How to Set Up Electricity, Gas & Water in Your Japanese Apartment
Moving into a new apartment in Japan is exciting, but setting up utilities can feel overwhelming if you don't speak Japanese or aren't familiar with the process. Don't worry — this guide walks you through everything you need to know about getting your electricity, gas, and water up and running.
🔌 Electricity (電気 — Denki)
The Main Provider: TEPCO (and Regional Equivalents)
Depending on where you live, your electricity provider will vary:
| Region | Provider |
|---|---|
| Tokyo & surrounding | TEPCO (Tokyo Electric Power) |
| 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) |
Since the energy market deregulated in 2016, you can also choose alternative providers that may offer lower rates or English support.
Steps to Set Up Electricity
- Locate your breaker panel — usually near the entrance of your apartment.
- Turn on the breaker — flip the main switch and individual circuit breakers to the "on" position.
- Call or apply online — Contact your regional provider. Have your address, move-in date, name, and phone number ready.
- TEPCO English Line: 0120-995-005 (Mon–Fri, 9:00–17:00)
Tip: In many apartments, electricity is already active when you move in. Check if the lights work. If they do, you still need to register your contract by calling the provider or filling out the form left in your mailbox.
Understanding Your Bill
Electricity bills in Japan are typically bimonthly (every two months), but you can request monthly billing. Bills are calculated based on your usage (tiered pricing) plus a base fee. Expect to pay:
- Single person: ¥3,000–¥6,000/month
- Couple/small family: ¥6,000–¥12,000/month
Bills increase significantly in summer (air conditioning) and winter (heating).
🔥 Gas (ガス — Gasu)
City Gas vs. Propane (LP Gas)
There are two types of gas in Japan:
- City Gas (都市ガス) — Piped directly from the utility. Common in urban areas. Usually cheaper and cleaner.
- LP Gas (LPガス / プロパン) — Propane gas delivered to a tank on your property. Common in rural areas and older buildings. Generally more expensive.
Important: Check your lease or ask your landlord which type of gas your apartment uses. Do not mix appliances between the two types — the gas pressure and connectors are different and using the wrong one is dangerous.
Steps to Set Up Gas
- Schedule an inspection visit — Unlike electricity, gas requires a technician to visit your apartment and open the valve. This is a safety requirement.
- Call the gas company — Use the number posted near your gas meter (usually on the exterior wall or balcony). Your real estate agent can help you identify the provider.
- Book an appointment — Someone must be home during the visit (usually takes 15–30 minutes).
- The technician will:
- Turn on the gas valve
- Check for leaks
- Explain how to use your gas appliances
- Light your water heater pilot (if applicable)
Major Gas Providers
- Tokyo Gas (English line: 0570-002-211)
- Osaka Gas (Japanese only: 0120-0-94817)
Understanding Your Bill
Gas bills are usually bimonthly. Average costs:
- Summer: ¥1,500–¥3,000/month
- Winter: ¥4,000–¥7,000/month (hot water and heating)
🚿 Water (水道 — Suidō)
Water Service Setup
Water is typically managed by your local municipal water bureau (水道局 — Suidōkyoku). In most cases, water is already active when you move in.
Steps to Set Up Water
- Check if water is running — Turn on a faucet after you move in.
- Fill out the notification form — Often left in your mailbox or posted near the water meter. Include your name, address, and move-in date.
- Submit it — By mail (postage is prepaid) or by calling the water bureau.
- If no form is available, call your local water bureau directly:
- Tokyo: Bureau of Waterworks, Tokyo (English: 03-5326-1101)
- Osaka: Osaka City Waterworks Bureau (Japanese: 06-6882-5328)
Understanding Your Bill
Water bills are typically bimonthly and are quite affordable compared to other countries:
- Single person: ¥1,000–¥2,500/month
- Couple/small family: ¥2,500–¥5,000/month
Some water bills can be paid at convenience stores using the payment slip mailed to you.
📋 Quick Setup Checklist
| Utility | When to Set Up | English Support | Key Action Needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| ⚡ Electricity | Day of move-in | Yes (TEPCO, some others) | Turn on breaker, register contract |
| 🔥 Gas | Day of move-in (schedule visit) | Limited | Book technician visit |
| 💧 Water | Day of move-in | Limited | Submit notification form |
💳 Paying Your Utility Bills
There are several ways to pay utilities in Japan:
1. Bank Account Auto-Debit (口座振替 — Kōza Furikae)
The most convenient method. Bills are automatically deducted from your Japanese bank account each month. Ask each utility company for the application form.
2. Credit Card Auto-Pay
Many providers now accept credit card payments (Visa, Mastercard, JCB). Some providers even offer small discounts for using auto-pay.
3. Convenience Store (コンビニ — Konbini)
Bring your paper bill to 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, or Lawson. The cashier scans the barcode and you pay in cash. Simple and reliable.
4. Online Payment
Some providers offer online payment through their customer portal.
⚠️ Warning: Unpaid utility bills can affect your ability to rent in the future and may result in service disconnection. Pay on time!
🛠️ Useful Tips for Foreigners
Ask Your Real Estate Agent for Help
Most Japanese real estate agents will help you set up utilities on move-in day. Don't hesitate to ask — it's a standard service.
Take Photos of Your Meters
When you move in, photograph your electricity, gas, and water meter readings. This protects you from being charged for the previous tenant's usage.
Download the Apps
Many utility companies now have apps or online portals:
- TEPCO: "東京電力" app
- Tokyo Gas: Customer portal (Japanese)
Keep Your Contract Numbers Handy
Each utility will give you a customer number (お客様番号). Keep these saved — you'll need them for any future inquiries or when moving out.
🚪 Moving Out: Don't Forget!
When you move out of your apartment:
- Contact each utility at least 1–2 weeks before your move-out date.
- Provide your move-out date and forwarding address.
- Electricity & Gas: A final reading will be taken, and your last bill will be sent to your new address.
- Water: Some municipalities require you to close the main water valve before leaving.
📞 Emergency Numbers
| Situation | Number |
|---|---|
| Gas leak emergency | Tokyo Gas: 0570-002-299 / Osaka Gas: 0120-0-94119 |
| Electrical trouble | Contact your provider's emergency line |
| Water leak/pipe burst | Contact your local water bureau |
| General emergency | 119 (Fire/Ambulance) or 110 (Police) |
Final Thoughts
Setting up utilities in Japan is a straightforward process once you know the steps. The key is to start early — especially for gas, which requires scheduling a technician visit. If you're unsure about anything, lean on your real estate agent or a Japanese-speaking friend for support.
Once your electricity, gas, and water are running, you can finally relax and start enjoying your new home in Japan. Welcome home! 🏠
Have questions about renting an apartment in Japan? Browse our listings and guides at JapanHeya — we help foreigners find and settle into their perfect Japanese home.
