====== A real-world example of getting FLETS Hikari Cross (10Gbps optical fiber) in Tokyo ======

This post aims to document my experience getting FLETS Hikari Cross installed in a new apartment building. I wanted to document this because there's not a lot of good information on this, and basically nothing in English. My aim is to help any future readers who want this service in Japan, but don't quite know if they can get it or what to look for, or why it's useful.

This experience was in 中野区.
===== A brief overview of Internet in Japan =====

The vast majority of internet in Japan is delivered by NTT. There are some exceptions, but NTT is the most common. If you've just moved to Japan, be aware of this. The caveat is that internet is not sold directly by NTT. In non-technical terms, NTT provides the cables, but a different company provides the actual service. You do need a contract with both, and there are some billing things that make this more complicated.

If you get [[free_internet|free internet]] in Japan, you'll likely experience slower speeds. Almost always, the option is to get a dedicated optical fiber connection on FLETS. Your building may not support this. The best way to handle this is with a good real estate agent if you're looking for an apartment. Specifically ask for optical fiber. Anyways, this isn't documentary of that. The main thing is that you need a building that will support your efforts to install.

Importantly, your building may refuse destructive construction. If this is the case, your building needs to have conduits and wiring such that they do not need to do additional work to install it. Modern buildings built in 2025 or later will almost certainly support this. Older buildings usually give construction permission. It's the interregnum that are difficult -- many semi-modern buildings are too new to give this permission, but too old to have conduits that NTT can easily install in.

===== Direct experience =====

I called NTT's install phone number on April 21, 2026. I did it via phone because the website did not show my address. I explained the situation, that the building was brand new, and gave them contract information over the phone. NTT confirmed this, and then informed me that they would call me back when the website is updated with my address in 2-3 days. They called back on April 23, 2026, and confirmed more details. I asked specifically for Cross service, which is the 10Gbps plan.

Note: If you want 1Gbps instead of 10Gbps, it's probably easier, as they can potentially do a "remote install" and provision an existing line. As a general aside, if your apartment appears on the NTT website already, you should be set. If it doesn't appear or if your unit isn't listed, it isn't directly possible.

On April 28, 2026, NTT confirmed the install details. I got the XG-100NE rental router (mandatory for the Cross service) on May 7th, and then May 26, 2026 was the construction inspection day. The idea of the inspection day was to verify that the line could be run successfully. It was successful. On June 2, 2026, NTT returned and completed the install. Construction on the street and in my apartment took approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, but the time in my apartment was just 5 minutes. The vast majority of the time was line installation work outside.

===== What are the caveats? =====

My original install date was May 14, 2026, but NTT called and rescheduled it for significantly later (June 2nd).

I'm on the 5th floor of my building, and NTT had to actually run fiber optic from the street to my unit, but this was accomplished entirely with non-destructive installation. No drilling into holes, they just ran cable in existing conduits.