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.
Quick Answer: What Should New Residents Know About Setting Up Utilities in Japan?
Each utility (electricity, gas, water, internet) has its own process, timing, and provider — and conditions vary by property, region, and your landlord or management company.
- Gas setup requires your presence: A technician must visit to open the gas valve and check equipment. This appointment is typically required before gas can be used.
- Start with your landlord: Ask which utilities are included in rent or management fees, and which providers are pre-arranged, before signing up for anything independently.
- Payment setup takes time: Bank auto-debit (口座振替) requires a Japanese bank account. Have your payment method ready before or soon after moving in.
- Internet lead time: Fiber installation typically takes 2–6 weeks. Apply as soon as you have a confirmed address.
Utility provider options, procedures, fees and contact details change. Verify current conditions with your real estate company, management company, municipal office, and each provider before setting up. This is general planning information.
Utilities Setup Checklist
| Utility | What to check | When to arrange | Payment note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electricity | Provider for your area, meter/service number, move-in date | Apply before or on move-in day — can often be done online | Bank transfer or credit card; set up after bank account opens |
| Gas | City gas vs propane; provider contact; appointment availability | Book 1–2 weeks ahead; earlier during peak moving season | Bank transfer or credit card; you must be present for the appointment |
| Water | Whether included in rent/management; municipal water bureau contact | Confirm with landlord before move-in | Municipal billing; method varies by city |
| Internet | Provider availability, building rules, contract terms, installation timeline | Apply immediately — installation takes 2–6 weeks; use pocket WiFi while waiting | Credit card or bank transfer; check provider requirements |
| Mobile phone | Residence card, payment method, contract type, device compatibility | Before or just after arrival; needed for bank account setup | Bank transfer or credit card depending on provider |
| Garbage rules | Local sorting rules, collection schedule, designated pickup spots | Before move-in day — rules vary by municipality and building | No payment usually; check with management company |
| Building / management company | Which utilities are included, which providers are permitted, emergency contacts | At lease signing — ask before move-in | May be included in management fee; confirm in lease |
| Emergency contacts | Gas emergency line, utility company numbers, building emergency contact | Record at move-in; especially gas company number | Keep accessible at all times |
Payment Options for Utilities
| Payment method | Best for | What to check | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bank auto-debit (口座振替) |
Most utilities, rent — convenient and automatic | Requires Japanese bank account; setup takes 1–2 billing cycles | Allow time before your first bill; ensure sufficient account balance |
| Credit card | Internet, NHK, some utilities | Not all providers accept cards; check foreign-issued card acceptance | Provider acceptance varies; international cards may not be accepted by all |
| Convenience store (コンビニ払い) |
One-time or occasional payments; before bank account is open | Barcode on bill slip; available at 7-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart | Requires monthly trips; not ideal for all recurring bills; due dates apply |
| Bank transfer (振込) |
Municipal bills, some providers | May require in-person bank visit or internet banking; fees may apply | Less convenient for recurring monthly bills; fee per transfer at some banks |
See also: Banking in Japan · Cashless Payment Guide
Common Utility Setup Mistakes in Japan
- Not aligning move-in and activation dates: Electricity and gas services don’t start automatically. Apply before or on your move-in day — especially for gas, which requires a technician appointment.
- Forgetting you must be present for gas setup: A gas company technician must visit to open the valve and inspect equipment. Missing this appointment means no gas until rescheduled. Book early and confirm the time slot.
- Not checking payment method requirements first: Many utilities require a Japanese bank account or Japanese credit card for auto-debit. Set up your bank account as soon as possible after arrival.
- Not thinking about the order of setup: Bank account → phone number → utilities auto-debit. Some steps depend on others. Plan the sequence before you move in.
- Not checking garbage rules before move-in: Garbage collection rules (sorting categories, days, approved bags, pickup locations) vary by municipality and building. Mistakes can result in uncollected garbage. Ask your management company or city hall before move-in.
- Forgetting to cancel utilities when moving out: Failing to notify providers when vacating can result in ongoing charges. Cancel electricity, gas, water, and internet in advance of your move-out date.
- Confusing the management company’s role with the utility provider’s: Your building management company may handle some building-level services (like building internet or shared spaces), but individual utility contracts are usually your responsibility. Clarify what is included in your lease.
- Relying on outdated information: Provider contact numbers, procedures, fees, and available plans change. Always verify directly with the relevant utility provider, municipality, or your management company.
Utility Setup FAQ
- How do I set up utilities in Japan as a foreign resident?
- Start by confirming with your landlord or management company which utilities are included in rent and which you need to set up independently. Then contact each utility provider (electricity, gas, water) with your move-in date and address. Most providers have English-language support options or online sign-up. Verify current procedures directly with each provider.
- Do I need to be present for gas setup in Japan?
- Yes — a gas company technician must visit your apartment to open the gas valve and inspect the equipment before gas service can begin. An adult must be present. Book this appointment as early as possible, especially during peak moving seasons (February–April) when scheduling can be delayed.
- Can I pay utilities at convenience stores in Japan?
- Yes — many utility providers issue bills with barcodes that can be paid at convenience stores (7-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart, etc.). This is a useful option if you don’t yet have a Japanese bank account or credit card, but it requires paying each bill in person each month. Check whether your provider offers this payment method.
- Do I need a Japanese bank account to set up utilities?
- Bank auto-debit (口座振替) — the most common payment method for utilities — requires a Japanese bank account. Without one, you can pay by convenience store bill, bank transfer, or credit card (where accepted). Setting up a Japanese bank account as early as possible simplifies utility payment significantly. See Banking in Japan for guidance.
- Are utilities included in rent in Japan?
- It depends on the property. Some apartments include water, building internet, or shared-space costs in the management fee. Others require tenants to set up all utilities independently. Check your lease or ask your landlord or management company directly before moving in.
- How do I stop utilities when moving out of Japan?
- Contact each utility provider (electricity, gas, water, internet) to notify them of your move-out date and cancel service. Do this at least 1–2 weeks before your final day. For internet contracts with minimum periods, check cancellation fees. Your management company can advise on building-specific procedures.
- What should I ask my landlord or management company before move-in?
- Useful questions: Which utilities are included in rent or management fees? Which internet providers are permitted in the building? Is a gas appointment needed, and who arranges it? What are the garbage collection rules and schedule? Are there any building-specific rules for utility setup? Getting these answers before move-in avoids delays and surprises.