Setting Up Utilities in Japan: A Foreigner’s Guide

Moving to Japan is an adventure, but before you can start enjoying the neon lights, convenience store meals, and impeccable public transport, you need the essentials—electricity, water, gas, and internet. Unlike in some countries where utilities are bundled or managed online with ease, Japan still operates with a mix of modern and traditional systems, meaning a few phone calls (in Japanese) might be required.

To save you from the frustration of trying to decipher kanji-filled paperwork, here’s a complete guide to setting up your utilities and internet in Japan.

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1. Electricity (電気 – Denki)

Providers

Japan has several electricity providers, depending on your region. The major ones include:

• TEPCO (Tokyo Electric Power Company) – Covers Tokyo and surrounding areas
• KEPCO (Kansai Electric Power Company) – Osaka, Kyoto, and Kobe
• Chubu Electric – Nagoya and central Japan
• Kyushu Electric – Fukuoka and Kyushu

How to Set It Up

1. Contact the provider – You can do this online or by calling. Many websites now offer English support.
2. Provide details – Your name, address, move-in date, and preferred billing method.
3. Choose a plan – Electricity plans vary based on your usage. If you live alone, a basic plan (30A or lower) should be fine.
4. Turn on the breaker – In most apartments, electricity is already connected, and you just need to flip the breaker.

Billing

• Automatic bank withdrawal (口座振替 – Kouza furikae) – Recommended for convenience.
• Credit card – Not all providers accept this, but some do.
• Convenience store payment – Pay with cash at any convenience store.

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2. Water (水道 – Suidou)

Providers

Water is managed by municipal governments, meaning your provider depends on your city.

How to Set It Up

1. Find your local water bureau (水道局 – Suidoukyoku) – A quick Google search (e.g., “Tokyo Water Bureau”) will help.
2. Apply online or by phone – Your landlord or real estate agent may help if your Japanese isn’t strong.
3. Provide details – Name, address, move-in date, and payment preference.

Billing

Same as electricity:

• Bank withdrawal
• Credit card (if available)
• Convenience store payment

Water bills in Japan are bi-monthly, so you’ll receive a bill every two months.

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3. Gas (ガス – Gasu)

Types of Gas

• City Gas (都市ガス – Toshi Gasu) – More common in urban areas.
• Propane Gas (プロパンガス – Puropan Gasu) – Used in rural areas and older apartments.

Providers

Like water, gas providers are regional. Some major ones include:

• Tokyo Gas
• Osaka Gas
• Toho Gas (Nagoya area)

How to Set It Up

1. Contact the provider – Online or by phone.
2. Schedule an appointment – Unlike electricity and water, gas requires a technician visit to turn it on. They’ll check for leaks and ensure safety.
3. Be home for activation – Someone (you or your landlord) must be present.

Billing

Same as other utilities. City gas is generally cheaper than propane, so check before you rent an apartment.

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4. Internet (インターネット – Intānetto)

Japan has blazing-fast internet, but setting it up can take 2–4 weeks, so apply as soon as you sign your lease.

Types of Internet

1. Fiber-optic (光回線 – Hikari Kaizen) – The fastest and most common.
2. Cable Internet – Available through some TV providers.
3. Pocket Wi-Fi – A good temporary solution while waiting for fiber installation.
4. SIM-based Home Wi-Fi – No installation needed, but not as stable as fiber.

Popular Providers

• NTT FLET’S Hikari – The most widespread fiber-optic provider.
• au Hikari – Good for KDDI users.
• SoftBank Hikari – Good for SoftBank mobile users (discounts available).
• Rakuten Hikari – No contract fee, free for Rakuten Mobile users (first year).

How to Set It Up

1. Choose a provider – Based on speed, price, and bundling options.
2. Apply online or at a store – Requires your address and sometimes a residence card.
3. Wait for installation – A technician might need to install fiber in your apartment.
4. Rent/buy a router – Some providers offer free routers.

If you need immediate internet, rent a Pocket Wi-Fi from providers like Ninja Wi-Fi or Sakura Mobile.

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5. Phone Calls & Language Barriers

Who to Call When Setting Up Utilities

• Landlord or real estate agent – They often assist with utilities.
• Utility companies – Check their websites for English support.
• Foreign Support Services – Some cities have multilingual assistance (e.g., Tokyo English Lifeline).

Dealing with Japanese-Only Hotlines

• Use Google Translate for basic phrases.
• Learn key words:
  • 引っ越し (Hikkoshi) – Moving
  • 契約 (Keiyaku) – Contract
  • 申し込み (Moushikomi) – Application
  • 料金 (Ryoukin) – Fees

If the call is too difficult, visit a local service center—many have English-speaking staff.

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6. Pro Tips for a Smooth Setup

✅ Start early – Especially for internet and gas.
✅ Ask your landlord – Some apartments include utilities in the rent.
✅ Look for English support – Some providers have English websites (e.g., SoftBank Hikari).
✅ Use a translator app – If calling in Japanese.
✅ Check move-in specials – Some ISPs offer discounts or free months for new tenants.

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Final Thoughts

Setting up utilities in Japan isn’t as simple as clicking a few buttons, but with some planning, it’s manageable. The key is to start early, use English-friendly providers when possible, and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Once everything is set up, you can enjoy the comforts of home—endless anime streaming, onsen baths, and heated toilet seats—without worrying about a surprise blackout or gas shutdown.

Welcome to Japan, and may your Wi-Fi be strong and your bills be low! 🚀