How to Set Up Electricity, Gas, and Water in a Japanese Apartment
Moving into a new apartment in Japan is exciting, but setting up utilities can feel overwhelming — especially if you're not confident in your 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 Utilities
| Utility | Setup Difficulty | English Support | Activation Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electricity | Easy | Good | Immediate to 1 day |
| Gas | Medium | Limited | Requires appointment |
| Water | Easy | Limited | Immediate to a few days |
1. Electricity (電気 - Denki)
Who Is the Provider?
Japan's electricity market was deregulated in 2016, meaning you can choose from multiple providers. However, most people simply use the default regional provider for convenience. Here are the major ones:
| Region | Default Provider |
|---|---|
| Tokyo area (Kanto) | TEPCO (東京電力エナジーパートナー) |
| Kansai (Osaka, Kyoto) | Kansai Electric (関西電力) |
| Chubu (Nagoya) | Chubu Electric (中部電力) |
| Kyushu | Kyushu Electric (九州電力) |
| Hokkaido | Hokkaido Electric (北海道電力) |
How to Set It Up
- Before moving in, call the electricity provider or apply online.
- If your apartment has a breaker panel (分電盤), check if the main switch is on.
- Fill out the postcard often attached to the breaker — this is a registration card. Write your name, move-in date, and address, then drop it in a mailbox.
- Alternatively, apply via the provider's website or by phone.
TEPCO Contact Info (Tokyo Area)
- Phone: 0120-995-001 (toll-free, Japanese)
- English website: https://www.tepco.co.jp/en/
- English support: Limited but improving
💡 Tip: If you see a sticker on your breaker panel with a phone number, call that number — it's the direct line for your building's electricity service.
Electricity Bills
- Billed monthly
- Payment methods: bank transfer (口座振替), credit card, or paying at a convenience store
- Average cost for a 1LDK: ¥3,000–¥8,000/month depending on season and usage
2. Gas (ガス - Gasu)
Types of Gas
This is important! There are two types of gas in Japan:
- City gas (都市ガス) — Piped gas, most common in urban apartments
- LP gas / propane (LPガス) — Tank-based, common in rural areas or older buildings
Check your lease or ask your landlord which type you have. The type determines which company to contact.
How to Set It Up
This is the most important step: You cannot turn on the gas yourself. A technician must come to your apartment to inspect and open the valve.
- Call the gas company before your move-in date to schedule an appointment.
- You must be present at the apartment for the technician's visit.
- The technician will:
- Check for gas leaks
- Open the main valve
- Explain safety procedures
- Have you sign a contract
Major Gas Companies
| Region | Company |
|---|---|
| Tokyo | Tokyo Gas (東京ガス) |
| Osaka | Osaka Gas (大阪ガス) |
| Other areas | Check with your real estate agent |
Tokyo Gas Contact
- Phone: 0570-002211 (Japanese)
- English line: 0120-089-477 (limited hours)
- Website: https://www.tokyo-gas.co.jp/en/
⚠️ Important: Never try to open the gas valve yourself. It's illegal and dangerous. Always wait for the technician.
Gas Bills
- Billed monthly
- Average cost for a 1LDK: ¥2,000–¥5,000/month
- LP gas tends to be more expensive than city gas
3. Water (水道 - Suidou)
How to Set It Up
Water is the easiest utility to set up. In many cases, it's already running when you move in.
- Check if water is running — turn on a faucet when you arrive.
- If water is running, look for a notification slip from the water bureau. Fill it out with your name, move-in date, and drop it in a mailbox.
- If water is not running, call your local water bureau.
Water Bureau Contact
Water is managed by the local municipality, not a private company. Google: [Your city/ward name] 水道局 (suidou-kyoku) to find the correct office.
Examples:
- Shinjuku, Tokyo: Shinjuku Water Works (03-5273-8210)
- Osaka City: Osaka City Waterworks Bureau (06-6241-1231)
💡 Tip: Your real estate agent or landlord can usually provide the correct water bureau phone number.
Water Bills
- Billed every 2 months (bimonthly)
- Average cost for a 1LDK: ¥2,000–¥4,000/month
- Payment methods: bank transfer, convenience store, or credit card (depending on municipality)
Recommended Setup Timeline
| When | Action |
|---|---|
| 1–2 weeks before move-in | Call electricity and gas companies |
| 3–5 days before move-in | Schedule gas technician appointment for move-in day |
| Move-in day | Check water, submit electricity postcard, meet gas technician |
| Within first week | Set up bank transfers for all utilities |
Payment Methods
Bank Transfer (口座振替 - Kouza Furikae)
This is the most common and recommended method. Bills are automatically deducted from your bank account each month.
- Fill out an application form at your bank or through each utility's website
- You'll need your bank book (通帳) and personal seal (印鑑) for traditional banks
- Online banks like Shinsei Bank offer easier setup
Credit Card
Many utilities now accept credit card payments. Check each provider's website.
Convenience Store
Bring your paper bill to any 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, or Lawson and pay at the register. This works for electricity and gas, but not all water bureaus.
What If I Don't Speak Japanese?
Setting up utilities with limited Japanese can be challenging. Here are your options:
- Ask your real estate agent — Many agents will help you set up utilities as part of their service
- Use English-friendly providers:
- TEPCO has some English support
- Tokyo Gas has an English helpline
- Ask a Japanese-speaking friend to make calls on your behalf
- Use online application forms — Google Translate can help with web forms
Utility Checklist for New Residents
- Identify your electricity provider and apply
- Identify your gas type (city gas vs. LP gas) and company
- Schedule gas technician appointment
- Check if water is running on move-in day
- Submit water notification slip
- Set up bank transfers for all three utilities
- Keep emergency contact numbers handy
Emergency Numbers
| Emergency | Number |
|---|---|
| Gas leak (general) | 0120-000-191 (24 hours) |
| Electricity trouble (TEPCO) | 0120-995-444 |
| Water emergency | Check your local water bureau |
| General emergency | 110 (police) / 119 (fire/ambulance) |
⚠️ If you smell gas: Do not use flames or electrical switches. Open windows, leave the apartment, and call the gas emergency number from outside.
Summary
Setting up utilities in Japan requires some planning, but it's manageable if you follow these steps:
- Electricity: Apply online or by phone before moving in — easiest utility
- Gas: Schedule a technician visit — you MUST be home for this
- Water: Usually already on — just submit the notification form
Your real estate agent is your best resource for specific provider information. Don't hesitate to ask them for help!
Welcome to your new home in Japan. We hope this guide makes your transition smoother. 🏠
Have questions about renting in Japan? Browse more of our guides at JapanHeya for everything you need to know about apartment living in Japan.
