This article is written by a Japanese local.
For foreign professionals relocating to Japan, the first hurdle faced immediately upon arrival is securing lifelines (electricity, gas, and water). While Japan’s infrastructure boasts world-class stability, the “setup procedures” are still largely centered around Japanese documents and phone calls, which can hardly be called a foreigner-friendly system.
To prevent fatal troubles like having “no electricity” or “no hot water” on your move-in day, you must grasp the entire procedure before traveling and logically complete the arrangements. This article comprehensively explains the advanced preparation needed to efficiently activate your infrastructure with a single phone call, and the precise steps to approach each agency.
1. Basic Structure of Procedures and the “Optimal Timing”
[Summary] The ironclad rule is to complete infrastructure setup procedures “1 to 2 weeks before moving in.” Reporting after the fact will ruin your life on move-in day.
In Japanese real estate, the general rule is that electricity, gas, and water are “completely shut off the moment the previous tenant moves out.” Unlike hotels or serviced apartments, they are not automatically ready to use.
The optimal timing for these procedures is “1 to 2 weeks before your move-in date.” Especially during moving seasons (March-April, September-October), call centers for each provider become overwhelmed, increasing the risk that you won’t be able to arrange the setup on your desired dates. The moment your new address and move-in date are confirmed, promptly transition to the setup phase.
2. “Four Pieces of Information” to Prepare Before Calling
[Summary] English-speaking call centers tend to have long wait times. To prevent going back and forth, gather the necessary information beforehand.
While many power companies and waterworks bureaus allow online applications, the forms are often only in Japanese, causing an endless stream of foreigners to face system errors. The most reliable and time-efficient method is to request directly via “one phone call” to a multilingual call center. When doing so, prepare the following information:
- Exact address of the new residence: You must accurately convey not only the prefecture, city, and ward, but also the apartment name and “room number.”
- Start date of use (Move-in date): Specify the date you want the infrastructure activated.
- Contractor’s name and contact information: A phone number reachable in Japan is required (a workplace number or temporary prepaid SIM number is acceptable).
- Payment method information: Prepare credit card details or Japanese bank account information.
3. Specific Setup Steps by Infrastructure
Electricity, water, and gas are managed by different organizations. You must process them reliably one by one.
① Electricity (Power Company) Setup and the Smart Meter Trap
Contact the power company responsible for the region of your new residence (e.g., TEPCO, KEPCO). In the past in Japan, you could use electricity just by flipping the “breaker (distribution panel)” switch inside the room when moving in, but now “smart meters” are widely used.
In properties with smart meters, the power company remotely controls power transmission. Therefore, if prior activation procedures are not completed, the electricity will not turn on no matter how many times you flip the breaker. Be sure to complete the procedure before your move-in date.
② Water (Jurisdictional Waterworks Bureau) Setup
Water is managed by the “Waterworks Bureau (Suidou-kyoku)” of each municipality, not private companies. You might find a postcard titled “Application for Starting Water Service” in your mailbox or at the entrance, but mailing it causes a time lag, so completing the setup via phone is recommended. On move-in day, check if the main water valve (usually inside the meter box outside the front door) is open.
③ The Absolute Rule for Gas (Gas Company) Setup
While electricity and water can be activated remotely with a phone call, under Japanese law, gas absolutely requires the “presence of the resident (standing by)” for the opening procedure by a gas company worker.
At the same time you call to “apply to start service,” you must “book the date and time for the worker’s visit.” If you want to take a hot shower on your move-in day, you must perfectly schedule the visit to align with the time you arrive at the property.
4. Practical Q&A (Troubleshooting for Foreigners)
[Summary] Answers questions about Japan-specific infrastructure situations, such as payment method restrictions and the difference between City Gas and LP Gas.
Q. Can I pay utility bills with a credit card issued overseas?
A. For major electricity and gas companies, cards issued overseas can often be registered if they are international brands like Visa, Mastercard, or American Express. However, some local municipal waterworks bureaus may only accept credit cards issued in Japan or direct debit from domestic bank accounts. In that case, take the approach of temporarily selecting cash payment at convenience stores (paying via invoice) and changing the payment method as soon as your Japanese bank account is opened.
Q. The property brochure says “LP Gas (Propane Gas).” How is it different from City Gas?
A. There are two types of gas in Japan: “City Gas (Toshi Gas)” supplied through underground pipes, and “LP Gas (Propane Gas)” where gas cylinders are installed at each residence. Which one is installed is fixed per property and cannot be changed arbitrarily by the tenant. Because LP Gas tends to be about 1.5 to 2 times more expensive monthly than City Gas, it is crucial to check which gas is installed during the property selection stage.
Conclusion: Complete Building Your Life Foundation through “Front-Loading”
The infrastructure setup procedure is the first legal and administrative task to build your life foundation in Japan. The easygoing procrastination of “I’ll figure it out after I move in” will lead to the worst outcome of spending your first day in a dark room with cold water. Thoroughly execute “front-loading” (concentrating work at the beginning) by gathering necessary information in advance and accurately conveying your requests via a single phone call, ensuring a smooth start to your new life.