Are you tired of slow uploads interrupting your work or gaming sessions? In Japan, many internet providers claim to offer high speeds, but which truly delivers the best upload speed internet?
Having lived and worked remotely in Japan for several years, I’ve tested multiple providers and learned what works best. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll share insights from my personal experience, extensive research, and user feedback to help you pick the right provider for your specific needs.
- Why Upload Speed Matters
- Key Factors Influencing Your Upload Speeds
- Best Internet Providers for Upload Speeds in Japan
- Recommended Gear to Maximize Your Upload Speeds (Amazon Japan)
- Practical Tips for Optimizing Upload Speeds
- Evaluating Your Personal Needs
- Final Thoughts on Choosing the Best Upload Speed Internet in Japan
Why Upload Speed Matters
Fast upload speeds directly influence your productivity and quality of life, especially if you:
- Frequently upload large files or data to cloud services.
- Regularly participate in or host video conferences.
- Live-stream your gaming sessions or content.
- Play online multiplayer games needing stable connections.
- Collaborate remotely on real-time projects or creative tasks.
While providers often highlight download speeds, upload speed significantly impacts daily online activities like video meetings, live streaming, and efficient cloud usage.
Key Factors Influencing Your Upload Speeds
To understand what makes the best upload speed internet in Japan, consider these crucial factors:
- Connection Type: Fiber-optic connections provide significantly higher upload speeds than DSL, cable, or satellite.
- Bandwidth: Higher bandwidth plans deliver faster data transfers.
- ISP Infrastructure: A provider’s infrastructure influences stability and upload performance.
- Plan Specifics: Higher-tier plans usually offer superior upload speeds.
- Peak Time Performance: Upload speeds can vary depending on network congestion at peak times.
Best Internet Providers for Upload Speeds in Japan
Fiber-Optic (“Hikari”) Providers
NURO Hikari (by Sony)
NURO Hikari consistently ranks as Japan’s fastest ISP, offering unbeatable speed and reliability.
- Upload Speed: Up to 1 Gbps (real-world average around 800 Mbps)
- Ideal Users: Gamers, streamers, digital content creators, heavy cloud users
- Coverage Area: Mainly Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, Fukuoka
- Monthly Cost: Approximately ¥5,200
au Hikari
au Hikari provides stable, symmetrical upload and download speeds, ideal for professional remote work.
- Upload Speed: Up to 1 Gbps (typically 700-800 Mbps)
- Ideal Users: Professionals working remotely, virtual conference hosts
- Coverage Area: Nationwide
- Monthly Cost: Around ¥5,600
SoftBank Hikari
Leveraging NTT’s vast fiber network, SoftBank Hikari delivers dependable upload speeds across Japan.
- Upload Speed: Up to 1 Gbps (typically 600-700 Mbps)
- Ideal Users: Remote workers, households with heavy internet use
- Coverage Area: Nationwide
- Monthly Cost: Approximately ¥5,700
Docomo Hikari
Docomo Hikari offers consistent, solid upload speeds suitable for general and professional usage.
- Upload Speed: Up to 1 Gbps (average between 500-700 Mbps)
- Ideal Users: Average internet users, occasional streamers, telecommuters
- Coverage Area: Nationwide
- Monthly Cost: Around ¥5,400
FLET’S Hikari (NTT East/West)
The original fiber service in Japan, offering broad availability and reliable upload speeds.
- Upload Speed: Up to 1 Gbps (typical real-world 500-650 Mbps)
- Ideal Users: General users needing stable connections
- Coverage Area: Nationwide
- Monthly Cost: Approximately ¥5,500
Cable Providers
J:COM
Japan’s largest cable provider, J:COM, offers good upload speeds for moderate users.
- Upload Speed: Up to 320 Mbps (real-world 100-200 Mbps)
- Ideal Users: Families, moderate internet users, casual remote workers
- Coverage Area: Extensive urban/suburban coverage
- Monthly Cost: About ¥6,000
Bay Communications
Available in Kansai, offering respectable upload speeds suitable for home use.
- Upload Speed: Up to 200 Mbps (real-world 80-150 Mbps)
- Ideal Users: Casual users, moderate content creators
- Coverage Area: Kansai region
- Monthly Cost: Around ¥5,800
5G Providers
Rakuten Mobile (5G Home Internet)
Rakuten’s wireless 5G internet offers a hassle-free alternative, particularly helpful in areas without fiber coverage.
- Upload Speed: 50-200 Mbps (varies widely)
- Ideal Users: Small apartments, renters, short-term residents
- Coverage Area: Major cities expanding nationwide
- Monthly Cost: Approximately ¥3,278
SoftBank Air (5G Home Internet)
SoftBank Air is convenient for households needing quick installation without cables.
- Upload Speed: Generally 50-150 Mbps
- Ideal Users: Small families, renters, expats
- Coverage Area: Urban/suburban
- Monthly Cost: Around ¥5,368
Recommended Gear to Maximize Your Upload Speeds (Amazon Japan)
The right equipment boosts your upload speed internet significantly. Here are trusted picks:
- Router: TP-Link AX5400 Wi-Fi 6 Router
- Ideal for reliable, high-speed connectivity.
- Ethernet Cable: UGREEN Cat8 Ethernet Cable
- Supports transfer speeds up to 40Gbps, perfect for fiber-optic connections.
- Wi-Fi Extender: TP-Link RE605X AX1800 Wi-Fi 6 Extender
- Removes dead spots for consistent speeds throughout your home.
- Network Switch: TP-Link 8-Port Gigabit Ethernet Switch
- Expand your wired connections to maintain stable upload speeds.
Practical Tips for Optimizing Upload Speeds
Enhance your internet’s upload performance further:
- Use Wired Connections: Ethernet connections outperform Wi-Fi.
- Regular Equipment Updates: Keep your router’s firmware updated.
- Optimize Router Placement: Avoid placing routers behind furniture or near large electronic appliances.
- Limit Concurrent Uploads: Schedule large uploads for off-peak hours.
- Quality of Service (QoS): Set router QoS settings to prioritize crucial activities like video calls or live streaming.
Evaluating Your Personal Needs
Before selecting an internet provider, assess:
- How intensive is your upload activity?
- Does your home or office support fiber-optic connections?
- What’s your budget for monthly internet fees?
- Are installation convenience and speed important to you?
Answering these clearly helps determine the best-fit provider tailored specifically for your unique circumstances.
Final Thoughts on Choosing the Best Upload Speed Internet in Japan
Fiber-optic providers like NURO Hikari, au Hikari, and SoftBank Hikari typically deliver the highest upload speeds and greatest reliability in Japan. Cable options like J:COM or Bay Communications are strong alternatives for moderate users, while wireless 5G services from Rakuten Mobile and SoftBank Air offer convenience and simplicity.
Ultimately, the best provider for upload speeds depends on your specific requirements, location, and budget. Make a thoughtful decision, optimize your setup, and enjoy consistently high-performance internet tailored precisely to your digital life in Japan.
