Setting Up Utilities in Japan: Electricity, Gas, Water and Internet
Just moved to Japan? This guide walks you through getting electricity, gas, water, and home internet up and running, with clear steps, documents you’ll need, typical timelines, payment options, safety tips you can use right away.
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Before you start
Have these basics ready when you apply:
- Full address and move-in date
- Name in romaji (and kana if you have it)
- Phone number and email
- Payment method (bank account for auto-debit, or credit card)
- ID or residence info if requested by a provider
- Landlord or agent contact (some applications ask for it)
If you are still setting up banking, bookmark Opening a Bank Account in Japan.
How utilities work in Japan at a glance
- Electricity: Since 2016, households can choose their electricity retailer (not just the legacy utility). The physical grid is still run by regional transmission and distribution operators.
- Gas: Homes use either city gas (natural gas) via pipelines or LP/propane gas in cylinders, depending on the building and area. Ask your agent which type your home uses.
- Water: Managed by each city’s waterworks bureau. You usually apply to your city’s bureau to start or stop service. In Tokyo and Yokohama you can apply online in English.
- Paying bills: Electricity and gas are billed monthly; water is usually billed every two months. You can pay by auto-debit, credit card, bank, post office, or convenience store barcode slip.
- Power specs: Standard voltage is 100V. Frequency is 50 Hz in eastern Japan and 60 Hz in western Japan. Most modern devices work fine, but some appliances are frequency-sensitive.
Quick reference table
| Utility | Who you contact | How to start | Presence needed | Typical timing | How you pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electricity | Your chosen retailer or regional utility (e.g., TEPCO in Kanto, KEPCO in Kansai) | Online or phone; flip the breaker to ON at move-in | No | Often same-day once registered | Auto-debit, card, bank, convenience store |
| Gas | Your city-gas company (e.g., Tokyo Gas) or LP-gas supplier listed by landlord | Book a technician visit to open the valve and do a safety check | Yes (you or a proxy) | Bookable time slots; schedule ahead | Auto-debit, card, bank, convenience store |
| Water | City waterworks bureau | Online or phone application | Usually no | Start from your move-in date | Auto-debit, bank, convenience store; billed every two months |
Electricity setup
Step 1 — Choose a retailer or stay with the default
Japan’s electricity retail market is fully liberalized. You can choose a plan from many retailers (some bundle gas, points, or “green” options), or you can contract the legacy company in your area.
If you prefer a straightforward start in Kanto, TEPCO Energy Partner provides an English portal. In Kansai, KEPCO offers English pages with move-in instructions.
Related reading: Cost of Living in Japan 2025, How to Pay Bills in Japan
Step 2 — Apply online and turn the breaker ON
Most apartments already have a meter. After you submit your online application, go to the breaker panel and switch all breakers to ON to energize your unit. If power doesn’t come on, contact the regional utility per their guide.
If you’re moving out, TEPCO’s local guidance (e.g., Saitama City) recommends notifying 3–4 days in advance so they can close your account and do final reading/settlement.
Step 3 — Pick a payment method
For electricity, you can set up auto-debit, credit card, or pay barcode slips at a convenience store or post office—handy if your bank account isn’t ready yet.
Planning your finances? See Money Saving Guide and Paying Bills in Japan.
What about voltage and frequency?
Japan uses 100V with 50/60 Hz split by region (roughly east/west). Most laptops and phone chargers are dual-voltage; some large appliances from abroad may not be. Check the rating label.
New to appliances here? Read Using Home Appliances in Japan.
Gas setup
City gas versus LP gas
- City gas (natural gas): Piped supply from companies like Tokyo Gas (Kanto) or Osaka Gas (Kansai).
- LP/propane gas: Cylinders managed by a local vendor; common in some suburbs and older buildings.
Your lease or agent will say which your home uses. Newer urban buildings tend to be city gas.
Step 1 — Book the opening appointment
Starting city gas requires an on-site technician to open the line, check appliances, and explain safety. You (or an adult proxy) must be present. Tokyo Gas states that attendance is required for opening and provides appointment windows, including weekends.
If you’re in Kansai, Osaka Gas has an English “Moving Home” page to start or stop service and confirm details by email/phone.
Tip: Book gas as soon as you know your move-in date to avoid a cold first night.
Step 2 — Payment options and bundling
Gas bills support auto-debit, credit card, and convenience-store payments. Some providers offer gas + electricity bundles with small monthly discounts (the exact amount varies by plan and campaign).
Considering a bundle? Compare options in Money Saving Guide and Utility Costs in Japan.
Safety you should actually use
- If you smell gas: Ventilate, close appliance taps and the meter tap, and call the 24-hour leak line (Tokyo Gas Network 0570-002299; IP/overseas 03-6735-8899).
- After earthquakes: Many gas meters auto-shut for safety. Follow the meter’s reset instructions or check your gas company’s “No Gas / Resetting Your Meter” page.
Keep this number on your phone and fridge. For other regions, your gas company lists a similar emergency line.
Water setup
Step 1 — Start or transfer your contract
Water is handled by the city waterworks bureau.
- Tokyo: You can start/stop water in English online (no customer number needed to start).
- Yokohama: Contact the Customer Service Center at least 3 days in advance to start/stop service; meters are read every two months.
Other cities provide similar pages; your agent can confirm the correct office.
Step 2 — If water doesn’t run on day one
Sometimes the main valve is off. Turn the main stop valve (often near the meter) fully open. If you still have trouble, call the bureau. Local guides in Tokyo note this common move-in hiccup.
Billing and payment
Expect bi-monthly billing. You can pay via bank/post office, convenience stores, or auto-debit after registration.
Home internet setup
You have four common ways to get online at home. Choose by installation effort, lead time, contract length, and whether your building allows new wiring.
Option 1 — Fiber to the home or building
- NTT FLET’S Hikari (NTT East/West) provides the fiber line; you also sign with an ISP (e.g., Asahi Net). English pages are available for both NTT East and NTT West.
- NTT East notes that waiting times for start of service can vary by circumstances—plan ahead.
- au Hikari provides an English outline and a workflow PDF showing on-site installation taking about 30–60 minutes depending on conditions (this is the workday install duration, not the lead time to get an appointment).
Ask your landlord first; many rentals require permission for drilling or new outlets. See Renter’s Rights in Japan.
Option 2 — Cable internet
If your building already has coax, J:COM can be a smooth move-in option and has English “moving” guidance.
Option 3 — “Home 5G” plug-and-play
DOCOMO home 5G (and rivals like SoftBank Air/WiMAX) use a 5G/LTE home router you plug into an outlet—no on-site wiring—so it’s ideal if you can’t wait for fiber or drilling isn’t allowed.
Option 4 — Pocket Wi-Fi or short-term rentals
English-friendly companies like Sakura Mobile and Japan Wireless rent pocket Wi-Fi for flexible terms—great as a stopgap while you wait for fiber, or for students.
Internet options compared
| Option | Install visit | Typical lead time | Contract length | Good for | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fiber (NTT East/West + ISP) | Yes | Varies by building and schedule; plan ahead | Often 2 years or monthly plans | Fast, stable work-from-home | NTT East/West + Asahi Net |
| Fiber (au Hikari) | Yes | Appointment required; install work ~30–60 min | Often 2 years | High bandwidth, bundles | au Hikari |
| Cable | Maybe (often simple) | If building is ready, can be quick | Varies | TV + internet in one | J:COM |
| Home 5G router | No | Same-day after pickup/activation | Monthly | No drilling, move-friendly | DOCOMO home 5G |
| Pocket Wi-Fi | No | Same-day pickup/delivery | Daily/Monthly | Temporary bridge | Sakura Mobile, Japan Wireless |
Need a mobile line, too? See Japanese SIM Card Guide.
Payment, billing cycles, and how to avoid surprises
- Convenience store payments work everywhere. Bring the bill with its barcode to 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, or Lawson and pay at the counter. This is especially useful before you set up auto-debit.
- You can switch later to account transfer or credit card through your provider’s portal. Utilities in Tokyo’s official multilingual guide also note the monthly cycle for electricity/gas and bi-monthly for water.
- Many providers now offer paperless billing and online dashboards (availability varies by company and area). Check your provider’s English page for details.
New to bill paying? Save How to Pay Bills in Japan for step-by-step screenshots.
Your first-week checklist
Seven days before move-in
- Apply for electricity with your chosen retailer. If you plan to switch from the legacy utility, compare plans first.
- Book your gas opening appointment; choose a slot when you can be at home.
- Submit your water start application to your city bureau (Tokyo/Yokohama accept English online).
Move-in day
- Electricity: Flip the breaker to ON. If there’s still no power, contact the regional utility per their guide.
- Water: Open the main stop valve if taps don’t run and confirm your contract is filed.
- Gas: Be present for the technician to open and test the line safely.
- Internet: Use pocket Wi-Fi or a home-5G router while waiting for fiber installation, if needed.
Within the first month
- Switch bill payment to auto-debit or credit card for each utility.
- Add the gas leak hotline and city water bureau to your phone. For Tokyo Gas Network: 0570-002299 (24h).
Moving out soon? Notify electricity about 3–4 days in advance; gas and water typically need a few days’ notice too.
Common questions
Do I need a Japanese bank account to start service?
No. You can start utilities and pay initial bills at convenience stores, then switch to bank transfer or credit card once your account is ready.
What if my apartment uses LP/propane gas?
Your landlord or agent will list the designated LP-gas vendor. The opening also requires a visit and safety check. (City gas vs LP basics here.)
How long does internet installation take?
It varies by provider, building, and appointment slots. NTT East notes that waiting times may be affected by circumstances; au Hikari’s install work itself typically takes 30–60 minutes once the team arrives.
Can I bundle gas and electricity?
Yes—many companies offer bundles in some areas. Discounts are modest but real; check plan pages and current campaigns.
Why does my appliance label mention 50/60 Hz?
Japan’s grid runs at 50 Hz in the east and 60 Hz in the west. Most electronics are fine, but some motors and clocks are frequency-specific.
Troubleshooting quick fixes
- No power after application: Breaker OFF; flip it ON. If still out, call the regional utility (e.g., KEPCO’s instructions) for support.
- No hot water: Your gas may not be opened yet. Check your appointment.
- No water from taps: Open the main stop valve; then contact your water bureau.
- Gas smell: Ventilate, close taps and meter, and call the 24-hour gas leak number.
Internet picks if you need English support
If you want English support from day one, consider:
- Fiber: NTT East/West line + an English-friendly ISP such as Asahi Net.
- Home 5G: DOCOMO home 5G for no-install, plug-and-play.
- Pocket Wi-Fi: Sakura Mobile or Japan Wireless.
Also see Japanese SIM Card Guide for phone + data options that pair well with home internet.
Move-in timeline you can copy
| When | Action | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| T-14 to T-7 days | Book gas opening; apply for electricity; file water start | Gas requires your presence; water often can start on your move-in date. |
| T-7 to T-3 days | Order home 5G or pocket Wi-Fi if you need interim service | Same-day or next-day is often possible. |
| Move-in day | Flip breaker ON; open main water valve; attend gas appointment | Keep your passport/residence card handy just in case. |
| Week 1 | Set up auto-debit/card payments | Avoid missed bills; water is bi-monthly. |
Final tips for a smooth start
- Ask your agent for the exact provider names used previously at the address—this speeds applications.
- Keep your contract numbers once they arrive; you’ll use them on phone calls and forms.
- If your building requires permission for fiber drilling, apply early—use home 5G or pocket Wi-Fi as a bridge.
- Save emergency contacts: gas leak hotline and your waterworks bureau.
- Set calendar reminders for bi-monthly water bills if you don’t use auto-debit.
Keep exploring our Housing & Living hub:
Expat Housing Guide, Housing Deposits Explained, Tenant Rights in Japan, How to Pay Bills in Japan, Cost of Living in Japan 2025, Japanese SIM Card Guide.
You’re all set. Follow the steps above and you’ll have lights on, hot water running, and fast Wi-Fi without the stress.
Disclaimer
This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Laws, prices and regulations vary by location and change over time. Consult a qualified professional for guidance on your specific situation.
