Setting Up Electricity, Gas, Water and Internet in a Japanese Apartment

Published August 28, 2026 | Kurabeel

Utilities in Japan are mostly straightforward, with one exception that catches everyone: gas cannot be turned on remotely. Someone has to be inside the apartment for the connection. Plan around that one fact and the rest is paperwork.

What to arrange, and when

Electricity and water are close to instant. Gas and internet are the two that need real lead time, and both are worse in March, when the whole country moves at once.

Electricity

Apply online with the regional supplier (TEPCO in Greater Tokyo) or with one of the newer retailers that entered after deregulation. You will need the address including room number, your name, a start date, and a payment method.

In most apartments the power is simply already on, or you flip the breaker in the entrance and it works. Check the amperage (アンペア) on the breaker: 20A is common in single-occupancy flats and will trip if you run an air conditioner, a microwave and a hairdryer at once. Increasing it is a phone call and usually free, though it raises the fixed monthly charge slightly.

Gas — the one to book first

A technician must enter the apartment to open the supply and check for leaks. It takes 15–30 minutes, and you or someone you trust must be present.

• Book 1–2 weeks ahead; in March, three weeks
• Schedule it for moving day itself — without gas there is no hot water
• Have your gas appliances present if you brought any; the technician checks compatibility

City gas vs. propane

City gas (都市ガス) is piped and cheaper. Propane (LPガス / プロパン) comes in cylinders, is supplied by a company the landlord chooses, and typically costs 1.5 to 2 times more. Over two years that difference can exceed ¥50,000.

The listing states which type the building uses. It is worth checking before you apply — it is a real, recurring cost difference that never appears on a move-in estimate.

Water

Handled by the municipal waterworks bureau. Apply online or by phone with your address and start date; no visit is needed. Billing is usually every two months, so the first bill can look alarming — it covers roughly 60 days.

In some buildings water is included in the maintenance fee or billed by the managing company at a flat rate. Your contract will say.

Internet

The slowest thing to arrange, and the one people most regret leaving late. Start by finding out what the building already has:

• インターネット無料 — included free; connect and go, though shared speed varies
• インターネット対応 — the building is wired, but you contract individually
• インターネット完備 — equipment installed; usually quick to activate
• Nothing stated — you arrange a line from scratch, which can take a month

A fresh fiber installation typically takes 2–4 weeks and may require the landlord's permission if any drilling is involved. Ask your agent to confirm with the managing company before you sign — getting a "no" after moving in is a genuine problem.

Bridging the gap

If your line will not be live on day one, a pocket WiFi rental (¥3,000–5,000/month, no contract) or a generous mobile data plan covers the interval. Many rental services will deliver to your new address for your arrival date.

Two more things that arrive with moving

• Residence registration (転入届) — file at your ward or city office within 14 days of moving in. Bring your residence card; it will be updated on the spot.
• Trash rules — strictly enforced and specific to each municipality. Collect the schedule from the ward office or the building notice board, and check whether your area requires designated bags.

A workable timeline

1. 4 weeks out — check the building's internet situation; order a line if needed
2. 2 weeks out — book the gas appointment for moving day
3. 3 days out — apply for electricity and water
4. Moving day — be present for gas; flip the breaker; open the water main
5. Within 14 days — register your new address at the ward office

* The agency fee is as low as ¥0. Listings for which the landlord pays no advertising fee (AD) may not qualify. We always confirm the exact amount in a written estimate before you sign.