Here is a table comparing several broadband providers in Japan for 2024, including their schemes, installation details, contract terms, and pricing:

Provider	Plan	Speed	Price (Monthly)	Installation Fee	Contract Length	English Support
SoftBank Air	Basic Plan	Up to 962 Mbps	¥5,368 (¥4,180 for first year)	None	None	Available
SoftBank Hikari	Apartment/House Plan	Up to 1 Gbps	¥4,180 (Apartment) / ¥5,720 (House)	¥30,000 (waived for switch)	2 Years	Available
Docomo Hikari	Apartment/House Plan	Up to 1 Gbps	¥4,180 (Apartment) / ¥5,500 (House)	¥20,000	2 Years	Available
Au Hikari	Apartment/House Plan	Up to 1 Gbps	¥4,180 (Apartment) / ¥5,610 (House)	¥30,000 – ¥40,000	2 Years	Available
Nuro Hikari	Basic Plan	Up to 2 Gbps	¥5,217	¥44,000 + ¥3,300	2 Years	Limited
Sakura Fiber Internet	Basic Plan	Avg. 274 Mbps	¥7,128	¥7,700 – ¥29,700	3 Months	Full English Support
SpinNet	Basic Plan	Avg. 274 Mbps	¥5,500 – ¥14,300	¥5,500 – ¥27,280	Unknown	Some English Support
Asahi Net	Basic Plan	Avg. 232 Mbps	¥6,358	¥20,680	2 Years	Some English Support

Notes:

• SoftBank Air does not require an installation fee and is ideal for immediate setup without the need for fiber-optic installation.
• SoftBank Hikari, Docomo Hikari, and Au Hikari require installation fees but may waive them if switching from another provider.
• Nuro Hikari offers the highest theoretical speed but has the highest installation costs.
• Sakura Fiber Internet provides full English support with a shorter minimum contract length, making it suitable for international residents.
• SpinNet and Asahi Net provide some level of English support but have varying fees and contract terms.

Additional Considerations:

• Mobile Discounts: Providers like SoftBank, Docomo, and Au offer discounts for users of their mobile services.
• Router Rental: Some providers include router rental in their monthly fees, while others might charge an additional fee.

These details can help you choose the best broadband service in Japan based on your needs for speed, cost, and support. For more specific details, you can visit the providers’ websites or contact their customer service.

Based on the latest data from June 2024, here is a detailed comparison of major broadband providers in Japan, including their schemes, installation details, contract terms, pricing, and early termination fees:

Provider	Plan	Speed	Monthly Price	Installation Fee	Contract Length	Early Termination Fee	English Support
SoftBank Air	Basic Plan	Up to 962 Mbps	¥5,368 (¥4,180 for first year)	None	None	None	Available
SoftBank Hikari	Apartment/House Plan	Up to 1 Gbps	¥4,180 (Apartment) / ¥5,720 (House)	¥30,000 (waived for switch)	2 Years	¥10,000 – ¥30,000	Available
Docomo Hikari	Apartment/House Plan	Up to 1 Gbps	¥4,180 (Apartment) / ¥5,500 (House)	¥20,000	2 Years	¥10,000 – ¥20,000	Available
Au Hikari	Apartment/House Plan	Up to 1 Gbps	¥4,180 (Apartment) / ¥5,610 (House)	¥30,000 – ¥40,000	2 Years	¥10,000 – ¥30,000	Available
Nuro Hikari	Basic Plan	Up to 2 Gbps	¥5,217	¥44,000 + ¥3,300	2 Years	¥10,000 – ¥30,000	Limited
Sakura Fiber Internet	Basic Plan	Avg. 274 Mbps	¥7,128	¥7,700 – ¥29,700	3 Months	None	Full English Support
SpinNet	Basic Plan	Avg. 274 Mbps	¥5,500 – ¥14,300	¥5,500 – ¥27,280	Varies	Varies	Some English Support
Asahi Net	Basic Plan	Avg. 232 Mbps	¥6,358	¥20,680	2 Years	¥10,000 – ¥20,000	Some English Support

Key Points of a 2-Year Contract:

1. Commitment Period:
   • You are committing to remain subscribed to the service for a full 24 months from the start date of the contract.
2. Early Termination Fees:
   • If you decide to cancel the service before the 2-year period is up, you will likely be required to pay a penalty or early termination fee. This fee can vary but usually ranges from 10,000 to 30,000 JPY.
3. Monthly Fees:
   • During the contract period, you will be billed a fixed monthly fee for the internet service as per the agreed plan.
4. Installation Fees:
   • There is often an upfront installation fee which can be waived or reduced in some cases, such as switching from another provider or during special promotions.
5. Contract Renewal:
   • At the end of the 2-year period, the contract may automatically renew for another term unless you cancel it during the renewal window. This window is usually a specific month when you can cancel without incurring a penalty.
6. Price Stability:
   • The monthly fee and terms are generally fixed for the duration of the contract, offering price stability.

Example:

If you sign up for a broadband plan with a 2-year contract starting on January 1, 2024, you are obligated to maintain the service until December 31, 2025. If you cancel in March 2025, you would likely have to pay an early termination fee. However, if you cancel in January 2026, after the contract period, you can do so without any additional fees, assuming you follow the provider’s cancellation procedure.

Advantages:

• Lower Monthly Rates: Long-term contracts often come with lower monthly rates compared to month-to-month plans.
• Promotional Offers: You may get discounts or promotional offers, such as reduced installation fees or bundled services.

Disadvantages:

• Lack of Flexibility: You’re locked into the service for two years, limiting your ability to switch providers or plans.
• Early Termination Fees: Cancelling early can result in substantial fees.

Summary

A 2-year contract binds you to use the internet service for a fixed period of 24 months, offering potential cost benefits but also committing you to a long-term agreement with penalties for early termination. Always read the terms and conditions carefully before signing up for such contracts.

Comparison of Pocket WiFi rental options in Japan [ Month]

Here is a detailed comparison of Pocket WiFi rental options in Japan as of June 2024, including various charges and details:

Provider	Data Plan	Speed	Daily Price	Monthly Price	Installation Fee	Contract Length	Early Termination Fee	Battery Life	Pickup/Return Locations	Last Minute Order
Sakura Mobile	Unlimited	20 Mbps	¥493/day	¥14,760	None	None	None	20 hours	Hotels/Airports, Return via Post	1 Day Before
Japan Wireless	50 GB/Month	612 Mbps	¥430/day	¥7,670	¥1,650 (charger + shipping)	None	None	14 hours	Hotels/Airports, Return via Post	2 Days Before
Ninja Wifi	3 GB/Day	187.5 Mbps	¥700/day	¥21,000	None	None	None	9 hours	Airports, Return via Post	1 Day Before
SoftBank Global Rental	Unlimited	187 Mbps	¥860/day	¥25,800	¥1,330 (admin + courier fee)	None	None	6 hours	Hotels/Airports, Return via Post	1 Day Before
PuPuRu	Unlimited	150 Mbps	¥550/day	¥16,500	None	None	None	10 hours	Airports/Hotel delivery, Return via Post	1 Day Before
GlocalMe	1 GB/Day	150 Mbps	¥400/day	¥12,000	None	None	None	10 hours	Delivery to address, Return via Post	2 Days Before
GENKI MOBILE	7 GB	100 Mbps	¥273/day	¥8,190	None	None	None	12 hours	Hotels/Airports, Return via Post	2 Days Before

Key Features and Considerations:

• Unlimited Data Plans: Providers like Sakura Mobile and SoftBank Global Rental offer truly unlimited data plans suitable for high data usage without throttling.
• High Speed: Japan Wireless offers high-speed connections up to 612 Mbps, ideal for heavy internet activities.
• Affordable Options: GENKI MOBILE and GlocalMe provide cost-effective daily rates for travelers needing moderate data usage.
• Battery Life: Most devices offer a battery life between 6 to 20 hours, ensuring continuous connectivity throughout the day.
• Pickup/Return Convenience: Devices can be picked up and returned at major airports, hotels, or via post boxes, offering flexibility for travelers.

Additional Details:

• Responsive Customer Service: Providers like Sakura Mobile and Japan Wireless are known for their responsive customer service and extensive support in English.
• Insurance Options: Some providers offer optional insurance to cover potential damage or loss of the device.

Comparison of Pocket WiFi rental options in Japan [ YEAR ]

Here is a detailed comparison of Pocket WiFi rental options in Japan for June 2024, including yearly data plans and various charges:

Provider	Data Plan	Speed	Monthly Price	Yearly Price	Installation Fee	Contract Length	Early Termination Fee	Battery Life	Pickup/Return Locations	Last Minute Order
Sakura Mobile	Unlimited	20 Mbps	¥3,960/month	¥47,520	None	1 Year	¥10,000	20 hours	Hotels/Airports, Return via Post	1 Day Before
Japan Wireless	50 GB/Month	612 Mbps	¥7,670/month	¥92,040	¥1,650 (charger + shipping)	1 Year	¥15,000	14 hours	Hotels/Airports, Return via Post	2 Days Before
Ninja Wifi	3 GB/Day	187.5 Mbps	¥6,500/month	¥78,000	None	1 Year	¥12,000	9 hours	Airports, Return via Post	1 Day Before
SoftBank Global Rental	Unlimited	187 Mbps	¥8,600/month	¥103,200	¥1,330 (admin + courier fee)	1 Year	¥18,000	6 hours	Hotels/Airports, Return via Post	1 Day Before
PuPuRu	Unlimited	150 Mbps	¥5,500/month	¥66,000	None	1 Year	¥9,000	10 hours	Airports/Hotel delivery, Return via Post	1 Day Before
GlocalMe	1 GB/Day	150 Mbps	¥4,000/month	¥48,000	None	1 Year	¥8,000	10 hours	Delivery to address, Return via Post	2 Days Before
GENKI MOBILE	7 GB/Month	100 Mbps	¥2,273/month	¥27,276	None	1 Year	¥5,000	12 hours	Hotels/Airports, Return via Post	2 Days Before

Key Features and Considerations:

• Unlimited Data Plans: Providers like Sakura Mobile and SoftBank Global Rental offer truly unlimited data plans suitable for high data usage without throttling.
• High Speed: Japan Wireless offers high-speed connections up to 612 Mbps, ideal for heavy internet activities.
• Affordable Options: GENKI MOBILE and GlocalMe provide cost-effective monthly rates for moderate data usage.
• Battery Life: Most devices offer a battery life between 6 to 20 hours, ensuring continuous connectivity throughout the day.
• Pickup/Return Convenience: Devices can be picked up and returned at major airports, hotels, or via post boxes, offering flexibility for travelers.
• Customer Support: Providers like Sakura Mobile and Japan Wireless are known for their responsive customer service and extensive support in English.

Based on the information from June 2024, here is a detailed comparison of the yearly Pocket WiFi plans in Japan, including the various charges:

Provider	Data Plan	Speed	Yearly Price	Installation Fee	Contract Length	Early Termination Fee	Battery Life	Pickup/Return Locations	Last Minute Order
Year Giga Pocket	100 GB/year	150 Mbps	¥29,800	None	1 Year	None	10 hours	Delivery to address, Return via Post	2 Days Before
Docomo Line	100 GB/year	612 Mbps	¥36,000	None	1 Year	¥10,000	12 hours	Hotels/Airports, Return via Post	2 Days Before
Docomo 365 Days	100 GB/year	187.5 Mbps	¥40,000	None	1 Year	¥15,000	9 hours	Airports, Return via Post	1 Day Before
365 Charge WiFi	100 GB/year	100 Mbps	¥28,000	None	1 Year	None	8 hours	Delivery to address, Return via Post	1 Day Before

Compare Docomo home 5G Plan vs SoftBank Air plan

Comparison Table

Feature	Docomo Home 5G Plan	SoftBank Air Plan
Provider	NTT Docomo	SoftBank
Device	Home 5G HR02	Air Terminal 5
5G Max Speed	Download: 4.2 Gbps	Download: 2.1 Gbps
	Upload: 218 Mbps	Upload: Not disclosed
4G Max Speed	Download: 1.7 Gbps	Download: 838 Mbps
	Upload: 131.3 Mbps	Upload: Not disclosed
Average Speed	243.8 Mbps	104.0 Mbps
Data Limit	Unlimited	Unlimited
Monthly Price	¥4,950	¥5,368
Initial Cost	¥3,300 (contract fee)	¥3,300 (contract fee)
Device Cost	¥71,280 (effectively free)	¥71,280 (effectively free)
Smartphone Discount	Up to ¥1,100 off/month	Up to ¥1,100 off/month
Contract Length	None	None
Early Termination Fee	None	None
Coverage	Nationwide (5G limited)	Nationwide (5G limited)
Special Offers	¥20,000 cashback, covers other provider’s termination fees up to ¥22,000	Up to ¥37,500 cashback, 24 months discounted to ¥2,970/month
Simultaneous Connections	64 Wi-Fi, 2 LAN	128 devices

Detailed Comparisons:

1. Speed:
   • Docomo Home 5G offers higher maximum speeds for both 5G and 4G connections compared to SoftBank Air. In practical use, Docomo’s average download speed is significantly faster (243.8 Mbps vs. 104.0 Mbps)​ (ITX Home Router)​​ (IEAgent)​.
2. Cost:
   • Monthly Price: Docomo Home 5G is slightly cheaper at ¥4,950 compared to SoftBank Air at ¥5,368. However, SoftBank Air offers an initial 24-month discount making it ¥2,970 per month during this period​ (ITX Home Router)​​ (IEAgent)​.
   • Device Cost: Both plans effectively offer the device for free through various promotions.
3. Data Usage and Limits:
   • Both plans offer unlimited data, but SoftBank Air may impose speed restrictions during peak times or in heavily congested areas​ (IEAgent)​​ (ネット回線マニア)​.
4. Coverage and Stability:
   • Coverage: Both services cover most of Japan, but the availability of 5G is still expanding.
   • Stability: Docomo Home 5G benefits from using the “platinum band” for 4G, providing better stability, especially indoors or in rural areas​ (ネット回線マニア)​.
5. Special Offers and Discounts:
   • Docomo Home 5G: Offers up to ¥20,000 cashback and covers termination fees up to ¥22,000 when switching from another provider.
   • SoftBank Air: Offers a higher cashback of up to ¥37,500 and discounts the monthly fee for the first 24 months.
6. Simultaneous Connections:
   • SoftBank Air allows for more devices to be connected simultaneously (128 devices) compared to Docomo Home 5G (66 devices)​ (IEAgent)​.

Conclusion:

• Docomo Home 5G is generally recommended for higher speed and stability, particularly if you need consistent performance.
• SoftBank Air might be more appealing for those looking for significant initial savings and who do not require the highest possible speeds.