Setting up utilities when you move into a Japanese apartment is more straightforward than many expect — but the process, providers, and timelines differ from other countries. This guide covers electricity, gas, water, and internet setup for new residents in Japan.
Overview: When Utilities Are Set Up
In Japan, utilities are the tenant’s responsibility to establish. Most apartments have existing connections but inactive accounts. You’ll typically need to set up:
- Electricity (電気) — activate on or before move-in day
- Gas (ガス) — requires an inspection visit from the gas company; schedule in advance
- Water (水道) — in most apartments, already active; may need municipal registration
- Internet — allow 1–3 weeks for fiber installation
Your real estate agency will often provide a utility setup guide (引越しの手引き) with local provider information. Ask for this when you sign your contract.
Electricity Setup
Japanese apartments use 100V / 50Hz (eastern Japan) or 100V / 60Hz (western Japan). The breaker panel is typically in the apartment — flip the main breaker on move-in day and electricity often activates immediately.
To establish your account:
- Find the electricity meter number (inside the breaker panel or meter box)
- Contact the regional electricity provider (東京電力 TEPCO in Tokyo; 関西電力 KEPCO in Osaka/Kyoto; 九州電力 Kyushu Electric in Fukuoka)
- Register by phone or online — most major providers have English-language registration options
- Set up bank account auto-payment (口座振替) or use convenience store payments
Electricity liberalization (2016) means you can choose from multiple providers. Default regional providers are simplest for new arrivals. Competitive rates from alternative providers (楽天でんき, auでんき, etc.) may save money once settled.
Gas Setup
Gas setup requires an in-person inspection visit. This is non-negotiable for safety reasons — a gas company technician must inspect connections and light pilot lights before you can use the stove or water heater.
Process:
- Contact the regional gas company (東京ガス Tokyo Gas; 大阪ガス Osaka Gas; 西部ガス Seibu Gas for Fukuoka)
- Schedule an inspection visit — usually available within 1–3 business days
- Someone must be present during the inspection (typically 30–60 minutes)
- Technician activates gas and demonstrates safe use of appliances
- Register for billing — bank auto-payment or convenience store
Schedule your gas inspection for move-in day or immediately after. Without gas, you’ll have no hot water and no stove.
Water Setup
Water service in Japan is managed by municipal governments. In most apartment buildings, water is already active. However, you may need to:
- Notify the municipal waterworks bureau (水道局) of the new tenant — sometimes handled by your building management
- Pay a separate water bill or have it included in rent — confirm with your landlord or agency
In many apartments, water billing is bundled into building management fees. Confirm your billing arrangement before move-in.
Internet Setup
Japan has excellent internet infrastructure — fiber (光 hikari) is widely available and delivers 1Gbps speeds at reasonable prices. Setup takes longer than other utilities.
Main options:
- Fiber (光回線): NTT Flets Hikari (infrastructure) + ISP (provider). Most common: OCN, So-net, BIGLOBE, NiftyNetwork. Requires installation visit. Allow 2–4 weeks.
- Home router SIM (ホームルーター): Softbank Airなど. Plug-and-play 4G/5G router. No installation needed, activates in days. Slightly lower speeds but easier setup.
- Pocket WiFi (モバイルWiFi): Portable device, works immediately. Good for the interim while fiber is being installed.
If your building has a pre-installed fiber contract (マンション全戸一括 — whole-building contract), you can activate it quickly and cheaply through the building’s designated ISP. Ask your agent or building manager.
English-language ISP options: IIJmio, Sakura Internet, and several others offer English support. NTT’s fiber infrastructure works with any ISP.
Postal Address Registration
Once you move in, update your residence card address (在留カード住所変更) at your municipal office within 14 days — this is legally required. Bring your residence card and new lease agreement.
Also update:
- My Number card address if applicable
- Bank accounts
- Health insurance and pension records
- Employer HR records
Moving Notification (転居届)
Submit a moving notification (転居届) at your new municipal office. This updates your residence registration (住民票). Required for receiving local government mail and many administrative procedures.
Utility providers, plans, and setup processes are subject to change. Confirm current procedures with providers at time of move. This guide provides practical orientation, not professional advice.