Moving-In Checklist in Japan

Electricity, Gas, and Internet Setup Guide for Foreign Residents

Chapter 1: What You Must Do Immediately After Moving In

Moving into a new home in Japan is very different from moving in many other countries.
Unlike places where utilities are automatically activated, you are responsible for arranging most services yourself.

For foreign residents, the first 24–72 hours after moving in are critical.

The three most important priorities are:

1. Electricity – often available immediately, but not always active
2. Gas – requires an appointment and in-person inspection
3. Internet – can take weeks if not planned early

Many problems foreigners face in their first week come from misunderstanding this order.

Key mistakes beginners make:

• Assuming utilities are “included”
• Waiting until move-in day to apply
• Not understanding which services require appointments
• Underestimating internet installation time

This guide is designed so that you can follow it step by step, even if:

• You do not speak Japanese
• You just arrived in Japan
• You are living alone for the first time here

Chapter 2: Electricity Setup in Japan

2.1 How Electricity Works in Japan

Japan’s electricity system is region-based, but deregulated.

This means:

• Each region has a main provider
• You can choose alternative suppliers
• Voltage is standardized (100V)

In most apartments:

• Electricity is not included in rent
• You must activate it under your own name

2.2 How to Start Electricity Service

There are two common scenarios:

Case 1: Electricity Is Already On

• Flip the breaker switch
• Power works immediately
• You still must register later

This is common in apartments where:

• The previous tenant just moved out
• The landlord left power temporarily on

Case 2: Electricity Is Off

You must apply before move-in.

Typical requirements:

• Full address
• Move-in date
• Name (foreign names are accepted)
• Phone number

Applications can usually be done:

• Online (Japanese only in many cases)
• By phone (English support is limited)

2.3 Common Electricity Issues for Foreigners

• Name does not fit input fields
• No Japanese phone number yet
• Confusion about breaker labels
• Bills arriving only by mail

These are normal problems, not serious ones — but they cause stress if unprepared.

Chapter 3: Gas Setup — The Most Important Appointment

3.1 Why Gas Is Different

Gas service cannot be activated without a technician visiting your apartment.

This is mandatory due to safety regulations.

If you forget to book this appointment:

• You cannot cook
• You may have no hot water
• The delay can be several days

3.2 City Gas vs. Propane Gas

Japan uses two types of gas:

City Gas (Toshi Gas)

• Common in urban areas
• Lower cost
• Fixed supplier

Propane Gas (LP Gas)

• Common in suburban or older buildings
• Higher cost
• Supplier varies by building

Your real estate agent or contract will specify which one you have.

3.3 Gas Opening Appointment Flow

What happens during the visit:

• Identity confirmation
• Appliance safety check
• Explanation of gas usage
• Activation

Time required:

• About 20–40 minutes

You (or someone authorized) must be present.

3.4 Language Considerations

Many gas technicians:

• Speak little or no English
• Use technical Japanese terms

Tips:

• Ask your agent to book the appointment
• Use translation apps
• Prepare simple phrases in advance

Chapter 4: Water Service — Often Automatic, But Not Always

4.1 Is Water Automatically On?

In many cases:

• Water is already running when you move in
• No appointment is needed

However:

• You still need to register usage
• Billing starts immediately

In some municipalities:

• You must notify the city office
• Online registration may be required

4.2 Water Billing and Usage

Water bills:

• Arrive every 1–2 months
• Are usually lower than electricity or gas
• Are billed by local governments

For foreigners, the main confusion comes from:

• Separate sewage charges
• Delayed first bill arrival

4.3 Stopping Water Service

If you plan to:

• Leave Japan
• Be away for a long period

You must request water suspension to avoid unnecessary charges.

Chapter 5: Internet Types in Japan — Choosing the Right One

Internet setup is the biggest source of frustration for foreign residents.

Before applying, you must understand the available options.

5.1 Fixed Fiber Internet (Hikari)

Pros:

• Fast and stable
• Best for remote work
• Reliable long-term solution

Cons:

• Installation required
• Takes 2–6 weeks
• Building permission needed

Best for:

• Long-term residents
• Families
• Remote workers

5.2 Mobile WiFi (Pocket WiFi)

Pros:

• No installation
• Portable
• Fast activation

Cons:

• Data limits
• Less stable
• Higher cost per GB

Best for:

• Short-term stays
• Temporary housing
• Waiting for fiber installation

5.3 Home Routers (5G / LTE)

Pros:

• Plug-and-play
• No construction
• Stable for small households

Cons:

• Speed varies by area
• Not ideal for heavy usage

5.4 Why Internet Takes So Long in Japan

Common reasons:

• Building approval delays
• Technician shortages
• Paper-based processes
• Limited English support

This is why planning internet before move-in is essential.

Chapter 6: Internet Application and Installation Process in Detail

For many foreign residents, the internet setup process in Japan feels slow, confusing, and outdated.
This chapter explains what actually happens after you apply, step by step.

6.1 The Standard Internet Setup Timeline

A realistic timeline for fixed internet (fiber) looks like this:

1. Online or phone application
2. Confirmation call or email
3. Building permission check
4. Installation date scheduling
5. Physical installation
6. Service activation

Total time:

• Fast case: 2–3 weeks
• Common case: 4–6 weeks
• Slow case: 2 months or more

This timeline surprises many foreigners who expect same-week installation.

6.2 When Construction Is Required

Fiber internet often requires:

• Drilling
• Cable routing
• Access to common areas

This means:

• Permission from the building owner or management company
• Coordination with building rules

If permission is denied:

• You must choose mobile WiFi or a home router
• Or select a provider already installed in the building

Always confirm “internet-ready” does not mean “installation-free.”

6.3 Language and Communication Barriers

Common issues include:

• Automated Japanese-only calls
• Written notices sent by mail
• Missed appointments due to misunderstanding

Practical solutions:

• Ask your real estate agent to assist
• Use providers known for foreigner support
• Prepare to use translation apps actively

Internet setup is often where having a local contact makes the biggest difference.

Chapter 7: How to Secure Internet Immediately After Moving In

Many people need internet on day one, especially remote workers.

7.1 Pocket WiFi as a Temporary Solution

Pocket WiFi is widely used by:

• New arrivals
• Digital nomads
• Short-term residents

Key points:

• Can be delivered quickly
• No construction required
• Monthly or daily rental options

Limitations:

• Data caps
• Slower speeds during peak hours
• Not ideal for heavy video usage

7.2 SIM Cards and eSIMs

Mobile internet options include:

• Physical SIM cards
• eSIMs activated online

Best use cases:

• Single-person households
• Temporary coverage while waiting for fiber
• Backup internet

Be careful:

• Some plans throttle speed after limits
• Not all phones support Japanese bands equally well

7.3 Combining Temporary and Permanent Solutions

A common and effective strategy:

• Start with pocket WiFi or SIM
• Apply for fiber immediately
• Switch once installation is complete

This avoids weeks without connectivity.

Chapter 8: Bills, Payments, and Name-Related Issues

8.1 How Utility Bills Work in Japan

Bills are usually:

• Sent by physical mail
• Issued monthly or bi-monthly
• Separate for each utility

First bills often arrive weeks after move-in, confusing many foreigners.

8.2 Payment Methods

Common payment options:

• Bank account transfer
• Convenience store payment
• Credit card (not always available)

Challenges for foreigners:

• No Japanese bank account yet
• Credit cards rejected
• Name mismatch issues

Many people initially pay at convenience stores until their bank setup is complete.

8.3 Name Length and Spelling Problems

Foreign names may:

• Exceed character limits
• Be split incorrectly
• Appear differently across utilities

Tips:

• Use consistent spelling everywhere
• Keep copies of contracts
• Do not panic—this is very common

Chapter 9: Common Problems and How to Avoid Them

9.1 Electricity Is Not Working

Possible reasons:

• Main breaker is off
• Contract not registered
• Incorrect meter number

Solution:

• Check breaker box first
• Contact the provider if unresolved

9.2 Gas Appointment Missed

If you miss the appointment:

• Gas remains unavailable
• Rebooking may take days

Prevention:

• Book early
• Confirm date and time
• Be present or assign a proxy

9.3 Internet Delays and Cancellations

Causes:

• Building permission issues
• Provider overbooking
• Incorrect application details

Solution:

• Apply to multiple providers if necessary
• Keep temporary internet active

9.4 Foreign-Specific Mistakes

Common errors include:

• Assuming utilities are included
• Not reading mail
• Waiting too long to apply
• Overestimating English support availability

Awareness prevents most issues.

Chapter 10: Complete Moving-In Checklist (Save & Use)

10.1 Before Move-In

• Confirm electricity status
• Book gas opening appointment
• Apply for internet
• Prepare ID and contact info
• Arrange temporary internet

10.2 On Move-In Day

• Turn on electricity breaker
• Meet gas technician
• Check water supply
• Test mobile internet
• Note meter readings

10.3 First Week After Move-In

• Register utility billing
• Confirm first bill arrival
• Follow up on internet installation
• Update address if required

10.4 Long-Term Stability Tips

• Keep all contracts organized
• Monitor usage in first month
• Cancel unused services
• Ask questions early, not later

Final Thoughts: A Smooth Start Makes Everything Easier

Most problems foreign residents face in Japan are not serious —
they are simply unfamiliar.

Utilities and internet setup feel difficult because:

• Systems are manual
• Language support is limited
• Processes are slow but stable

Once everything is running, Japan offers high reliability and low failure rates.

A careful first week saves months of frustration.