Setting Up Utilities in Japan: Electricity, Gas and Water Guide for Foreigners
Setting Up Utilities in Japan: Electricity, Gas and Water Guide for Foreigners
Moving to Japan is an exciting milestone, but the paperwork and phone calls involved in setting up your utilities can feel overwhelming — especially if you are not fluent in Japanese. This comprehensive guide walks you through every step of establishing electricity, gas, water, internet, and NHK services as a foreigner living in Japan. Whether you have just signed your lease or are still packing boxes, bookmark this page and follow the checklist to get your new home fully operational as quickly as possible.
Table of Contents
- Overview of Utility Setup Timeline
- Electricity Contract in Japan
- Gas Contract in Japan
- Water Supply in Japan
- NHK Subscription (受信料)
- Internet Setup in Japan
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Overview of Utility Setup Timeline
One of the most common mistakes newcomers make is waiting until after moving day to set up utilities. In Japan, gas in particular cannot be turned on without a technician present in your home, which means you need to book an appointment in advance. If you move in on a Saturday and forget to call, you could be without hot water until Monday at the earliest.
Use the table below as your master reference. The "Lead Time" column shows how far in advance you should contact each provider.
| Utility | Provider Type | Lead Time Before Move-in | Can Apply Online? | Language Support |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electricity | Regional or new-entry provider | 3–7 days | Yes (most providers) | Limited English on some sites |
| Gas | Regional monopoly (city gas) | 3–7 days | Yes, but inspection is in-person | Very limited |
| Water | Municipal government | 1–3 days | Yes (some cities) | Rare |
| Internet (Fiber) | ISP / line operator | 2–6 weeks | Yes | English chat available |
| NHK | NHK | Any time | Yes (online form) | English form available |
The Golden Rule: Contact Before You Move
Japanese utility companies operate within strict service windows. Electricity is the easiest — in most regions you can apply online 3 days before your move date, and the power will be switched on automatically at the breaker box. Gas and water, however, often require a scheduled visit or a meter check. Planning ahead protects you from spending your first night in Japan huddled in the dark.
What You Will Need to Have Ready
Before contacting any utility provider in Japan, gather the following documents and information:
- Your new address in full (including apartment number — 号室)
- Your move-in date
- Customer number from the previous tenant (printed on a notification slip left in your mailbox or on the meter)
- Your phone number (a Japanese mobile number is strongly preferred)
- Your bank account details (for setting up automatic payment — 口座振替)
- Your name in both Roman letters and, ideally, katakana
- Your residence card (在留カード — you may be asked for your foreigner registration details)
Electricity Contract in Japan
Japan's electricity market was fully liberalized in April 2016, which means you now have a choice between the traditional regional monopoly provider and dozens of new-entry power retailers. Understanding this landscape helps you save money from day one.
Understanding Japan's Regional Electricity Structure
Japan is divided into ten regional electricity utility zones. If you do not actively choose a new provider, you will default to the regional incumbent for your area:
| Region | Incumbent Provider | Service Area |
|---|---|---|
| Hokkaido | Hokkaido Electric Power (北海道電力) | Hokkaido |
| Tohoku | Tohoku Electric Power (東北電力) | Aomori to Niigata |
| Tokyo | TEPCO (東京電力エナジーパートナー) | Tokyo, Kanagawa, Chiba, Saitama, etc. |
| Chubu | Chubu Electric Power (中部電力) | Aichi, Shizuoka, Gifu, etc. |
| Hokuriku | Hokuriku Electric Power (北陸電力) | Toyama, Ishikawa, Fukui |
| Kansai | Kansai Electric Power / KEPCO (関西電力) | Osaka, Kyoto, Hyogo, etc. |
| Chugoku | Chugoku Electric Power (中国電力) | Hiroshima, Okayama, etc. |
| Shikoku | Shikoku Electric Power (四国電力) | Kagawa, Ehime, Kochi, Tokushima |
| Kyushu | Kyushu Electric Power (九州電力) | Fukuoka, Kumamoto, Kagoshima, etc. |
| Okinawa | Okinawa Electric Power (沖縄電力) | Okinawa prefecture |
Important note for foreigners: New-entry electricity retailers (新電力) such as Looop, Rakuten Denki, and SoftBank Denki often offer cheaper plans, but their customer service may have less English support. For your first contract in Japan, starting with the regional incumbent and switching later is a practical approach.
How to Choose an Electricity Provider
Step 1 — Confirm your address zone. The easiest way is to visit TEPCO's website (if you are in the Tokyo area) or the incumbent for your region. Most have an address lookup function.
Step 2 — Compare plans. Japan's electricity comparison portal enecho.meti.go.jp/category/electricity_and_gas/electric/switchhome/ allows consumers to compare rates, though it is mostly in Japanese. Key plan types include:
- 従量電灯 (Jūryō Dentō) / Standard metered plan — the default plan, billed per kilowatt-hour (kWh) in progressive tiers
- アンペア契約 (Ampere contract) — you pay a fixed base charge based on your contracted amperage (typically 20A, 30A, or 40A) plus a per-kWh charge
- Flat-rate / time-of-use plans — offered by new-entry providers, sometimes cheaper if you shift usage to off-peak hours
For a single-room apartment (1K or 1R), 20A is usually sufficient. A family of three would typically contract 40A or 60A.
Step 3 — Consider bundled deals. Providers such as TEPCO, Kansai Electric, Tokyo Gas, and au (KDDI) offer discounts when you bundle electricity with gas or mobile phone plans.
Step 4 — Choose based on language access. If reading Japanese contracts makes you uncomfortable, TEPCO offers a simplified English-language application form at tepco.co.jp. Kansai Electric's English page covers the Osaka/Kyoto area. For other regions, the regional incumbent is your safest starting point because their procedures are well-documented and their call centers handle billing disputes systematically.
Application Steps for Electricity
Option A: Apply Online (Recommended)
- Visit your regional provider's website.
- Click 「引越しでんき」(Moving Electricity) or look for a "New Contract / Move-in" section.
- Enter your new address and confirm the service area.
- Enter the customer number (お客様番号) from the notification slip if you have one, or select "I do not have a customer number."
- Enter your move-in date, name, phone number, and email address.
- Select your amperage (アンペア数). When in doubt, choose 30A for a single person, 40A for a couple.
- Choose your payment method. Setting up 口座振替 (bank auto-debit) at this stage saves a step later. You will need your bank account number and branch code (支店番号).
- Submit the form. You will receive a confirmation email.
On your move-in date (or the date you specified), the electricity will be turned on automatically via the breaker box. No technician visit is required for electricity in most cases. If the power is not on when you arrive, check the breaker panel — simply flip the main breaker to the ON position.
Option B: Apply by Phone
Call the provider's residential customer service line. For TEPCO it is 0120-995-006 (free, Japanese only but staff are generally patient with slow Japanese). Have your information ready and speak slowly and clearly. Key phrases:
- 「引越しで電気の申し込みをしたいんですが」 — "I would like to apply for electricity due to moving."
- 「外国人なんですが、英語は話せますか？」 — "I am a foreigner; can you speak English?"
TEPCO offers a 0120-995-113 line that has some English-capable staff during weekday business hours.
Option C: Transfer (If You Already Have a Contract Elsewhere)
If you are moving within the same provider's service area, you can transfer your existing contract rather than opening a new one. This preserves your payment history and registered bank account. Look for 「引越し手続き」on the provider's website.
When to Call vs. When to Apply Online
| Situation | Recommended Method |
|---|---|
| Standard new contract, move-in 3–10 days away | Apply online |
| Move-in date is tomorrow or the day after | Call the provider directly |
| Previous tenant's breaker is locked or sealed | Call — a technician may be needed |
| Apartment is newly built (初通電) | Call — first-time energization requires an inspection |
| You want English assistance | Call TEPCO English line or use email inquiry form |
Newly built apartments (新築) require a formal first energization (初通電) inspection. Your landlord or building manager should handle this before you move in, but confirm with them in advance.
Gas Contract in Japan
Gas is where most newcomers encounter their biggest surprise: you absolutely cannot turn on the gas yourself. A licensed technician from the gas company must visit your home, inspect the appliances, and physically open the gas valve. This is a legal requirement in Japan, not a quirk of your building.
City Gas vs. Propane Gas
Before doing anything, find out which type of gas your building uses:
| Type | Japanese | Common In | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| City gas (LNG) | 都市ガス (toshi gasu) | Urban areas, large cities | Piped from street mains; cheaper per unit |
| Propane / LP gas | プロパンガス (propan gasu) | Rural areas, older buildings | Tank on-site; typically more expensive |
Your lease agreement or landlord should tell you which type your building uses. The application process differs:
- City gas: Contact the regional city gas company (Tokyo Gas, Osaka Gas, Toho Gas, etc.)
- Propane gas: Contact the specific LP gas supplier contracted with your building (often listed in your lease)
Japan's Major City Gas Providers
| Region | Provider | Website |
|---|---|---|
| Tokyo, Kanagawa, Chiba, Saitama | Tokyo Gas (東京ガス) | tokyo-gas.co.jp |
| Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Shiga, Wakayama | Osaka Gas (大阪ガス) | osakagas.co.jp |
| Aichi, Mie, Gifu (parts) | Toho Gas (東邦ガス) | tohogas.co.jp |
| Sapporo | Hokkaido Gas (北海道ガス) | hgas.co.jp |
| Other regions | Multiple regional providers | Varies |
The Mandatory Safety Inspection
The gas safety inspection (ガス開栓立会い) is non-negotiable. Here is what to expect:
Duration: 20–40 minutes
What the technician does:
1. Checks all gas outlets, pipes, and connections for leaks
2. Inspects your gas appliances (stove, water heater, clothes dryer if gas-powered)
3. Confirms proper ventilation around appliances
4. Opens the main gas valve and checks pressure
5. Lights your stove and water heater to confirm operation
6. Gives you safety information (in Japanese — ask for the English leaflet if available)
You must be home during the inspection. The technician will not let themselves in. If you miss the appointment, you must reschedule, which could delay your hot water by several days.
What you need to have ready:
- All gas appliances must be accessible (not buried under moving boxes)
- Stove connected (or still in its original position)
- Water heater accessible
- If your water heater has a battery igniter, confirm it has batteries installed
Application Steps for Gas
Step 1: Apply Online or by Phone (3–7 Days Before Move-in)
Tokyo Gas online application (one of the most foreigner-friendly):
- Go to tokyo-gas.co.jp and navigate to 「引越し・ガス開栓」
- Enter your new address to confirm coverage
- Enter the gas meter number or customer number from the slip left in your mailbox
- Select your preferred inspection date and time slot (slots are typically 9:00–11:00, 11:00–13:00, 13:00–15:00, 15:00–17:00)
- Enter your name (katakana + romaji), phone number, and email
- Choose payment method (bank auto-debit or credit card — note that LP gas providers may only accept auto-debit)
- Submit and await confirmation
Tokyo Gas English support phone: Call 0570-002211 and say 「英語対応できますか？」. Tokyo Gas has English-capable staff on their general line.
Osaka Gas: Similar process at osakagas.co.jp. Phone: 0120-000-555 (Japanese).
Step 2: Attend the Inspection
Be home during your selected time window. The technician will ring the doorbell and ask to see identification — have your residence card ready.
Step 3: Receive the Gas Card (if applicable)
Some providers issue a magnetic card or key fob for pre-payment gas meters (プリペイドガスメーター), common in smaller apartments. If your meter uses this system, you will receive the card during the inspection and need to top it up at a convenience store.
Step 4: Set Up Auto-Payment
You can set up 口座振替 (bank auto-debit) online after the inspection or have the technician provide a form you can mail in. Credit card payment is accepted by most major city gas providers.
Gas Safety Tips for Foreigners
- Do not attempt to reconnect gas appliances yourself. Always call a licensed professional.
- The gas shutoff valve is usually on the meter (often orange or yellow handle). In an emergency, rotate 90 degrees to close.
- If your gas meter shows an error code (例: 「ガス止まってます」 displayed on a digital meter), this may indicate a seismic safety shutoff. Locate the meter, follow the reset instructions on the meter face (usually pressing a reset button after waiting 3 minutes), or call your gas company.
- Never use a gas stove for heating. Carbon monoxide poisoning risks are high in small, well-sealed Japanese apartments.
Water Supply in Japan
Japan's water supply is managed by municipal water authorities (水道局, suidō-kyoku), not private companies. This means you contact your city or ward office, not a private utility firm.
Water quality in Japan is exceptional — tap water is safe to drink in virtually every part of the country. You do not need a water filter for safety purposes, though some people use one for taste preferences.
How to Start Your Water Service
Identifying Your Water Authority
Your water provider is determined by your municipality:
| City | Water Authority | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| Tokyo (23 wards) | Tokyo Waterworks Bureau (東京都水道局) | 0120-100-116 |
| Osaka City | Osaka City Waterworks Bureau (大阪市水道局) | 06-6616-5454 |
| Nagoya | Nagoya City Waterworks & Sewerage Bureau | 052-654-7811 |
| Yokohama | Yokohama Waterworks Bureau | 045-847-6262 |
| Sapporo | Sapporo City Waterworks Bureau | 011-211-7770 |
| Fukuoka | Fukuoka City Waterworks Bureau | 092-532-1010 |
For smaller cities and towns, look up [your city name] + 水道局 online, or ask at the city hall (市役所).
Application Process
Option A: Online
Many major cities now offer online water service applications:
- Visit your city's waterworks bureau website
- Navigate to 「水道の使用開始」(Start water use) or 「引越し手続き」
- Enter your address, move-in date, name, and phone number
- Submit
Water is typically turned on automatically or requires only a meter check by a worker — usually you do not need to be home for water start-up in apartments. Confirm with your building manager whether the main valve is already open.
Option B: Phone
Call the waterworks bureau customer service line. Say:
「引越しで水道の使用開始の手続きをしたいんですが」
"I would like to start water service at my new address due to moving."
Option C: In Person
Visit the waterworks bureau office or your ward office (区役所). This is the best option if you need English assistance, as ward offices in major cities often have multilingual staff or translation tablets.
What Happens on Move-in Day
For most apartments, the water is already running when you arrive (the previous tenant's service is simply transferred). Turn on a tap to verify. If there is no water flow:
- Check the main water valve for your unit — usually under the kitchen sink or in a utility panel (パイプシャフト) in the hallway
- If the valve is closed, open it slowly (counterclockwise)
- If still no water, contact the waterworks bureau
Water Billing in Japan
How Billing Works
Japanese water bills are issued every two months in most cities (some issue monthly). The bill covers:
- Basic charge (基本料金): A flat fee based on your meter size (most apartments use a 13mm meter)
- Usage charge (従量料金): Per cubic meter (m³) charge, tiered by volume
- Sewage charge (下水道使用料): Usually bundled into the same bill, based on water consumed
Typical monthly cost for a single person: ¥1,500–¥3,000 (combined water and sewage)
Typical monthly cost for a family of four: ¥4,000–¥8,000
Sample Bill Breakdown (Tokyo, 13mm meter)
| Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Water basic charge (0–8 m³) | ¥860 |
| Usage charge (8–20 m³, per m³) | ¥128/m³ |
| Sewage basic charge | ¥560 |
| Sewage usage charge (per m³) | ¥110/m³ |
Bills are mailed to your address and can be paid at convenience stores, at the post office, by bank auto-debit, or — in increasing numbers of cities — via PayPay or credit card.
Setting Up Auto-Payment for Water
Call the waterworks bureau or submit a 口座振替依頼書 (bank debit authorization form). This form is usually available at the waterworks bureau office, at some bank branches, or by mail request.
NHK Subscription (受信料)
NHK (Japan Broadcasting Corporation / 日本放送協会) is Japan's public broadcaster, and its subscription fee — called 受信料 (jushinhyō) — is one of the most discussed and debated topics among foreigners living in Japan.
Do You Have to Pay?
Under Japan's Broadcasting Act (放送法 第64条), any household that possesses a television set capable of receiving NHK broadcasts is legally obligated to pay the NHK subscription fee. This is not a tax — it is a contract obligation.
This obligation extends to:
- Televisions
- Car navigation systems with TV tuners
- Devices marketed as having TV reception capabilities (some laptops sold in Japan)
Laptops, smartphones, tablets, and desktop computers without TV tuners are NOT subject to NHK fees.
The Supreme Court of Japan confirmed in 2017 that this obligation is constitutional. NHK has the right to sue for unpaid fees, though in practice most non-paying households receive only a visit from an NHK collector.
Fee Structure (2025–2026)
| Plan | Monthly Fee |
|---|---|
| Terrestrial only (地上契約) | ¥1,320 |
| Terrestrial + Satellite (衛星契約) | ¥2,335 |
Discount for bank auto-debit: ¥50–¥65 reduction per month.
Lump-sum discount: Paying 6 or 12 months in advance reduces the total cost by 2.4–3.5%.
Welfare discount: Households receiving public assistance (生活保護) or low-income households receiving city tax exemptions may qualify for a 50–100% discount. Contact NHK directly with proof.
How to Register (or Opt Out if You Have No TV)
If you have a TV:
1. An NHK collector will likely visit within weeks of you moving in
2. Alternatively, apply online at nhk.or.jp/subscription (English page available)
3. Select your plan, enter your address and payment details
4. You will receive a contract and your first bill within 2–4 weeks
If you do NOT own a TV:
1. When an NHK collector visits, politely but clearly state: 「テレビを持っていません」("I do not own a television")
2. If they ask you to sign a document stating this, you may do so
3. You are not required to purchase anything or sign up for anything if you genuinely have no qualifying device
Online-only streaming: In October 2023, Japan passed legislation expanding NHK's fee obligations to households that exclusively use NHK's streaming service (NHK+) without a TV. Implementation details were being finalized as of 2026. If you use NHK+ regularly, check the latest regulations.
Tips for Foreigners on NHK
- NHK collectors are persistent but not aggressive; a clear "I don't have a TV" usually ends the visit
- Do not feel pressured into signing up on the spot — take time to read the contract
- NHK provides content in multiple languages via NHK World (nhk.or.jp/nhkworld), which is free and does not require a subscription
- If you do subscribe and later leave Japan, cancel before your departure to avoid continued billing
Internet Setup in Japan
Japan has world-class internet infrastructure, with fiber-optic connections available in most urban and suburban areas. However, the setup time for fiber internet is significantly longer than other utilities — plan for 2 to 6 weeks.
Types of Internet Connections Available
| Type | Speed | Best For | Average Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fiber (光回線) | 1 Gbps+ | Most households | ¥4,000–¥6,000/month |
| Home Wi-Fi router (home use SIM) | 30–300 Mbps | Renters who move often | ¥3,000–¥5,000/month |
| Mobile Wi-Fi (pocket Wi-Fi) | 10–150 Mbps | Temporary, flexible | ¥2,500–¥5,000/month |
Major Fiber Internet Providers
Japan's fiber network is primarily operated by two physical infrastructure companies — NTT (flet's hikari) and au Hikari — through which independent ISPs (プロバイダ) offer service. Your building may also be pre-wired for NURO Hikari (SoftBank's network).
Common combinations:
| Line Operator | ISP Examples | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| NTT Flets Hikari | So-net, OCN, Biglobe, NIFTY, IIJmio | Widely available; requires ISP contract in addition to line contract |
| au Hikari | au one net, BIGLOBE | Available in areas with au infrastructure; often bundled with au mobile |
| NURO Hikari | NURO only | High speeds (2–10 Gbps); requires NURO to install equipment (long wait) |
| Mansion type (マンション) | Various | Many apartments have shared fiber to the building; faster setup |
Application Process for Fiber Internet
Confirm building type: Is your building wired for fiber? Ask your landlord or check the building's internet information board (often in the entrance lobby).
Check if the building has a bulk internet deal: Some apartment buildings (特にマンション) offer discounted or free internet as part of the rent. Ask your landlord before signing up for a separate plan.
Choose your ISP and plan: If your building is not pre-wired, you will need to apply for a new fiber line installation. This requires a technician visit and authorization from your landlord (建物の承諾書 may be required).
Apply online: Major ISPs have English-language application pages. NTT's official reseller page (flets.com) is in Japanese but has English customer support lines.
Schedule the installation: For new line installations, wait times are typically 2–4 weeks in urban areas. For pre-wired mansions, activation can take only 1–2 weeks.
Receive your ONU/router: The operator delivers a modem/router (ONU — Optical Network Unit) by courier or the technician brings it during installation.
Temporary Internet While You Wait
Do not be without internet for 4–6 weeks. Options for bridge connectivity:
- Pocket Wi-Fi rental: Available at airport counters and online (IIJmio, Rakuten, Mugen Wi-Fi). No contract, return when done.
- SIM card data plan: If your smartphone is SIM-unlocked, purchase a data-only or voice+data SIM from IIJmio, Rakuten Mobile, or MVNO providers.
- Home use 5G router: NTT Docomo's "home router" (ホームルーター) connects via the mobile network with no wiring required. Setup takes 5 minutes.
English-Language Internet Support
- IIJmio: Strong English support, foreigner-friendly SIM and fiber plans
- Sakura Fiber (limited areas): Designed specifically for foreigners; English contracts
- GMO Transact: Offers internet plans with English support
- NTT DOCOMO: Has dedicated English customer support at 0120-005-250
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I set up utilities without a Japanese bank account?
A: For electricity and gas, most providers now accept credit card payment, so a Japanese bank account is not strictly required to start service. However, you will not be able to set up 口座振替 (bank auto-debit) until you have a Japanese account. Water bills in smaller municipalities may only accept bank auto-debit or convenience store payment (cash), so you will need a Japanese bank account or access to a convenience store within a few months of moving in.
Q2: I don't speak Japanese. Can I still set up utilities?
A: Yes, though it requires more effort. Here is a strategy by utility:
- Electricity (TEPCO area): The TEPCO website has a simplified English application process, and their English support line (0120-995-113) has limited English staff.
- Gas (Tokyo Gas area): Tokyo Gas has English-capable staff on their main line. In other regions, bring a Japanese-speaking friend or use a translation app.
- Water: Visit your ward office (区役所) in person. Ward offices in major cities (Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya) have multilingual counter staff or interpretation tablets.
- NHK: nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en has an English application page.
- Internet: IIJmio, Sakura Fiber, and some major ISPs offer English support.
For gas specifically, if you have absolutely no Japanese language support, consider asking your building's real estate agency (不動産屋) to make the call on your behalf — this is a normal and accepted practice.
Q3: What is the gas "opening" inspection like? Is it scary?
A: Not at all. The technician from your gas company is a trained safety professional — they do this dozens of times a day. They will ring your bell, show ID, and go through a 15–30 minute checklist. They will check each appliance, light your stove briefly, and confirm the water heater produces hot water. They will give you a safety pamphlet (usually only in Japanese) and leave. It is perfectly normal to use a translation app or show them written questions.
Q4: My electricity was not turned on when I arrived. What do I do?
A: First, check the breaker panel — usually inside the entrance hallway or in a utility cupboard. Flip the main breaker (主幹ブレーカー) to ON. If individual circuit breakers (分岐ブレーカー) have tripped, reset those too. If the power still does not come on:
- Confirm the date you applied for service — did you specify today's date?
- Call your provider's emergency/24-hour line (TEPCO: 0120-995-007)
- If the meter seal is still on (a metal seal or tag on the meter), the meter may not have been activated yet — this is rare but happens in newly built buildings
Q5: Do I need to be home when the electricity is turned on?
A: For most existing apartment buildings, no. Electricity is activated remotely or at the breaker and you just flip the switch when you arrive. You only need to be home if:
- It is a newly built building requiring first-time energization (初通電)
- Your meter is locked and requires a technician to unseal it
Gas, on the other hand, always requires you to be home.
Q6: What if I need to stop my utilities when I move out?
A: Contact each provider at least 3–7 days before your move-out date. This process is called 「解約・使用停止」(cancellation / use termination). You need to:
- Provide your current address, customer number, and your move-out date
- Provide a forwarding address for the final bill (or bank account for refund of any prepaid balance)
- For gas: A technician will come to close the meter (you usually do not need to be present)
- For electricity: Service stops automatically on the date you specify
- For water: Submit a use-termination notice online or by phone
Do not forget to cancel your NHK contract too, or billing will continue to your old address.
Q7: Can I transfer my utilities to a new address when I move within Japan?
A: Yes, for most utilities this is called 「転居」(relocation) and is handled as a single process:
- Same provider area: Electricity and gas can be transferred (住所変更) rather than cancelled and re-applied, which maintains your payment history and credit relationship
- Different provider area: You must cancel the old contract and open a new one in the new area
- Water: Cancel with one municipal waterworks bureau and apply separately with the new municipality
Q8: Is there an English receipt or invoice I can use for taxes?
A: Most Japanese utility companies issue bills only in Japanese. However:
- TEPCO allows you to download PDF statements from your account portal
- Some providers will mail or email English-format receipts upon request (not guaranteed)
- For tax/accounting purposes, your company's accountant or a tax professional (税理士) can translate Japanese utility bills
Q9: Can I negotiate utility rates as a foreigner?
A: For city gas and water, rates are regulated — there is no negotiation. For electricity, you can switch providers freely and may save 5–15% by choosing a competitive new-entry provider (新電力). For internet, promotional offers (especially for new customers or bundled mobile plans) are common and worth asking about.
Q10: What do I do in a utility emergency?
A: Keep these numbers saved:
| Emergency | Number | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Gas leak | 119 (fire department) or gas company emergency line | Open all windows, do NOT use electricity |
| TEPCO electricity emergency | 0120-995-007 | 24 hours |
| Tokyo Gas emergency | 0120-19-9911 | 24 hours |
| Osaka Gas emergency | 0120-0-94817 | 24 hours |
| Water leak | Your city's waterworks bureau emergency line | Found on your water bill |
For gas leaks specifically: open all windows, do NOT switch any electrical appliances on or off, leave the building, and call 119 from outside.
Final Checklist: Utilities Setup for New Arrivals in Japan
Print or save this checklist and tick each item before and after your move:
Before Moving Day
- [ ] Confirm gas type (city gas or propane)
- [ ] Apply for electricity online (3–7 days before)
- [ ] Call/apply online for gas inspection — choose a time slot you can be home for
- [ ] Apply for water service start
- [ ] Apply for fiber internet (allow 2–6 weeks)
- [ ] Order pocket Wi-Fi or mobile SIM for immediate use
On Moving Day
- [ ] Check electricity is on (flip breaker if needed)
- [ ] Confirm water runs from taps
- [ ] Be home for gas inspection (or reschedule if needed)
- [ ] Note your customer numbers for electricity, gas, and water
Within First Month
- [ ] Set up bank auto-debit (口座振替) for electricity, gas, water
- [ ] Register for NHK if you own a TV
- [ ] Confirm internet installation date
- [ ] Save emergency utility phone numbers in your phone
Before Moving Out
- [ ] Notify electricity provider (use termination)
- [ ] Notify gas provider (use termination)
- [ ] Notify waterworks bureau (use termination)
- [ ] Cancel NHK contract
- [ ] Cancel or transfer internet plan
- [ ] Provide forwarding address for final bills
Conclusion
Setting up utilities in Japan is a manageable process once you understand the structure. The single most important thing to remember is: schedule your gas inspection appointment before you move in. Everything else — electricity, water, internet — can be handled with a bit more flexibility, but gas requires an in-person technician visit that cannot be skipped or self-served.
As a foreigner, do not be embarrassed to ask for help. Your real estate agent, building manager, or a Japanese-speaking friend can save you hours of frustration, especially for phone-only processes. Major cities increasingly offer English support, and written communication via email or chat gives you time to use translation tools.
Japan's utility infrastructure is reliable, safe, and — once set up — largely automatic. Bill payments, service changes, and even provider switches can be handled online. After the initial setup effort, most people forget about their utilities entirely until the bill arrives — which is exactly how it should be.
Welcome to Japan, and good luck with your new home.
Disclaimer: Utility pricing, provider details, and regulatory requirements change periodically. Always verify current information directly with your utility provider or local authority. This guide is for reference only and does not constitute legal or professional advice.
⚠️ 免責事項： 本ページの情報は参考目的であり、最新の正確な情報は各行政窓口・公式サイトでご確認ください。