Setting Up Electricity, Gas, Water, and Internet in Japan

When you rent an apartment in Japan, you usually set up electricity, gas, water, and internet yourself. None of it is difficult, but some of it takes time, so it helps to start before you move in. This guide explains each one.

The short answer

• Electricity and water: apply online or by phone before you move in.
• Gas: book a visit, because someone usually needs to be there when it is turned on.
• Internet: start early. Fiber can take several weeks to install.

To get these steps with dates for your move, use our moving checklist.

Electricity

Since April 2016, people in Japan have been able to choose their electricity company. Many people simply use their area’s main power company, but you can compare plans from other companies too.

• Apply online or by phone a few days before you move in. You will need your address and your move-in date.
• It also helps to know your building name, room number, and meter number. Ask your agent, or look for a form that is often left in the apartment.
• On moving day, turn on the main switch on the breaker box if the power is off.

Gas

If your apartment has gas, it uses either city gas or propane (LP gas). Your agent or landlord can tell you which one and which company to contact.

• Book a time for the gas company to turn on the gas. Someone usually needs to be at home for this, because a gas company worker checks the equipment.
• Book early, especially in March and April, when many people move.
• Until the gas is on, you may not have hot water.

Water

Water is provided by your local water bureau. Apply online or by phone before you move in. In many apartments, the water is already running, and you just need to fill out and send in the form left in the apartment.

Internet

You have a few options:

• Fiber (hikari): the fastest and most stable. Installation can take several weeks, and in some buildings you need the landlord’s permission.
• Mobile home router: a Wi-Fi box that uses the mobile network. There is no installation. You just plug it in, and it works right away. Speed depends on the area.
• Mobile data: at first, some people share their phone’s data with their laptop (tethering).

Before you sign, check the contract length, the fee for canceling early, and whether you must pay the rest of the installation cost if you cancel. Some plans require a two- or three-year contract, which may not suit a short stay.

Paying your bills

Most companies let you pay by automatic withdrawal from your bank account or by credit card. Some also send payment slips that you can pay at a convenience store. Automatic payment is the easiest way to avoid missed payments. To learn how to open a bank account, read our guide: Your First Weeks in Japan: Address, Phone, and Bank Account in the Right Order.

When you move out

Contact each company about a week before you move out, and tell them your move-out date and where to send your final bill. Return any rented internet equipment.

In a share house

In most share houses, electricity, gas, water, and Wi-Fi are already set up and are usually included in the common fee. That means you can skip all of these steps. To learn more, read our guide: What Is a Share House in Japan? A Simple Guide

Sources

• Agency for Natural Resources and Energy, What Is the Full Retail Liberalization of Electricity? enecho.meti.go.jp (Japanese)