Setting Up Utilities in Japan: Electricity, Gas, and Water (Long-form Guide for Foreign Residents)

A Complete Step-by-Step Guide for Your First Weeks in Japan

Introduction: Why Utility Setup in Japan Feels Complicated for Foreigners

Moving into an apartment in Japan can be exciting, but the process of activating utilities often surprises newcomers. Electricity companies vary by region, gas may require an in-person appointment, water bureau procedures differ by city, and English support can be inconsistent. Additionally, the paperwork and terminology—supply contract (供給契約), meter activation (開栓), billing method registration (支払方法登録)—can easily overwhelm even fluent Japanese speakers.

This guide is designed to eliminate confusion. It walks you clearly through each step you need to take to start using electricity, gas, and water in your new apartment. It also highlights common mistakes, provides English phrases you can use when calling providers, compares payment methods, and gives you detailed examples of what to expect on move-in day.

Whether you are a long-term resident, working professional, exchange student, or investor staying in Japan periodically, this guide gives you everything necessary to complete utility setup smoothly and confidently.

1. Electricity Setup in Japan

Electricity is usually the easiest utility to activate, especially after Japan liberalized the electricity market in 2016. That means you are free to choose from many companies—not only TEPCO or Kansai Electric but also new providers like Looop, Tokyo Gas Electricity, and SoftBank Electricity. However, the process can still be confusing for first-time renters.

Below is the complete guide from start to finish.

1-1. How Electricity Works in Japanese Apartments

Most apartments have the electricity already connected to the building, but you still need to activate your individual contract. Once you sign up, the company simply turns on your meter remotely—no one visits your home.

Typical characteristics:

• Electricity can be turned on even if you move in late at night.
• Many companies allow online applications in English.
• You need your meter number or customer number, often written near the breaker panel.
• If the previous tenant left the power ON, you simply activate your contract without touching anything.

1-2. What You Need to Prepare Before Applying

To complete your application, have the following ready:

• Apartment address (including building name, room number)
• Move-in date
• Meter number (供給地点特定番号 / My Power Number), optional but helpful
• Name and phone number
• Payment method
  • Japanese bank account
  • or credit card (international cards usually accepted)

If you don’t have a bank account or credit card yet, pre-payment plans also exist, though limited.

1-3. Step-by-Step: How to Activate Electricity

Step 1: Choose your electricity provider

You can choose from:

• The regional power company (TEPCO, Kansai Electric, Hokkaido Electric, Kyushu Electric, etc.)
• New providers (Looop, Tokyo Gas Electricity, SoftBank Denki, ENEOS Denki, etc.)

Most foreigners prefer:

• Looop Denki → simple flat-rate plan, easy online process
• TEPCO → most English support options
• Tokyo Gas Electricity → discount if you also use Tokyo Gas

Step 2: Apply online

You enter basic contract information, choose a plan, and register your payment method.

Step 3: Turn on the Breaker

When you enter the apartment:

1. Locate the breaker panel（ブレーカー） near the entrance.
2. Switch the main breaker to “ON”.
3. Electricity starts immediately.

Step 4: You will receive a Welcome Email or Letter

This includes your customer ID, online account instructions, and billing schedule.

1-4. English Phrases for Calling Electricity Providers

Here are simple sentences that always work:

“I’ve just moved in and I’d like to start an electricity contract.”
“My move-in date is ____.”
“Do you have English support?”
“Here is my address and room number.”
“Can I use a credit card for payment?”

Most operators understand slow English or simple Japanese.

1-5. Common Problems and How to Avoid Them

Problem 1: Power is on, but your contract is not active
→ Electricity may work in test mode. Make sure you actually register your contract online.

Problem 2: You don’t know the meter number
→ Providers can find it using your address. Don’t worry.

Problem 3: You don’t have a Japanese bank account yet
→ Choose a provider that allows credit cards.

Problem 4: Electricity bill doesn’t arrive
→ Most companies use email or online billing only. Register your account portal.

1-6. Average Electricity Cost in Japan

Prices vary, but a rough guide:

Summer and winter drastically affect usage due to AC/heater consumption.

2. Gas Setup in Japan (More Complicated Than Electricity)

Gas is the only utility that requires an in-person technician visit. This surprises many foreigners moving to Japan, so this section explains the process in clear detail.

2-1. Why Gas Requires an On-site Appointment

Gas companies must verify the safety of:

• Gas meter
• Stove connection
• Hot water heater
• Fire safety measures

This is a legal requirement under Japan’s Gas Business Act.

2-2. What You Need Before Scheduling

Prepare this:

• Address
• Name
• Move-in date
• Preferred date/time for technician
• Contact phone number
• Payment method (credit card / bank account / convenience-store bill)

Some providers offer same-day appointments, but many require 1–3 days in advance.

2-3. Step-by-Step Gas Activation Process

Step 1: Call the gas company or apply online

Region examples:

• Tokyo → Tokyo Gas
• Osaka → Osaka Gas
• Nagoya → Toho Gas
• Fukuoka → Saibu Gas

Many also offer English call centers.

Step 2: Book an appointment

You choose:

• Morning (9:00–12:00)
• Afternoon (13:00–17:00)
• Evening (17:00–19:00, limited areas)

Technician visits take 10–20 minutes.

Step 3: You MUST be home

Unlike electricity or water, gas cannot be turned on remotely.

Step 4: Technician checks appliances

They will:

• Turn on your gas meter
• Check your stove connection
• Test hot water heater
• Verify no gas smell or leakage

After this, you’re fully ready to use hot water and cooking appliances.

2-4. English Phrases for Gas Activation

“I need to book an appointment to open the gas for my apartment.”
“My move-in date is ____.”
“Do you have English-speaking staff?”
“Morning or afternoon appointments are both okay.”

2-5. Common Problems

Problem 1: The previous tenant cancelled incorrectly
→ Your appointment may be delayed because the old contract remains open.

Problem 2: No one is home when the technician arrives
→ Gas cannot be activated. You must re-book.

Problem 3: Your stove doesn’t fit the connector
→ Japanese apartments have two connector types; adapters may be required.

2-6. Average Gas Costs

Gas is used for:

• Hot water
• Showers
• Cooking

Typical monthly cost:

Winter water heating increases gas bills by 40–80%.

3. Water Setup in Japan

Water is generally the simplest utility after electricity. In most cities, the water supply is operated by the municipal water bureau, not a private company. Your contract is usually activated automatically based on your move-in paperwork—however, this depends on the city and the building management.

Below is the complete step-by-step guide.

3-1. How Water Contracts Work in Japan

Unlike gas and electricity, water is rarely turned OFF between tenants. Instead, the water meter remains active, and billing switches to the new resident once they register.

However, situations vary:

• In Tokyo 23 wards, water usually continues automatically.
• In Yokohama, Osaka, Fukuoka, Nagoya, you often must submit a start-of-use form.
• In some older buildings, the landlord may control water for the entire building.

So you must check your move-in manual or ask:

“Is the water already activated, or do I need to submit the start form?”

3-2. What You Need to Prepare

To start water service, prepare:

• Full address with room number
• Move-in date
• Name
• Phone number
• Payment method (credit card, bank account, or convenience store bill)

Some cities allow online applications; others require a postcard-style form.

3-3. Step-by-Step Water Activation

Step 1: Confirm if you need to apply

Ask the agent, landlord, or building management:

• “Water is already active?”
• “Does the water bureau automatically switch to my contract?”
• “Do I need to submit the 開始申込 (start service form)?”

Step 2: Submit the Start Request (if needed)

This can be done through:

• Online form
• Telephone
• Mail-in postcard
• Paper form given by the landlord

The process is very simple and takes less than 3 minutes.

Step 3: Water service begins

Usually:

• No technician visit needed
• No appointment required
• You can use water immediately upon move-in

You will later receive:

• A welcome letter
• Your billing cycle
• Your customer ID

3-4. English Phrases for Water Bureau Calls

Useful sentences:

“I’ve moved into a new apartment and need to start the water service.”
“My move-in date is ____.”
“Can you switch the billing to my name?”
“Do you have an online form for new residents?”

3-5. Common Problems and How to Avoid Them

Problem 1: Two months later, no bill arrives
→ This often means the water bureau doesn’t have your contract.
Fix: Call immediately to avoid back-billing.

Problem 2: Apartment has an internal water management system
→ Some buildings charge water as a flat monthly rate.
Check: Your rental contract “共益費に水道代込?”

Problem 3: Wrong move-in date
→ Water bureau may bill you from the wrong date unless you specify clearly.

3-6. Average Water Costs in Japan

Water is inexpensive.

Water and sewer fees are billed together.

4. Payment Methods for Utilities (Electricity, Gas, Water)

Japan offers several payment methods, each with advantages and disadvantages.

4-1. Credit Card (most common for foreigners)

Pros:

• Easy, fast setup
• English-friendly
• No Japanese bank account needed
• Automatic monthly billing

Cons:

• Some small water bureaus do not accept cards

4-2. Bank Account Auto-Debit (口座振替)

Pros:

• Never miss a payment
• Widely accepted

Cons:

• Requires a Japanese bank account
• Setup can take 2–6 weeks

4-3. Convenience Store Bills (コンビニ払い)

Pros:

• No bank account needed
• Pay anywhere

Cons:

• Easy to forget
• Some companies charge handling fees

4-4. Online Billing Portals

Nearly all providers support:

• Online usage tracking
• Previous bills history
• Downloadable receipts
• English menus (varies by company)

5. Move-In Day Checklist (Utilities Version)

Here is a complete checklist you can follow on the day you enter your new apartment.

Electricity

• Breaker ON
• Contract activated online
• Light fixtures tested

Gas

• Technician appointment booked
• Someone home at the appointment time
• Hot water checked
• Stove connected and tested

Water

• Confirm that water is active
• Register start form if required
• Check water pressure and drainage

General

• Test air conditioner
• Confirm Wi-Fi setup date
• Photograph meter readings (for record)

6. Troubleshooting Guide

6-1. No Electricity After Turning on Breaker

Possible causes:

• Contract not activated
• Main breaker tripped
• Apartment has sub-breaker for AC (often separate)

Solution:
Call provider and say:
“Power is not working after I turned on the breaker.”

6-2. No Hot Water

Usually gas is not activated yet.

Check:

1. Gas meter lamp blinking?
2. Gas stove doesn’t ignite?
3. Appointment scheduled?

6-3. Strange Smell (Gas Odor)

If you smell gas:

• Open windows
• Turn off stove
• Do NOT touch electrical switches
• Call the gas emergency number

7. English Vocabulary for Utility Setup

Useful words and their Japanese translations:

1. Introduction: Why Foreign Residents Often Struggle with Utility Setup

While Part 1 explained the basic procedures for starting electricity, gas, and water, real-world situations are often more complex. Many foreigners encounter issues specific to Japan’s residential systems:

• Bills sent in Japanese only
• Different rules for each city
• Unclear instructions from agents
• Systems that assume knowledge of Japanese housing norms
• Limited English on websites, payment portals, and customer support lines
• Manual processes (gas appointments, water start forms) that differ from country to country
• And, importantly: the fact that every apartment building operates differently

Part 2 gives you the “practical survival knowledge” that long-term foreign residents in Japan learn only through experience. It covers advanced strategies, real case studies, billing comparisons, and detailed troubleshooting so you can avoid mistakes and enjoy a smooth life in Japan.

2. Advanced Electricity Guide

Even though electricity seems simple to activate, many residents face issues after moving in—especially billing misunderstandings, contract confusion, and online portal setup problems.

Below is a deeper breakdown.

2-1. Understanding Japan’s Electricity Market (For Long-Term Residents & Investors)

Japan’s electricity market became deregulated in 2016. This means:

• You can choose any electricity company in most regions
• Old regional utilities no longer have a monopoly
• Over 600 small/new electricity providers now exist
• Many companies offer bundled plans (electricity + gas + internet + mobile)
• Scheduled power outages are extremely rare in cities

Regional base providers:

New / alternative providers (popular with foreigners):

• Looop Denki
• Tokyo Gas Electricity
• SoftBank Denki
• au Denki
• ENEOS Denki
• H.I.S. Denki
• Rakuten Denki

These often offer:

• English-friendly websites
• Lower monthly rates
• Simple web signup
• Easy credit card registration

2-2. Choosing the Right Electricity Plan

Different companies have different pricing models:

1. Standard Metered Plan (従量電灯B/C)

• Price changes based on usage
• Most common for apartments
• Good for average users

2. Flat-Rate Plans

• Offered by companies like Looop Denki
• Stable price per kWh
• Easy to understand
• Popular with foreigners

3. Bundled Plans

Electricity + Gas → discounts with Tokyo Gas
Electricity + Mobile → discounts with SoftBank
Electricity + Internet → discounts with au/So-net

4. All-Inclusive Plans (rare)

Some serviced apartments offer rent + utilities included.

2-3. Common Electricity Problems & Their Solutions

Problem A: You never receive a bill

Likely causes:

• Your email went to spam
• You didn’t activate your online account
• The company has the wrong contact details

Solution:
Call and say:
“I have not received any bill or email. Can you confirm my billing information?”

Problem B: Sudden high electricity bill

Common causes:

• AC or heater running longer than expected
• Heated toilet seat
• Underfloor heaters
• Electric water boilers
• Usage during peak seasonal pricing

Tip:
Japan’s ACs consume less energy than many Western models, but heating on “暖房 (heat)” uses much more power than cooling.

Problem C: Power outage inside the apartment only

Usually caused by breaker trip.

Check:

• Microwave + IH stove used at same time
• Hair dryer + heater combination
• Too many appliances in one outlet

Fix:
Turn off appliances → flip breaker to ON.

2-4. Electricity Providers with English Support (2025 Updated)

Best English support:

• TEPCO (Tokyo area)
• Looop Denki
• Tokyo Gas Electricity
• Hokkaido Electric (partial)
• Kyushu Electric (partial)

OK but limited English:

• Kansai Electric
• Chubu Electric
• Okinawa Electric

Almost no English:

• Small local power companies
• Discount providers with minimal customer service

3. Advanced Gas Guide

Gas issues are the most frequent source of confusion, especially because:

• You must book an appointment
• Someone must be inside the room
• Hot water requires gas (in most apartments)
• Foreigners often do not understand connector types

Below is the advanced section.

3-1. Japanese Gas Systems: What Newcomers Don’t Know

There are two major gas types in Japan:

1. City Gas (都市ガス)

• Common in large cities
• Cheaper than LP gas
• Delivered by underground pipes
• 13A standard pressure

2. LP Gas (プロパンガス)

• Used in small buildings and the countryside
• More expensive
• Delivered by cylinders
• Prices vary by provider
• Not regulated regionally

Tip:
LP gas is usually 1.5–2.5× more expensive than city gas.
Always check gas type before renting.

3-2. The Gas Visit: What Actually Happens

Technician will:

1. Check carbon monoxide risk
2. Open your gas meter
3. Test stove connection
4. Test hot water heater
5. Check for gas smell
6. Explain safety basics in simple Japanese

The appointment takes 10–20 minutes.

Do NOT worry:

• You don’t need perfect Japanese
• Technician brings everything
• They guide you with gestures and simple phrases

3-3. When Gas Companies Offer English Support

Best English support:

• Tokyo Gas
• Osaka Gas
• Toho Gas
• Saibu Gas

LP gas companies often have almost no English support.

3-4. Common Gas Problems & Fixes

Problem A: No hot water after gas opening

Cause:

• Incorrect water heater mode
• You didn’t press “お湯” button
• Apartment has separate bathroom panel and kitchen panel

Problem B: Stove doesn’t fit connector

Japan uses two connector sizes:

• 9.5mm
• 13mm

Solution:

• Buy adapter at electronics store (¥300–¥800)
• Technician may advise the correct size

Problem C: Gas stops suddenly

Often due to safety shutoff.

Press reset button on the gas meter (usually outside).

4. Advanced Water Guide

Water is simple but varies widely across municipalities.

4-1. Automatic vs. Manual Registration

Automatic:

• Tokyo 23 wards
• Saitama City
• Sendai City
• Hiroshima City

Manual:

• Yokohama
• Kawasaki
• Osaka
• Nagoya
• Fukuoka
• Sapporo

Manual registration requires:

• Online form
• Phone call
• Or postcard form

4-2. Water Bills in Japan Are Bi-Monthly

Most water bureaus bill every 2 months, not monthly.
Newcomers often think they didn’t receive a bill, but they are simply on a bi-monthly cycle.

4-3. Common Water Problems

Problem A: No bill after 3 months

→ Registration not completed.

Problem B: Extremely high bill

Often due to:

• Toilet water leakage
• Hot water heater malfunction
• Incorrect meter reading

Problem C: Water pressure too weak

Causes:

• Old building
• Apartment’s internal valve partially closed
• Faulty shower head

5. Utilities Cost Comparison Table (Electricity / Gas / Water)

Single Person (Average)

Couple

Family (3–4 people)

6. Utility Setup Examples (Realistic Scenarios)

These case studies help you understand real move-in situations.

Case Study 1: International Student in Tokyo

• Arrives late at night
• Electricity → already working
• Registers online next morning
• Gas → appointment next day, no hot water first night
• Water → automatic activation
• Total setup time: 2 days

Case Study 2: Foreign Professional in Osaka

• Agent forgot to give gas information
• Cannot shower on move-in day
• Calls Osaka Gas; earliest appointment next morning
• Water required manual form via QR code
• Electricity through KEPCO with credit card

Case Study 3: Investor Using Apartment Occasionally

• Uses pre-paid electricity to avoid monthly charges
• Gas paused when not staying long-term
• Water billed bi-monthly
• Must re-activate gas each visit (appointment required)

7. Frequently Asked Questions (Advanced)

Q1. Can utilities be under a company name?

Yes, if documents are provided.

Q2. Can I activate electricity without being in Japan?

Yes—very easy.

Q3. Can I activate gas without entering the room?

No—someone must be inside.

Q4. Can utilities be shared among roommates?

Yes—bill name does not affect usage.

Q5. What if I lose my bill?

Most providers reissue instantly.

8. Deep Troubleshooting Guide: Practical Solutions for Real Problems

This section covers the issues that foreigners face most often after moving in—not the simple “turn on the breaker” level, but realistic, frustrating scenarios that happen in daily life. Each includes why it happens, how to fix it, and how to explain the issue in English or simple Japanese.

8-1. Electricity Troubleshooting

Problem 1: Only part of the apartment loses power

This usually means a sub-breaker tripped.

Why it happens:

• Overloaded circuit (microwave + kettle + heater)
• Faulty appliance
• Old wiring

Fix:

1. Turn off appliances
2. Flip sub-breaker to ON
3. Test devices one by one

Japanese phrase:
「部屋の一部だけ電気がつかないです。ブレーカーを確認しました。」
(“Only part of my room has no power. I checked the breaker.”)

Problem 2: Electricity bill is extremely high

Possible reasons:

• Winter heating on 24 hours
• Underfloor heater
• Electric heated toilet seat
• Bathroom dryer running too long
• Faulty AC temperature settings

Tip:
For AC in winter:

• Avoid 30°C setting
• Keep at 20–22°C
• Use “自動 / Auto” mode to save power

Problem 3: You don’t know which electricity company you’re contracted with

Very common after several years in Japan.

Solutions:

• Check breaker panel sticker
• Check mail for “電気ご使用量のお知らせ”
• Ask building management
• Call TEPCO or regional provider to check by address

8-2. Gas Troubleshooting

Problem 1: Gas stops suddenly during shower

This is a very specific Japanese problem.

Why it happens:

• Gas meter safety shutoff
• Water heater overload
• Short-term gas pressure dips

Fix:

1. Locate gas meter outside
2. Press the reset button (red or orange)
3. Wait 2 minutes
4. Try again

Problem 2: Stove flame is too weak

Likely:

• Wrong connector size
• Low gas pressure (LP gas buildings)
• Dirty burner cap

Problem 3: Strong gas smell

Do NOT:

• Touch electricity switches
• Use fire

Do:

• Open windows
• Turn off stove
• Leave room
• Call gas emergency hotline

8-3. Water Troubleshooting

Problem 1: Weak shower pressure

Causes:

• Old building
• Clogged shower head
• Ball valve partially closed
• Booster pump issue

Fix:

• Replace shower head (¥1,000–¥2,500)
• Ask management to open full valve

Problem 2: Hot water stops after 3–5 minutes

Common with old water heaters.

Causes:

• Heater overheats → auto shutoff
• Water pressure fluctuation
• Gas meter error

Call gas company and say:
“Hot water stops after a few minutes.”

Problem 3: Water bill suddenly doubles

Likely toilet leak.

How to test:

1. Open toilet tank
2. Check if water continuously flows
3. Drop food coloring → see if bowl turns blue without flushing

If yes → contact management.

9. How to Contact Utility Customer Support in English

Most utility companies do not advertise English support, but many actually provide it when asked.

Below are high-success English scripts.

Electricity Support Script

English:
“I’d like to confirm my electricity contract. Can you help me in English?”
“My customer number is ____.”
“I moved in on ____ and want to check my billing.”

Simple Japanese:
「電気の契約を確認したいです。英語のスタッフはいますか？」
「お客様番号は ____ です。」

Gas Support Script

English:
“I need to book an appointment to open the gas.”
“I am available morning or afternoon.”
“I moved in today and have no hot water.”

Simple Japanese:
「ガス開栓の予約をしたいです。」
「お湯が出ません。」

Water Support Script

English:
“I moved into a new apartment and need to start water service.”
“I have not received any bills yet.”

Simple Japanese:
「水道の使用開始手続きについて確認したいです。」
「請求が届いていません。」

10. Cancelling Utilities (Moving Out Guide)

Many foreigners forget to cancel utilities when moving out.
This causes expensive back-charges.

Below is the complete move-out guide.

10-1. Electricity Cancellation

• Can be done online
• No home visit required
• You choose the end date
• Final bill arrives 1 month later

Important:
If you forget to cancel, bills continue indefinitely.

10-2. Gas Cancellation

• Requires scheduling a shutoff visit
• You don’t need to be home, unless meter is inside
• Very simple call

10-3. Water Cancellation

• Online or phone
• No visit required
• Final bill sometimes mailed to new address

11. Final Comprehensive Checklist for Foreign Residents

Before moving

• Confirm gas type (LP or City Gas)
• Screenshot meter numbers
• Choose electricity provider
• Verify if water needs registration

Move-in Day

• Turn breaker to ON
• Run cold water and test drainage
• Check gas appointment time
• Test AC and hot water
• Take photos of meter readings

After Move-in

• Create online accounts
• Register email for billing
• Check your first month bill details
• Confirm payment method

Moving Out

• Cancel electricity
• Cancel water
• Book gas shutoff
• Take meter photos
• Confirm forwarding address

12. Final Glossary (Utility English–Japanese Dictionary)