Setting up utilities when you move in: electricity, gas, water, and internet

Once your move-in date is decided, you’ll need to set up your utilities — electricity, gas, water, and internet. Most of these can be completed online or by phone, but gas is the exception: it requires a technician to visit in person for a safety check, so the procedure is different from the others. To avoid a scramble once you’ve settled in, it’s reassuring to get started as soon as your move-in date is confirmed.

Setting up electricity

With most electricity providers, you can start service online or by phone. In most cases, all you need to do is provide your move-in date, new address, and the contract holder’s name, and on the day, you simply flip the breaker to turn the power on — no in-person visit is required. That said, the procedure can vary depending on the plan you choose, so it’s worth checking in advance. Some providers require you to register on a “my page” website, so read the instructions carefully.

Gas requires an in-person visit to turn it on

Unlike electricity and water, gas generally requires a technician to visit in person to turn it on, as a safety check. This means the resident (or someone standing in for them) needs to be home at the scheduled time. Since this also serves as a safety check for gas appliances, it’s a good idea to book the turn-on appointment with some buffer time around your move-in date.

Starting water service

For water, in many municipalities you can simply notify the water bureau online or by phone that you’re starting service, and no in-person visit is required. That said, the procedure and required information can vary by municipality, so it’s worth checking the guidance from the water bureau covering your area.

Apply for internet early

Internet service often requires scheduling installation work, so it can take some time between applying and being able to use it. If you want it ready as soon as you move in, we recommend applying as early as possible once your move-in date is set. Some properties already have a line installed, or a designated provider, so checking before signing can save you a second round of paperwork. It’s also worth considering a temporary backup, such as a mobile Wi-Fi router, in case the installation work isn’t finished by your move-in date.

Getting organized for a smooth process

Setting up electricity, gas, water, and internet all requires common information — your new address, move-in date, and the contract holder’s name and contact details. Writing these down in advance lets you complete several procedures quickly. There’s no fixed order, but booking gas first — since it requires an appointment — makes it easier to plan the rest of your schedule. Since you’ll be giving the same information to multiple providers, having your address, move-in date, name, and contact details written down in one place makes the whole process much easier.

FAQ

Does turning on the gas always require someone to be present?

Yes. As a safety check, a technician generally visits in person to turn on the gas, and the resident (or someone standing in for them) needs to be there.

By when should I apply for internet?

Because installation work can take some time, we recommend applying as early as possible once your move-in date is confirmed.

Can I freely choose my electricity or gas provider?

In most cases, yes, but some properties designate a specific provider, so check with the management company in advance.

Summary

Setting up utilities involves different steps for each service — electricity and water are often handled entirely online or by phone, gas requires someone to be present, and internet needs an early application. Once your move-in date is set, laying out the whole schedule lets you start your new life in Japan with confidence.