How to Rent Small Colocation Rack Space (1–5U) in Japan’s Data Centers

Are you looking to obtain Colocation rack space in Japan? Good choice! Japan is a good country for hosting servers since it has super fast internet, stable power, and very secure data centers. The only problem you will face is that Colocation rack providers mostly rent full racks to large companies and not individual small sites like 1U to 5U. This is not a problem—after investigating a little, you can find colocation rack space in Japan.

Why Japan is Good for Hosting​

Japan has great internet, very good power, and a high uptime rate; so all these factors combined make Japan excellent for companies that want to host a web site, game server, or VPN's. However, most hosting companies want to rent out large (full) racks to companies, not individual small places.

Why? Because small clients provide less profit than an entire company and therefore require the same support but less money.
That is why you will find that many of them do not post 1U or 3U options.

Step 1: Identify Your Requirements​

Before contacting any providers in Tokyo, Osaka, or Yokohama, it is best to have a clear understanding of your requirements. Here are a few items to think about:

• Rack Space: 1U–5U (This will depend on your specific server hardware)
• Power Usage: How many amps or watts your server requires
• Internet Connection: Whether you would like unmetered or limited bandwidth.
• Technical Support: Will you require assistance with rebooting or repairs?
• Budget: This is typically between $40–$100 per U per month

Note: Some companies allow customers to share racks with others. This is a more economical way to have the same professional level hosting.

Step 2: Find Providers that Accept Smaller Clients​

Large clients such as Equinix Japan or NTT Communications typically rent only to larger clients. Instead, look for smaller providers willing to take on clients who are individuals or startups.

Here are some decent options to check out:

• SAKURA Internet – Recommended for smaller clients with helpful service.
• ColoTokyo – Allows for shared racks and offers support in English.
• WebARENA – Suits clients who want to combine hosting and colocation services.

Step 3: Read the Fine Print​

Check these points before signing anything:

• Power: Ask for dual power lines (A/B feed).
• Network: Choose one with different sources of internet.
• Access: Some data centers will require notice before visiting.

Also, if you are sending your server from another country, be sure to check Japan customs.

Step 4: Stay in Touch After Signing​

Once your signed up, keep in contact with your host provider. Japanese companies expect communication to be clear and polite. If something breaks, your tech team will jump to help if you have a good relationship.