Setting Up Utilities After You Move In Tokyo

A Complete Guide for New Residents

Moving to Tokyo is exciting—but once you step into your new apartment, you’ll quickly realize that utilities (water, gas, electricity, internet, etc.) aren’t automatically running. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about setting up utilities in Tokyo, especially as a foreign resident.

1. Overview of Utilities in Japan

In Japan, utilities are typically contracted separately, even for long-term rentals. These include:

• Electricity (電気, denki)

• Gas (ガス, gasu)

• Water (水道, suidou)

• Internet and phone services

• Trash and recycling system (not a utility, but crucial)

If you’re renting through a real estate agent or furnished apartment provider, some services may be bundled. Always check your rental contract.

2. Electricity (Denki)

Major Electricity Providers:

• TEPCO (Tokyo Electric Power Company)

• Looop Denki

• ENEOS Denki

• Tokyo Gas (also offers electricity)

How to Set Up Electricity:

You can apply:

• Online (many providers have English pages)

• By phone (some English support)

• Through your real estate agent (often easiest)

You will need:

• Your address

• Move-in date

• Customer number (if switching provider)

• Personal ID (residence card or passport)

Smart Tip:

Many modern apartments use a breaker system. Just flip the switch to turn the power on once the contract is active.

3. Gas (Gasu)

In Tokyo, most apartments use city gas (都市ガス), but some rural or older buildings use propane (プロパンガス).

Major Gas Providers:

• Tokyo Gas

• Saibu Gas

• Other smaller regional suppliers

How to Set Up Gas:

• You MUST schedule a technician visit. Gas cannot be turned on remotely.

• The technician will check the system and light your pilot burner.

• You need to be home during the scheduled time (usually within 3 days of request).

Booking in English: Some gas companies (like Tokyo Gas) provide English phone support or forms.

4. Water (Suidou)

Water is usually provided by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Bureau of Waterworks.

Setup Process:

• Visit the Tokyo Waterworks website

• Use their online form or call

• Alternatively, fill out the postcard form often found in your apartment

Billing: Billed every 2 months. You can set up bank transfer or pay at convenience stores.

5. Internet & Wi-Fi

You’ll likely need to set this up separately. The most common options:

Fiber (Hikari) Providers:

• NTT FLET’S

• SoftBank Hikari

• au Hikari

• docomo Hikari

English-Friendly Providers:

• Sakura Fiber Internet

• Asahi Net

• Mobal

• Sakura Mobile (great for short-term plans)

Installation Time:

• 1 to 3 weeks, often requiring a technician visit.

• If your apartment is pre-wired, setup is faster.

Tip: Consider pocket Wi-Fi or SoftBank Air while waiting.

6. Trash & Recycling

Japan has strict trash rules—not a utility, but essential knowledge.

Categories:

• Burnable (可燃ゴミ)

• Non-burnable (不燃ゴミ)

• Plastics (プラ)

• PET bottles, cans, glass

• Oversized items (粗大ゴミ)

Check your ward’s website for the garbage calendar. You may need to buy special garbage bags.

7. Billing & Payment Methods

You’ll typically receive monthly bills for gas, electricity, and internet, and a bi-monthly bill for water.

Common Payment Methods:

• Convenience stores (barcode on the bill)

• Bank transfer (recommended for long-term stay)

• Credit card auto-debit

• Online payment portals

Your first bill may arrive by paper, but you can often switch to digital management via provider apps.

8. What’s Often Included vs. Not Included

9. Useful Japanese Phrases

• 電気を契約したいです (Denki o keiyaku shitai desu) – I want to set up electricity.

• ガスの開栓をお願いします (Gasu no kaisen o onegai shimasu) – Please turn on the gas.

• 水道の利用開始を希望します (Suidou no riyou kaishi o kibou shimasu) – I want to start water service.

• 英語対応はありますか？ (Eigo taiou wa arimasu ka?) – Do you provide English support?

10. Tips for Smooth Setup

• Do all applications 1 week before move-in

• Schedule gas setup ASAP to avoid delays

• Use English-friendly providers when possible

• Take pictures of meters when moving in to avoid overbilling

11. What if I Don’t Speak Japanese?

Use services like:

• Tokyo English Life Line (TELL) – for general help

• Your ward’s foreign residents’ desk

• Language assistance apps (like Google Translate or Pocketalk)

Real estate agents often assist with setup if you ask in advance.

12. When Leaving Tokyo (Canceling Utilities)

• Call or fill out online forms to cancel at least 1 week in advance

• Provide final meter readings

• Set up final bill delivery or payment before your move-out date

You may need to meet the gas technician again to turn it off.

13. Short-Term Residents (1–3 months)

If you’re only in Tokyo temporarily:

• Look for furnished apartments with utilities included

• Use pocket Wi-Fi

• Trash rules still apply, so study your building’s guidelines

14. Utility Scams to Avoid

Some scammers pretend to be “utility inspectors.” Beware of:

• Unscheduled visits asking to check your gas or electricity

• People claiming you need to change provider now

• High-pressure “discount plan” switches

Never sign anything without verifying ID.

15. Summary Checklist

✅ Electricity: Set up with TEPCO or an alternative
✅ Gas: Schedule technician visit
✅ Water: Fill out form or apply online
✅ Internet: Apply early (may take weeks)
✅ Trash: Check local ward’s rules and calendar
✅ Payment: Choose method (credit card, bank, combini)

Final Thoughts

Utility setup might seem intimidating in a foreign country, but Tokyo’s systems are efficient once you get started. Whether you’re here for six months or six years, getting utilities running smoothly is the first step to feeling at home.

Take the time to prepare before your move-in, and don’t hesitate to ask for help. With the right support and providers, even non-Japanese speakers can settle in with ease.