Moving into your new Japanese apartment is exciting, but setting up utilities can feel overwhelming—especially if you're not confident in Japanese. Don't worry! This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about getting your electricity, gas, and water up and running.
Overview: The Three Essential Utilities
In Japan, you'll need to set up three main utilities:
- 電気 (Denki) – Electricity
- ガス (Gasu) – Gas
- 水道 (Suidō) – Water
Each utility is handled by a different company or department, and the setup process differs for each one. In most cases, your real estate agent or landlord will provide you with the necessary contact information when you receive your keys.
1. Electricity (電気 – Denki)
When to Set Up
Set up electricity on move-in day or the day before. In many apartments, the electricity is already connected, but you must still register the contract in your name.
Major Providers by Region
| Region | Provider | Japanese Name |
|---|---|---|
| Tokyo & East Japan | TEPCO (Tokyo Electric Power) | 東京電力エナジーパートナー |
| Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe | Kansai Electric Power (KEPCO) | 関西電力 |
| Nagoya & Central Japan | Chubu Electric Power | 中部電力 |
| Kyushu | Kyushu Electric Power | 九州電力 |
| Hokkaido | Hokkaido Electric Power (HEPCO) | 北海道電力 |
| Hokuriku | Hokuriku Electric Power | 北陸電力 |
| Chugoku | Chugoku Electric Power | 中国電力 |
| Shikoku | Shikoku Electric Power | 四国電力 |
| Okinawa | Okinawa Electric Power | 沖縄電力 |
Note: Since 2016, Japan's electricity market has been deregulated. You can choose from various new power providers (新電力) that may offer cheaper rates or English support. Some popular alternatives include Looop Denki, Tokyo Gas, and Au Denki.
How to Set Up
Option A: By Phone Call the customer service number listed on the breaker panel inside your apartment. You'll find a sticker with the number near the fuse box. Tell them:
- Your address (住所)
- Your name (名前)
- Move-in date (入居日)
- Phone number (電話番号)
Useful Japanese phrases:
- 「引っ越し日の電気の開始手続きをお願いします」 (Hikkoshi-bi no denki no kaishi tetsuzuki o onegaishimasu) = "I'd like to start electricity service for my move-in date."
Option B: Online Many providers now offer online registration. TEPCO, for example, has an English online form on their website.
On Move-In Day
Locate your breaker panel (分電盤 – bundenban). If the main breaker is off, flip it on. In some apartments, you may need to press a small button on the meter outside.
Voltage
Japan uses 100V electricity. Outlets are primarily Type A (two flat pins), which is the same as the United States. If you're coming from Europe, the UK, Australia, or other regions with 220-240V, you'll need a transformer for devices that aren't dual voltage.
2. Gas (ガス – Gasu)
When to Set Up
Gas requires an in-person visit from a technician to open the valve and perform a safety check. Schedule this for your move-in day or the day after.
Major Providers by Region
| Region | Provider | Japanese Name |
|---|---|---|
| Tokyo & East Japan | Tokyo Gas | 東京ガス |
| Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe | Osaka Gas | 大阪ガス |
| Nagoya | Toho Gas | 東邦ガス |
| Other areas | Local city gas provider | 各地域のガス会社 |
Important: Some apartments, especially older ones or those in rural areas, use propane gas (LPガス) instead of city gas (都市ガス). Your real estate agent will tell you which type your apartment uses. The setup process is the same.
How to Set Up
Step 1: Call the gas company a few days before your move-in date to schedule a visit.
Useful Japanese phrases:
- 「引っ越し日のガスの開栓をお願いします」 (Hikkoshi-bi no gasu no kaisen o onegaishimasu) = "I'd like to open gas service for my move-in date."
Step 2: Be present at your apartment during the scheduled time. The technician will:
- Open the gas valve
- Check for leaks
- Explain how to use your gas appliances
- Have you sign a form
You must be home for this appointment. If you miss it, your gas will not be turned on.
3. Water (水道 – Suidō)
When to Set Up
Water is the simplest utility to set up. In most cases, it's already running when you move in. You just need to notify the water department.
Provider
Water is managed by your municipal water and sewer department (上下水道局 – Jōgesuidōkyoku). For example:
- Tokyo: 東京都水道局 (Tokyo Metropolitan Waterworks)
- Osaka: 大阪市水道局 (Osaka City Waterworks)
How to Set Up
Option A: Phone Call the number provided by your real estate agent or listed on the water valve in your apartment.
Useful Japanese phrases:
- 「水道の使用開始の届け出をしたいです」 (Suidō no shiyō kaishi no todokede o shitai desu) = "I'd like to register the start of water service."
Option B: Online Many municipal water departments have online forms. Tokyo's water bureau, for example, offers an English-friendly online notification form.
Option C: Postcard Some apartments have a postcard inside the mailbox or near the water valve. Fill it out and drop it in a mailbox.
Water Quality
Tap water in Japan is safe to drink everywhere. Many residents do drink it directly, though some prefer using a filter or buying bottled water for taste preferences.
Payment Methods
All three utilities offer the following payment options:
1. Bank Account Auto-Debit (口座振替 – Kōza Furikae)
This is the most common and convenient method. Your utility bills are automatically deducted from your Japanese bank account each month. You can set this up by filling out a form at your bank or through each utility company's website.
2. Credit Card Auto-Pay
Many providers now accept credit card payments, including foreign-issued cards in some cases. Check with each provider.
3. Convenience Store Payment (コンビニ払い – Konbini Barai)
You can pay paper bills at any convenience store (7-Eleven, FamilyMart, Lawson, etc.). Bring your bill to the cashier and pay in cash. This is less convenient but works well if you don't have a Japanese bank account yet.
4. Direct Payment at Bank/Post Office
You can bring your bill to a bank or Japan Post branch and pay over the counter.
Average Monthly Costs
Utility costs vary depending on your apartment size, region, and usage. Here are approximate monthly ranges for a single person:
| Utility | Average Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Electricity | ¥3,000 – ¥8,000 |
| Gas | ¥2,000 – ¥5,000 |
| Water | ¥1,500 – ¥3,000 |
| Total | ¥6,500 – ¥16,000 |
Tip: Electricity costs spike in summer (air conditioning) and winter (heating). Gas bills increase in winter if you have a gas water heater. Consider energy-saving habits to keep costs down.
Troubleshooting & Emergency Contacts
No Electricity
- Check your breaker panel – a breaker may have tripped
- Flip the switch back on
- If there's still no power, call your electricity provider's emergency number
No Gas
- Check if your gas valve is open
- Some gas meters have an emergency shut-off that needs to be reset – look for a button on the meter
- If you smell gas, leave the apartment immediately and call your gas company's emergency line
No Water
- Check the water valve inside your apartment (usually under the sink or near the bathroom)
- Check the main water valve outside
- Contact your water department
General Emergency Number: 110 (Police) / 119 (Fire & Ambulance)
Checklist for Move-In Day
- Electricity: Call provider or register online; flip breaker on
- Gas: Be home for scheduled technician visit
- Water: Submit notification (phone, online, or postcard)
- Internet: Arrange separately (not covered in this guide)
- Confirm all utilities are working before your real estate agent leaves
Tips for Foreigners
-
Ask your real estate agent for help. Many agents will make the initial calls for you if you ask.
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Use Google Translate. The app's conversation mode can help you communicate with utility companies over the phone.
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Look for English support. Tokyo Gas and TEPCO both have English customer service lines and English websites.
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Keep your move-in documents handy. Your address in Japanese, your apartment name, and your room number will be needed for every setup call.
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Take photos of your meters on move-in day as a record of initial readings.
Final Thoughts
Setting up utilities in Japan may seem daunting, but the process is straightforward once you understand the basics. The key is to prepare early—schedule your gas appointment before moving in, and handle electricity and water notifications on or before move-in day.
If you're still apartment hunting, be sure to browse our listings at JapanHeya for foreigner-friendly apartments across Japan. Happy moving, and enjoy your new home!
Have questions about setting up utilities in Japan? Leave a comment below or contact us—we're here to help!
