Setting Up Utilities in Japan?
The only step-by-step guide you need. Free, in plain English, with the exact Japanese phrases to use.
Electricity • Gas • Water • Internet • MobileIntroduction
Last updated: 2026-03
Moving to Japan is exciting, but getting your utilities set up can feel overwhelming — especially when everything is in Japanese. This guide walks you through each utility step by step, with the exact phrases you need and common pitfalls to avoid.
Before You Start: Documents You'll Need
Have these ready
- Residence Card (Zairyu Card / 在留カード)
- Your new address in Japanese (ask your landlord or real estate agent)
- Japanese bank account (for automatic payments) or credit card
- Inkan/Hanko (personal seal) — not always required but helpful
- Phone number that works in Japan (even a temporary SIM)
- Your move-in date
How Utilities Work in Japan: Overview
| Utility | Difficulty | Time to Setup | Monthly Cost (1 person) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electricity | Easy | Same day - 3 days | ¥3,000 - ¥6,000 |
| Gas | Medium (requires appointment) | 3 - 7 days | ¥2,000 - ¥5,000 |
| Water | Easy | Same day - 2 days | ¥2,000 - ¥4,000 |
| Internet | Hard (long wait) | 2 - 6 weeks | ¥4,000 - ¥6,000 |
| Mobile Phone | Easy - Medium | Same day - 3 days | ¥1,000 - ¥8,000 |
⚡ Electricity
Last updated: 2026-03
What You Need
- Your new address
- Move-in date
- Customer number (on the postcard/sticker in your new apartment, if available)
- Payment method (credit card, bank account, or convenience store payment)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Choose a Provider
Since 2016, Japan's electricity market has been deregulated. You can choose from many providers, but the easiest option is to go with your regional utility:
| Region | Default Provider | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Tokyo area | TEPCO (Tokyo Electric Power) | 0120-995-001 |
| Kansai (Osaka) | Kansai Electric | 0800-777-8810 |
| Chubu (Nagoya) | Chubu Electric | 0120-921-691 |
| Kyushu (Fukuoka) | Kyushu Electric | 0120-986-206 |
Apply Online or By Phone
Most major providers have an online application form. TEPCO even has an English-language page. You can also call — some providers have English support lines.
You'll need to provide:
- Your name (as on your Residence Card)
- New address
- Desired start date
- Payment method
Move-in Day Setup
In most apartments, electricity is ready to use immediately. Just flip the breaker switch (ブレーカー) in your unit — it's usually located near the front door, in a metal box on the wall.
- Open the breaker box cover
- Push the main breaker switch (アンペアブレーカー) to "ON"
- Push individual circuit breakers to "ON"
- Test lights and outlets
Tips & Common Issues
- Ampere setting: Most apartments are set to 30A or 40A. If your breaker trips frequently (using AC + microwave + hair dryer at once), you can request an upgrade.
- Payment: You'll receive a paper bill in your mailbox. You can pay at any convenience store (konbini), or set up auto-pay from your bank account or credit card.
- Moving out: Don't forget to cancel your electricity when you leave! You can usually do this online or by phone.
Cost Estimate
| Usage | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| 1 person, light use | ¥3,000 - ¥4,000 |
| 1 person, heavy AC use (summer/winter) | ¥5,000 - ¥8,000 |
| 2 people | ¥5,000 - ¥8,000 |
| Family (3-4 people) | ¥8,000 - ¥15,000 |
🔥 Gas
Last updated: 2026-03
What You Need
- Your new address
- Move-in date
- Customer number (if available from a postcard in the apartment)
- You MUST be home for the gas inspection — schedule a time you'll be available
Step-by-Step Instructions
Contact Your Local Gas Company
Gas companies are regional. Contact yours based on your area:
| Region | Provider | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Tokyo area | Tokyo Gas | 0570-002-211 |
| Kansai (Osaka) | Osaka Gas | 0120-0-94817 |
| Chubu (Nagoya) | Toho Gas | 0570-783-987 |
| Kyushu (Fukuoka) | Saibu Gas | 0570-000-312 |
Schedule an Appointment
When you call or apply online, you'll need to schedule the safety inspection visit. Try to book this for your move-in day or the day after.
Popular time slots fill up fast, especially during the moving season (March-April). Book as early as possible.
Safety Inspection (Tachiai)
On the scheduled day, a technician will visit your apartment. The visit takes about 15-30 minutes. They will:
- Turn on the gas supply
- Check all gas appliances (stove, water heater) for leaks
- Explain how to use the gas safely
- Give you an emergency contact card
Tips & Common Issues
- City gas vs. propane (LP gas): Most urban apartments use city gas (都市ガス), which is cheaper. Some rural areas and older buildings use propane tanks (LPガス), which costs more. Check your apartment listing or ask your landlord.
- Gas stove compatibility: If you're buying a used stove, make sure it matches your gas type. A city gas stove won't work with propane and vice versa — and using the wrong type is dangerous.
- Earthquake shutoff: Gas meters have an automatic earthquake shutoff. After a big earthquake, you may need to reset the meter by pressing the reset button. Instructions are printed on the meter.
Cost Estimate
| Type | 1 Person Monthly |
|---|---|
| City Gas (cooking + hot water) | ¥2,000 - ¥4,000 |
| City Gas (with gas heating) | ¥4,000 - ¥8,000 |
| Propane / LP Gas | ¥4,000 - ¥10,000 |
💧 Water
Last updated: 2026-03
What You Need
- Your new address
- Move-in date
- Customer number (from the postcard in your apartment, if available)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Contact the Water Bureau
Water service is managed by your local government (city/ward). Contact your local water bureau (水道局).
You can often apply online, by phone, or even by filling out the postcard left in your apartment mailbox and dropping it in a mailbox.
Turn On the Valve
In many apartments, you can actually turn on the water yourself without waiting for the water bureau. Here's how:
- Find the water valve — it's usually near the front door, in a pipe space (PS) in the hallway, or in a ground-level box outside
- Turn the valve counterclockwise to open
- Check that water flows from your faucets
- Still call the water bureau to register — otherwise you're using unregistered water (they'll catch up to you!)
Tips & Payment Methods
- Billing cycle: Water is typically billed every 2 months, not monthly. So the bill may look larger than expected.
- Payment options: Convenience store payment (with the paper slip), bank auto-debit, credit card (varies by city), or Line Pay/PayPay in some cities.
- Tap water is safe: Japan's tap water is safe to drink in all major cities. No need to buy bottled water.
- Moving out: Contact the water bureau to stop service. They may need to come read the meter for your final bill.
Cost Estimate
| Usage | Bi-monthly Cost | Monthly Equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person, normal use | ¥3,000 - ¥5,000 | ¥1,500 - ¥2,500 |
| 2 people | ¥4,000 - ¥7,000 | ¥2,000 - ¥3,500 |
| Family | ¥6,000 - ¥10,000 | ¥3,000 - ¥5,000 |
🌐 Internet
Last updated: 2026-03
What You Need
- Your new address
- Residence Card
- Japanese credit card or bank account
- Landlord's permission (for fiber installation in some buildings)
Option A: Fiber (Hikari / 光回線)
Fiber internet is the gold standard in Japan — fast, reliable, and unlimited data. Most urban apartments have fiber infrastructure already installed.
Major Fiber Providers
NTT Flets Hikari
The largest provider. Available almost everywhere. Requires a separate ISP contract (like OCN, So-net, etc.).
Learn MoreNURO Hikari
Very fast (up to 2Gbps). Limited availability. Popular with tech-savvy users. Often has cashback campaigns.
Learn Moreau Hikari
Good speeds and bundling discounts if you use au mobile. Wide coverage.
Learn MoreSoftBank Hikari
Discounts for SoftBank/Y!mobile users. Uses NTT's network (Hikari Collaboration).
Learn MoreOption B: Pocket WiFi / Home Router
If you can't wait for fiber, or you move frequently, a portable WiFi device or home router is a good alternative. No installation needed — just plug in or charge up.
WiMAX (UQ / GMO)
Unlimited data (with some throttling). Good for most uses. No installation required.
Learn MoreRakuten Mobile (Home Router)
Very affordable. Uses Rakuten's network + partner networks. Coverage improving rapidly.
Learn MoreOption C: Budget SIM with Tethering
If you use minimal data, you can tether your phone's mobile data to your laptop. Many MVNOs (budget carriers) offer affordable plans with tethering included. See the Mobile Phone section for SIM recommendations.
Step-by-Step: Fiber Setup Process
Check Your Building
Ask your landlord or check with the provider if your building already has fiber infrastructure. If it does, installation is much faster (1-2 weeks). If not, it could take 4-8 weeks and requires landlord permission.
Apply Online or by Phone
Most providers have online applications. Some have English support. You'll choose a plan and schedule an installation date.
Installation Day
A technician will come to install the fiber terminal (ONU) in your apartment. You need to be home. The visit takes 1-2 hours. They'll set up the ONU and test the connection.
Set Up Your Router
You'll need a WiFi router. Some providers include one (sometimes for a rental fee). Otherwise, buy one — any standard WiFi router will work. Connect it to the ONU, and you're online.
Cost Estimate
| Type | Monthly Cost | Data Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Fiber (apartment) | ¥3,500 - ¥5,500 | Unlimited |
| Fiber (house) | ¥5,000 - ¥6,500 | Unlimited |
| Pocket WiFi / WiMAX | ¥3,500 - ¥5,000 | Unlimited* |
| Home Router | ¥3,000 - ¥5,000 | Varies |
📱 Mobile Phone
Last updated: 2026-03
What You Need
- Residence Card
- Japanese bank account or credit card
- An unlocked phone (check compatibility with Japanese bands)
- My Number card or notification (for some carriers)
Best SIMs for Foreigners
Recommendations based on r/japanlife community consensus, English support verification, and foreigner signup requirements.
Just Arrived (Passport Only — No Residence Card Needed)
These accept overseas credit cards and have full English signup. Use them as a bridge until you get your Residence Card, then switch to a cheaper long-term carrier.
Mobal
Order before arriving in Japan. Full English site. Accepts PayPal and overseas cards. Get a Japanese phone number instantly — useful for bank account signup. Best "day one" option.
Sakura Mobile
Built for foreigners. Full English site, SIM delivered to hotel/address, accepts overseas cards and PayPal. Higher price than domestic carriers — best used as a temporary solution for your first 1-2 months.
Settled In (Residence Card Required — Much Cheaper Long-Term)
Once you have your Residence Card, switch to one of these. They are the carriers most recommended by the foreign resident community in Japan.
Rakuten Mobile
Most popular among foreigners on Reddit. Full English website and signup flow. eSIM instant activation. Unlimited data at ¥3,278. Debit cards accepted. Weaker coverage in rural areas.
ahamo (by docomo)
Best network coverage in Japan (docomo). 30GB + 5-min free calls included. Online-only (no store visits). Japanese website only — but the community rates it #1 for reliability. Use Google Translate for signup.
LINEMO (by SoftBank)
Cheapest reliable option. LINE app data is free (doesn't count toward your cap). Has English info pages. SoftBank network quality. Great value if you mainly use LINE for communication.
povo 2.0 (by au)
Perfect as a backup SIM. Base plan costs nothing — buy data "toppings" when needed (e.g., 3GB/30 days = ¥990, or 24hr unlimited = ¥330). Multi-language support (EN/KR/VI/ZH). Popular as a second line.
How to Sign Up
Choose Your SIM Type
Decide between a physical SIM card or eSIM (if your phone supports it). eSIM is faster — you can activate it immediately without waiting for delivery.
Apply Online or In-Store
For foreigner-friendly carriers (Sakura Mobile, Mobal), apply on their English website. For Japanese carriers, you can visit a store with your Residence Card, or apply online if you can navigate Japanese.
Activate and Insert
Follow the carrier's activation instructions. For physical SIMs, insert the card and restart your phone. For eSIM, scan the QR code provided. Set APN settings if prompted (the carrier will provide these).
FAQ
Last updated: 2026-03
Yes! Major providers like TEPCO (electricity) and Tokyo Gas have some English support. For others, you can use the Japanese phrases in this guide, bring a Japanese-speaking friend, or use a translation app on your phone during the call. Many things can be done online as well.
Sometimes the previous tenant's service is still active. You still need to register the utilities under your name. Electricity and water may work immediately, but you must register. Gas always requires a new inspection.
Not necessarily for the first few months. You can pay bills at any convenience store (7-Eleven, FamilyMart, Lawson) using the paper bills that arrive in your mailbox. However, setting up automatic bank payment (口座振替) is strongly recommended for convenience. Some providers also accept credit cards.
If your building already has fiber infrastructure, usually 1-3 weeks. If new installation is needed, it can take 4-8 weeks. During the busy moving season (March-April), expect even longer waits. Consider a pocket WiFi as a temporary solution.
City gas (都市ガス) is piped to your building and is cheaper. Propane/LP gas (LPガス) uses tanks that are delivered and is typically 1.5-2x more expensive. Most urban apartments use city gas. Check your listing — it usually specifies the gas type. Important: stoves and appliances must match your gas type.
Yes, if your phone is unlocked and supports Japanese frequency bands. Most modern smartphones (iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel) work fine. Check your phone's specs for Band 1, 3, 19, and 21 (for docomo network) or Band 1, 11, 18, and 26 (for au network).
You'll receive reminder notices. If you continue to not pay, services will be disconnected — typically after 2-3 months of non-payment. Reconnection may require a fee. Unpaid bills can also affect your ability to sign up for other services. Always pay on time or set up auto-pay.
Yes! Japan has some of the strictest water quality standards in the world. Tap water is safe to drink throughout the country. Some people use water filters to improve taste, but it's not necessary for safety.
Useful Links
Last updated: 2026-03
Electricity
Gas
Water
Internet
Mobile
General Resources
- r/japanlife — Reddit community for life in Japan
- r/movingtojapan — Reddit community for moving to Japan
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