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Last updated: July 1, 2026
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If you move into a Japanese apartment and only think about keys and furniture, the first week becomes messy. Electricity may work when you raise the breaker, gas usually needs an opening appointment, water depends on your local bureau, and internet can take longer than expected. Use this checklist before move-in day so you do not sign the wrong contract in a panic.
Quick order: The safe order is electricity first, gas appointment second, water start/cancel third, then internet. Do not give your customer number, meter number or supply point ID to an unexpected door-to-door salesperson.
The Agency for Natural Resources and Energy says electricity switching usually requires details such as the customer number and supply point ID. Its guide gives standard examples of about 2 weeks when smart-meter replacement is needed and about 4 days when it is not. Your real start date still depends on the provider and building, so apply as soon as your move-in date is fixed.
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Gas needs more scheduling than electricity. Tokyo Gas states in its foreigner-facing procedure page that attendance is required when starting gas service. A proxy may be possible, but the technician checks ignition and safety inside the home, so reserve a time that does not conflict with work or school.
Water is handled by the local water bureau. Tokyo has an English page for starting and cancelling water service, but outside Tokyo you should check the city or local bureau website. Water is easy to forget, so put both the old-place cancellation and new-place start request in the same checklist.
For internet, check the building before chasing the cheapest price. A room that supports fiber, a room better suited to a home router, and a room where pocket Wi-Fi is enough are different situations. GTN's official page describes mobile and internet services for foreign residents with multilingual support, but you should confirm building compatibility, installation work, contract period and cancellation terms before applying.
GTN offers foreigner-oriented mobile and internet services. Confirm building compatibility and current contract terms first.
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A practical 14-day checklist for city hall, utilities, SIM, internet, and moving tasks.
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A: The essential utilities to set up: (1) Electricity (電気) — register online or by phone within 1–2 days; (2) Gas (ガス) — schedule a safety check appointment (required); (3) Water (水道) — often automatic but verify; (4) Internet (インターネット) — takes 2–4 weeks for fiber; (5) NHK broadcasting fee (registration required by law).
A: Find the electricity account number (電気のお客さま番号) on the breaker box or in the welcome envelope left by building management. Go to the electricity provider's website (TEPCO for Tokyo, Kansai Electric for Osaka, etc.) and register online. You can also call their customer center. The process takes 10–15 minutes and power is usually active the same day.
A: Japanese gas regulations require a safety inspection by a technician (ガス開栓立合い) whenever a new tenant moves in. This is a free service — the gas company checks all connections and appliances for leaks. You cannot turn on gas yourself. Schedule this appointment 3–7 days in advance via the gas company's website or phone.
A: If you have a TV in your home (or a device capable of receiving NHK broadcasts, which includes some smart TVs and monitors), you are legally required to pay the NHK fee (受信ryō). The fee is ¥1,100–2,066/month depending on payment method. NHK cannot legally force collection but will send collectors and registered mail.
A: Electricity and water: same day or next day. Gas: 3–7 days (depending on technician availability). Internet: 2–6 weeks for fiber. Mobile SIM: same day if visiting a carrier store. Plan your move date so the gas appointment falls within your first 3 days — you need gas for cooking and hot water in most apartments.
CEO / Native Japanese Expert
Updated on: July 1, 2026
※ The information in this article is accurate as of the time of writing. Laws and regulations may change, so please always check official sources for the latest information. We assume no liability for any damages resulting from the content of this article.
