT FLET'S and NURO offer online availability checks [1][2].

If your apartment already has an optical terminal or communal FTTH wiring, installation is quick. If not, the provider may need to run a new fiber line into the building — this can require landlord permission and additional construction time [1]. Always tell the provider whether you live in a rented mansion or a detached house when you check availability.

Required registrations and documents for expats

Most providers require a Japanese address and identity documents. Typical items you will be asked for:

• Residence Card (zairyu card) or passport details for ID verification.
• Juminhyo / residence certificate or confirmation of registered address — you get this after registering your move at your ward office (for example, the Shinjuku City Office) and it is commonly requested when applying for utilities and internet in Tokyo [4].
• Payment method: a Japanese credit card or a domestic bank account for automatic debit in many cases; some resellers may accept foreign cards but options are more limited for new contracts [5].

Registering your address at your ward office (to receive a juminhyo) should be done soon after moving — Shinjuku City explains the registration process and documents required for foreign residents [4]. The Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications provides English guidance on administrative steps for residents, which is useful background when providers ask for registered address evidence [3].

Applying for service: steps, timelines, and installation appointment

1. Check availability on the provider website and select a plan (NTT FLET'S and NURO both have online sign-up flows) [1][2].
2. Prepare documents: residence card, juminhyo, and payment information. Some providers will complete initial checks immediately; others may require uploaded scans [4][5].
3. Book an installation slot. If the building already has FTTH wiring, many providers can schedule an on-site technician within about two weeks; if new line construction is needed, scheduling and construction can extend to several weeks or 1–2 months depending on complexity and available slots [1][5].
4. On installation day a technician will bring an optical network terminal (ONT) and route the fiber to your unit; expect 1–3 hours for a standard in-building hookup if no major construction is needed [1][2].

Payment, contract lengths, and common fees

Most consumer fiber plans in Japan have fixed-term contracts (commonly two years) and early termination fees. Providers run promotion campaigns (discounts, free router, or reduced monthly fees) but check the fine print about cancellation during the promotional period [1][2].

• Payment: many providers require a Japanese credit card or domestic bank transfer. If you only have a foreign card, ask the provider or a reseller whether they can accept it; GaijinPot notes these restrictions and advises alternatives for foreigners [5].
• Installation fees: some providers waive initial installation during promotions; otherwise expect a one-time installation or equipment fee disclosed during sign-up [1][2].

Short-term alternatives while you wait for fiber

If installation is delayed, common temporary solutions used by expats in Tokyo include:

• Pocket Wi‑Fi (rental portable routers) — fast to start (same day or next day) but often come with data caps or higher monthly costs [5].
• Short-term mobile home routers using 4G/5G SIMs — convenient for a few weeks while you wait for FTTH to be installed [5].
• Shared apartment or coworking Wi‑Fi as a stopgap if your building offers communal internet.

Tips for landlords, apartment managers, and troubleshooting

• If a new fiber run is needed, get written landlord permission early — providers will often ask for a contact at the building and approval to work in communal spaces [1].
• Keep scans of your juminhyo and residence card ready to speed up applications at providers' sign-up pages.
• If you face delays or if the provider’s availability search claims no service, contact NTT East/So-net/your chosen provider support directly for a site survey — both NTT FLET'S and NURO maintain customer support channels in English or with English guidance resources online [1][2].

Practical next steps: run availability checks at NTT FLET'S and NURO to compare your exact address [1][2]; register your address at your ward office (for example, Shinjuku City Office) and obtain a juminhyo [4]; and prepare a Japanese payment method or check reseller options that cater to foreigners [5]. With those ready, scheduling and installation in Tokyo is straightforward in most cases.

How CallButler Can Help

CallButler is a multilingual concierge service that handles research, coordination, and bookings so you do not have to navigate language barriers or unfamiliar systems alone. If you need help related to Tokyo: set up home fiber internet as an expat or the tasks around it, our team can step in to manage the details and keep things moving smoothly.

Sources

1. NTT East — FLET'S Hikari (official site)
2. NURO 光 (NURO Hikari) — So-net / Sony network
3. Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (Japan) — English portal
4. Shinjuku City (example Tokyo ward) — Moving in and registration (English)
5. GaijinPot — How to get internet in Japan (guide for foreigners)