The utility is one of the things you do not want to forget to apply when moving into an apartment. Although the application process itself is simple, it still takes a couple of days and most people get it done at the latest four days before the move-in date.
If you are from a foreign country, it is safer to do it a week before.
How to Set Up utilities in Japan
Electricity
1. Decide which company to use
The first thing you need to do is make sure which electricity company covers your area. 10 government-owned used to supply electricity across Japan until the law has been changed in 2016, allowing private enterprises to sell electricity. Thanks to this, there are many companies you can pick from now and each company has its own plans.
Ask your agent which company you can use, compare plans, and decide which one fits your lifestyle.
For your information, these are the biggest companies in Japan.
2. Resister
Once you figure out which company you will go with, you need to apply to that company. The process is very simple.
You will either call them or go to the company’s website and fill out a form. If you are not confident in calling in Japanese, doing it through a website is the way to go. As described before, get this done a week before your move-in date since this process might take some time.
3. Turn on the breaker
Once you have actually moved in, find the circuit breaker and turn on the main switch to the “On” position (入in Japanese). The circuit breaker is usually set above the entrance door or in the bathroom. This is all you have to do.
Gas
The Same as electricity, you first need to find out which company to use and register for it.
What’s different from an electricity application is you have to make an appointment for a gas technician to check your apartment and switch on the gas line when registering for that company. The visit will take only five to ten minutes but you need to be there.
・Tokyo Gas Customer Service Number (in English): 0570-002211 (for IP Phones and when calling from overseas: 03-3344-9100)
Water
When it comes to water, you do not have to apply for a water company yourself. The contract is usually done when making a residential contract.
Once you move in, you need to switch on the main water meter which is often found in a metal box right next to the gas meter, outside of your entrance door. Turn the handle to the left to let the water come in your room.
Internet installation in Japan
First of all, make sure if you need to set up the internet yourself because many of the apartments provide free internet line (fee is sometimes already included in the rent).
If you have to set it up yourself, ask your agents which companies are available since each building has different providers and you are only allowed to make a contract with one of them.
The application process varies depending on the company so follow the instruction once you decide which companies you will go with. I recommend you to use the same company as your cell phone carrierbecause they will get you a discount by doing so.
These are the fastest internet providers.
・au hikari (fastest)
・Nuro hikari (fast and cheap)
The contract usually comes with two years and if you wouldn’t like to commit to these ones, pocket wifi can be your option as well. Its strength is its loose cancellation policy and you can bring it with you anywhere while its weakness is slower connection and limited data.
Utility & Internet set-up in Japan
Setting up utility and the internet is not a difficult thing to do as long as you follow the proper procedure. There are many companies that provide services and the price varies so if you have time, compare them to get the best deal for you. Don’t forget to get these applications done at least 4 days prior to your move-in date.
If you want to skip these procedures, share houses and monthly apartments allow you to start a life without them.
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