Sakura Fiber Internet for foreign residents: documents, language support and costs when you leave

Which languages you can use

The official page says you can set up and manage everything in English. If you have not applied yet, you can book a free online consultation in English.^[1]

Sakura Mobile says its Japanese-speaking staff will confirm the installation conditions with your landlord or management company for you, and that English-Japanese interpretation is available on installation day.^[1][2]

The terms of service are written in English, and the English version prevails if another language version differs.^[3]

What you need to apply

Accepted ID: a residence card (both sides; add a rental contract if the address is out of date), a passport with a utility bill from the last three months or a rental contract, a Japanese driving licence, or a My Number card (front only). Documents must be colour photos; photocopies and scans are not accepted. Submit them at least three days before the installation date, or the appointment is postponed.^[2]

Sakura Mobile's payment methods page (linked from the fibre page) says it accepts credit and debit cards, including cards issued outside Japan (VISA, Mastercard, Discover, JCB, AMEX, Diners Club), and cash payment at convenience stores (Smart Pit). Whether a foreign card is approved depends on the card issuer.^[4]

The fibre terms of service also set a deposit (two months' fees) for convenience-store cash payment. The contract handling fee is ¥5,500.^[3]

Before you apply: residence card address, payment methods and the confirmation call →

Installation and how long it takes

Sakura Mobile contacts you within one to two business days of applying to arrange installation, and setup usually takes one week to one month. March and April are the busiest moving months, when installation slots fill up quickly.^[1][2]

Installation costs ¥22,000 if a technician has to visit and ¥3,300 if not, plus ¥3,300 for weekend or holiday work. The registration and installation fees are charged only after the connection is confirmed as working; if installation cannot be completed, there is no charge.^[2][3]

In an apartment building, NTT and the building management decide the wiring type (fibre, VDSL or LAN); you cannot choose it. VDSL and LAN are capped at 100 Mbps. While you wait, you can borrow a Pocket WiFi, which goes back within five days of the line being connected.^[2][3]

Moving or leaving Japan: what it costs and what to do

The contract is month to month (one-month minimum) with no cancellation fee. Submit a cancellation request on My Page by the 25th and service ends on the last day of that month.^[2][3]

NTT equipment must be returned within one month of cancelling. If it is not returned, you can be charged a lost-equipment fee of up to ¥20,000. The TP-Link router included with the 1 Gbps plan is yours to keep.^[2][3]

If you want the line and equipment removed and the room restored when you move out, contact Sakura Mobile at least 45 days before you leave. The terms make you responsible for any restoration your rental contract requires, and removal cannot be arranged through them once the contract has ended.^[3]

Leaving Japan: when to cancel and how to deal with the final bill →