Setting up utilities in Japan is a manageable process that has become more foreigner-friendly over time, with English support available from most major providers. This guide walks through electricity, gas, water, internet, and NHK in the order you will typically need them.
Electricity (電気, Denki)
Electric service in Japan runs on two frequencies: 50Hz in eastern Japan (Tokyo, Tohoku, Hokkaido) and 60Hz in western Japan (Osaka, Kyoto, Nagoya, Hiroshima, Kyushu). Most modern appliances are dual-frequency; check for older items. Voltage is 100V throughout Japan (lower than North America’s 120V and Europe’s 220–240V).
The electricity market was deregulated in 2016 — you can choose your provider. The default regional utility (Tokyo: TEPCO, Osaka: Kansai Electric, etc.) is the simplest choice for new residents. To start service:
- Find the meter number or service point number (お客様番号) on the electricity meter in your new apartment
- Call TEPCO (0120-995-007, English available) or your regional provider, or apply online at their website
- Provide: your move-in date, the meter/service number, your name, address, and contact information
- Payment is by bank transfer or credit card — set up after your bank account is established
If the previous tenant’s service was cancelled, there may be a brief gap — apply before move-in day if possible.
Gas (ガス, Gasu)
Gas in Japan is either city gas (都市ガス, toshi gasu) or propane/LPG (プロパンガス). City gas is piped and managed by regional utilities (Tokyo Gas, Osaka Gas, Toho Gas for Nagoya, etc.). Propane is supplied by a tank at the property — managed by a local provider arranged by the landlord.
For city gas setup, call Tokyo Gas (0570-002211, English available) or your regional gas company with your move-in date and address. A technician must visit to open the gas valve and safety-check the equipment — this is a brief appointment, typically same-day or next-day for off-peak periods, up to a week during peak moving season. You (or an adult) must be present for this appointment. Do not attempt to open the gas valve yourself.
Important safety: Japanese gas meters include automatic earthquake shutoff valves. After any significant earthquake, your gas will shut off. Restoration procedure: ventilate the space, check for smell, then press and hold the reset button on the meter. If you smell gas, do not restore — call the gas company.
Water (水道, Suido)
Water supply is managed by each municipality. In most rental apartments, the landlord or building manager handles water registration — confirm with your landlord whether you need to register independently. If required, contact your city/ward water bureau (水道局) with your move-in date and address. In some municipalities, water is included in the management fee — clarify in your rental contract.
Internet (インターネット)
Japan has excellent broadband infrastructure. Options for home internet:
- NURO Optical (NURO光) — fastest widely available home fiber, competitive pricing (¥2,000–5,000/month after promotions), strong in Tokyo area
- NTT Flets Hikari (フレッツ光) — the national NTT fiber network; used by many ISPs including So-net, OCN, and Plala. Reliable nationwide.
- au Hikari / SoftBank Hikari — major carrier fiber; often bundled with mobile contracts for combined discounts
- Home router / pocket wifi (WiMAX, Softbank Air) — faster to set up, no technician visit; slower speeds but adequate for most uses if fiber installation is delayed
Fiber internet installation requires a technician visit and typically takes 2–6 weeks to schedule — apply immediately after confirming your new address. During the wait, a pocket wifi device bridges the gap. NTT lines require permission from your building management company — apartment managers typically have this pre-authorized, but confirm.
English-language ISP services: Japan WiFi Buddy, Sakura Fiber, and some NTT plans offer English support. NURO and major carriers have English online sign-up options in major cities.
NHK (受信料, Jushinhyō)
NHK (Japan Broadcasting Corporation) charges a mandatory reception fee (受信料) to any household possessing a device capable of receiving NHK broadcasts — including televisions and, per recent developments, certain devices with built-in TV tuners. The fee is approximately ¥1,320/month (monthly) or ¥2,220/month (bimonthly) or ¥12,276/year (annual discount). Payment is by bank transfer or credit card.
NHK collectors may visit your apartment to register you. Once registered, payment is required. If you do not own a television or NHK-capable device, you can decline — show the collector your device inventory if asked. Foreign residents are treated identically to Japanese residents under NHK rules. The fee is not optional if you have a qualifying device; many residents pay it as a standard utility cost.
Mobile Phone Plans
Mobile service requires a residence card and either a Japanese bank account or credit card. Major carriers (docomo, au/KDDI, SoftBank) offer full plans with Japanese credit card or cash payment options. Low-cost MVNOs (格安SIM) — IIJmio, Mineo, Rakuten Mobile, ahamo, povo, LINEMO — offer cheaper plans on the same networks. Rakuten Mobile’s flat-rate ¥3,278/month unlimited plan is popular with foreign residents for its simplicity. SIM-only plans (SIMのみ) are useful if you bring an unlocked phone.