How to Set Up Electricity, Gas, and Water in Your New Japanese Apartment

Moving into a new apartment in Japan doesn't mean the lights, hot water, and gas are automatically ready to go. Each utility has its own setup process, and one of them — gas — needs an in-person appointment. Here's what to do and when.

The Quick Overview

Electricity (電気): Set up by phone or online. No in-person visit needed.

Water (水道): Set up by phone, online, or using a postcard left in the unit. No in-person visit needed.

Gas (ガス): Set up by phone or online, with an appointment. An in-person visit is required.

Do This First: Ask Your Agent

Before you move in, ask your real estate agency or property manager:

Which companies supply electricity, gas, and water for this building?
Is the gas city gas (都市ガス) or propane (プロパンガス / LPガス)? This affects both cost and which company you contact.
Is there any setup paperwork already provided in the unit?

Electricity (電気)

Contact your electricity provider before your move-in date, giving them your new address and the date you want service to start. Many areas now have multiple providers to choose from, but the building's default provider is the simplest choice for a first setup.

On move-in day: Find the breaker box (ブレーカー) — usually near the entrance — and flip the switches on. Power typically starts working right away once your account is active.

Water (水道)

Water is usually the simplest. Contact your local waterworks bureau (水道局) by phone or online or check for a postcard or notice left in the unit with instructions. In most cases, you can simply open the water valve and start using it — you just need to register your account, so billing begins in your name.

Gas (ガス) — Book This One Early

Gas is the only utility that requires someone to be physically present when it's turned on. A gas company staff member must visit your apartment to open the gas line and safety-check the appliances. This visit is called 開栓立会い (kaisen tachiai).

Book early — ideally 1–2 weeks ahead, and even earlier during the busy moving season of March and April when appointment slots fill up fast.
You must be home during the visit, which usually takes 20–30 minutes.
No hot water or stove until this appointment is done, so plan your first night accordingly.

What You'll Need to Provide

Your name and contact number
New address and apartment number
Desired start date
Payment method (bank transfer, credit card, or convenience store payment)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Waiting until move-in day to book the gas appointment. You may end up without hot water for days.
Not knowing whether your building uses city gas or propane, which affects who to call and your monthly cost.
Forgetting to cancel at your old address. Always notify each provider of your move-out date at least a week or two in advance to avoid being charged for a vacant apartment.

The Bottom Line
Electricity and water are quick to set up by phone or online. Gas takes more planning, since it needs an in-person visit. Ask your agent about your building's providers early, book the gas appointment as far ahead as possible, and your first night in the new apartment will be much more comfortable.