🌐 Internet Options in Rural Japan: What You Need to Know

When you picture moving into a countryside akiya, you might imagine quiet mornings, fresh air, and traditional wooden beams. But for most modern buyers, one question comes up quickly:

“Will I have decent internet out there?”

If you’re working remotely, running a guesthouse, or just streaming Netflix, reliable internet can make or break your rural Japan experience. The good news: options exist, but not all are equal. Here’s what you need to know about internet in rural Japan before you commit.

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🏡 Why Internet Access Matters for Akiya Buyers

• Remote work: Many foreigners buy akiya to live as digital nomads or work-from-home professionals.
• Guesthouse income: Short-term rentals require solid internet for guests.
• Daily life: From online shopping to video calls, connectivity is essential.

And while Japan is known for cutting-edge technology, rural areas often lag behind urban centers.

📶 Main Internet Options in Rural Japan

1. Fiber-Optic (光回線 / hikari kaisen)

• Best speeds: Up to 1 Gbps in many areas.
• Providers: NTT FLET’S Hikari, au Hikari, SoftBank Hikari.
• Availability: Not guaranteed—some mountain villages or remote islands still don’t have coverage.

💡 Tip: Check the NTT East/West website by entering the akiya’s postal code to confirm availability.

2. ADSL & DSL (Declining)

• Once common in rural areas, but being phased out by 2024–2025.
• Slower speeds and not recommended for long-term use.

3. Pocket Wi-Fi (ポケットWi-Fi)

• Portable hotspot devices (SoftBank, au, Docomo, WiMAX).
• Speeds vary (5–50 Mbps depending on coverage).
• Great for temporary use, but data caps may limit heavy work.

4. Home 4G/5G Routers

• Similar to pocket Wi-Fi, but stationary.
• Companies like SoftBank Air provide routers that connect to the mobile network.
• Speeds can be solid in towns, but spotty in mountains.

5. Satellite Internet (Starlink, Others)

• Game-changer for ultra-rural akiya with no fiber or mobile service.
• Starlink now available in Japan with speeds 50–250 Mbps.
• Higher upfront cost (¥73,000 for equipment) + monthly fee (~¥12,300).

💡 *Best option if you’re buying in a remote hamlet without fiber.

🧾 Costs of Internet in Rural Japan (2025 Estimates)

Fiber (Hikari): 200 Mbps–1 Gbps ¥4,500–¥6,500 Best option if available 4G/5G

Router: 10–100 Mbps ¥4,000–¥6,000 Varies by coverage

Pocket Wi-Fi: 5–50 Mbps ¥3,000–¥5,500 Data caps apply

Starlink Satellite: 50–250 Mbps~¥12,300 Remote areas, reliable

🛠 Practical Steps for Buyers

1. Check coverage before buying → Enter the address into NTT’s website or ask the city hall.
2. Ask neighbors → They’ll tell you what works (and what doesn’t).
3. Consider Starlink → For remote akiya, it’s worth the upfront investment.
4. Budget extra time → Internet installation can take weeks or even months in the countryside.
5. Backup plan → Keep a pocket Wi-Fi as a secondary option in case your main service goes down.

📍 Example: Buying in a 6-Person Village

• No fiber → only 4G available.
• Solution: Order Starlink for stable 100 Mbps.
• Cost: ¥12,300/month but essential for remote work + guesthouse guests.

🧭 Final Thoughts

Don’t let the dream of countryside living be ruined by poor connectivity. Internet in rural Japan isn’t always straightforward, but with the right mix of fiber, mobile, or satellite, you can stay connected no matter how remote your akiya is.

Think of internet as part of your due diligence checklist—just as important as checking the roof or septic tank.

🏡 Need Help Checking Internet Availability at a Property?

At Old Houses Japan, we not only source homes but also verify practical livability factors like internet, utilities, and accessibility. Before you commit, we’ll help you confirm what’s possible.