Global Major Cities Guide

Options for accessing internet, mobile phone services, and public Wi-Fi in Osaka.

Sections

1. Internet Services in Osaka

A. Internet Options

Home Broadband (Fiber-Optic Internet)
- Providers:
  - NTT Flets Hikari
  - So-net
  - au Hikari
  - SoftBank Hikari
  - Asahi Net
- Speeds: Typically 1 Gbps, with some providers offering up to 10 Gbps in certain areas.
- Costs:
  - Installation fee: ¥15,000–¥30,000 (often waived during promotions).
  - Monthly fee: ¥4,000–¥6,000.
- Contract Length: Usually 2 years, with penalties for early termination (¥10,000–¥20,000).
Pocket Wi-Fi (Portable Wi-Fi Routers)
- Ideal for short-term visitors or those who need flexibility.
- Providers:
  - Ninja WiFi
  - Sakura Mobile
  - Japan Wireless
- Costs:
  - Rental fee: ¥500–¥1,000 per day.
  - Monthly plans: ¥4,000–¥7,000.
- Speeds: 4G LTE, with unlimited or high data caps.
Public Wi-Fi
- Available in cafes, train stations, and tourist areas.
- Examples: Osaka Free Wi-Fi, Starbucks Wi-Fi.
- Limitations: Often requires registration and may have time limits or slower speeds.
SIM Cards with Data
- Prepaid SIM cards with data are a good option for short-term visitors.
- Providers:
  - Mobal
  - Sakura Mobile
  - IIJmio
- Costs: ¥2,000–¥5,000 for 7–30 days, depending on data allowance.

B. How to Set Up Home Internet

Procedure:
- Choose a provider and plan.
- Apply online, in-store, or through a third-party service (e.g., Sakura Mobile for English support).
- Schedule installation (can take 1–4 weeks).
- Provide required documents (see below).
Required Documents:
- Passport.
- Residence Card (Zairyu Card) for long-term residents.
- Japanese bank account or credit card for payment.
Where to Apply:
- Provider websites (most are in Japanese).
- Electronics stores like Yodobashi Camera or Bic Camera (staff may assist in English).
- English-friendly services like Sakura Mobile.

2. Mobile Network Operators in Osaka

A. Major Providers

Docomo
- Japan’s largest network with excellent coverage.
- Monthly plans: ¥3,000–¥8,000 (depending on data).
- Offers prepaid SIMs for visitors.
au (KDDI)
- Strong coverage and competitive pricing.
- Monthly plans: ¥3,000–¥7,000.
- Prepaid SIMs available.
SoftBank
- Popular among expats for English support.
- Monthly plans: ¥3,000–¥8,000.
- Prepaid SIMs and pocket Wi-Fi rentals available.
Rakuten Mobile
- Affordable and flexible plans.
- Monthly plans: ¥1,078–¥3,278 (unlimited data in Rakuten areas).
- Coverage in Osaka is good but may be weaker in rural areas.

B. MVNOs (Budget Providers)

MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators) use the networks of major providers and offer cheaper plans.
Examples:
- IIJmio
- UQ Mobile
- Y! Mobile
Monthly plans: ¥1,000–¥3,000 (depending on data).

C. Short-Term Visitors

Prepaid SIM Cards:
- Available at Kansai International Airport, electronics stores, and online.
- Data-only or voice+data options.
- Costs: ¥2,000–¥5,000 for 7–30 days.
Pocket Wi-Fi:
- Convenient for groups or heavy data users.
- Book online and pick up at the airport or have it delivered to your accommodation.

D. Long-Term Residents

Postpaid Mobile Plans:
- Require a 2-year contract (early termination fees apply).
- Documents needed:
  - Passport.
  - Residence Card.
  - Japanese bank account or credit card.
- Where to apply: Mobile carrier stores, electronics stores, or online.
SIM-Only Plans:
- For those with an unlocked phone.
- MVNOs are a cost-effective option.

3. Typical Costs

| Service | Short-Term Visitors | Long-Term Residents | |-------------------------|-------------------------|--------------------------| | Prepaid SIM | ¥2,000–¥5,000 | N/A | | Pocket Wi-Fi | ¥500–¥1,000/day | ¥4,000–¥7,000/month | | Home Internet | N/A | ¥4,000–¥6,000/month | | Mobile Plan (Postpaid) | N/A | ¥3,000–¥8,000/month | | MVNO Plan | N/A | ¥1,000–¥3,000/month |

4. Where to Purchase or Set Up Services

Airports:
- Kansai International Airport has counters for SIM cards and pocket Wi-Fi rentals.
- Providers: Ninja WiFi, Sakura Mobile, etc.
Electronics Stores:
- Yodobashi Camera, Bic Camera, and Joshin offer SIM cards, pocket Wi-Fi, and assistance with mobile plans.
- Staff may speak basic English.
Online:
- Many providers allow online applications (e.g., Sakura Mobile, Mobal).
- Delivery to your accommodation is available.
Provider Stores:
- Visit Docomo, au, or SoftBank stores for postpaid plans.
- English-speaking staff may be available in major locations.

5. Cultural and Local Considerations

Language Barrier:
- Most contracts and websites are in Japanese.
- Use English-friendly providers like Sakura Mobile or SoftBank if you’re not fluent.
Contract Commitments:
- Long-term contracts often have penalties for early termination.
- Check for promotions that waive installation fees or offer discounts.
Payment Methods:
- Japanese bank accounts or credit cards are often required for postpaid plans.
- Prepaid options are more flexible for visitors.
Public Wi-Fi Etiquette:
- Public Wi-Fi is not as widespread as in some countries.
- Avoid heavy data usage in public spaces to respect bandwidth limits.
SIM Card Compatibility:
- Ensure your phone is unlocked and supports Japanese network frequencies (Band 1, 3, 19, etc.).
Customer Service:
- Japanese customer service is polite but may lack English proficiency.
- Consider using translation apps or bringing a Japanese-speaking friend.

6. Practical Tips

For Visitors: Pre-order a pocket Wi-Fi or SIM card online for airport pickup to save time.
For Residents: Compare MVNO plans for cost savings, especially if you don’t need unlimited data.
For Heavy Users: Opt for home broadband or unlimited data plans from major providers.
For Groups: Pocket Wi-Fi is more economical and convenient than individual SIM cards.

By following this guide, you’ll be well-prepared to stay connected in Osaka, whether you’re visiting for a few days or planning to settle down long-term.

Osaka

Internet and Telecommunications