Essential Services for Life in Tokyo
Your complete guide to setting up utilities, banking, internet, and transportation in Japan. Everything you need to know to get connected and settle in smoothly.
Your first priority after landing.
You will need a phone number for apartment hunting, ward office registration, and bank account setup. Get a SIM on Day 1.
SIM Cards & Phone
Getting ConnectedStay connected instantly with Japan's mobile networks. Whether you need a contract plan or prepaid option, we'll help you choose the best provider for your needs and budget.
Major Providers Comparison
| Provider | Price Range | English Support | Contract |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sakura Mobile | ¥1,500-¥3,500/mo | Excellent | Flexible |
| IIJmio | ¥990-¥2,800/mo | Good | No contract |
| Rakuten Mobile | ¥1,078-¥3,278/mo | Fair | No contract |
| LINE Mobile | ¥600-¥3,000/mo | Good | No contract |
What You Need
Passport, Residence card or registration certificate, Payment card or bank account
Setup Time
30 minutes to 1 hour in store or online
Monthly Cost
¥1,000 - ¥3,500 depending on data
Pro Tips
- SIM-free phones work in Japan, but check compatibility with local bands
- Rental SIM at airport is convenient but expensive for long stays
- Sakura Mobile offers the best English support for new residents
- Most providers offer free SIM activation in major train stations
- Data-only plans are cheaper if you already have a phone number
Essential for remote work and daily life.
Japan has excellent fiber internet. Setup takes 2-4 weeks, so consider pocket WiFi as a bridge.
Home Internet
Getting ConnectedHigh-speed fiber internet is widely available across Tokyo. From fiber optic to wireless pocket WiFi, find the connection type that works best for your apartment and lifestyle.
Internet Options
| Service Type | Typical Speed | Setup Cost | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| NTT Flet's Fiber | Up to 1 Gbps | ¥15,000-25,000 | ¥4,000-5,700 |
| au Hikari | Up to 1 Gbps | ¥15,000-25,000 | ¥3,200-4,800 |
| SoftBank Hikari | Up to 1 Gbps | ¥15,000-25,000 | ¥3,800-5,200 |
| NURO (Limited areas) | Up to 2 Gbps | ¥0 (campaign) | ¥4,990-5,200 |
| Pocket WiFi | Up to 150 Mbps | ¥0-5,000 | ¥2,000-4,000 |
Fiber Availability
Check with your building management if fiber is available before signing lease
Setup Timeline
2-4 weeks from application to installation
Pocket WiFi
Best temporary solution while apartment is being set up
Pro Tips
- Fiber installation can take 2-4 weeks, so apply as soon as you move in
- Some apartments don't support fiber—check before signing the lease
- Building management may require specific providers in some properties
- Rent a pocket WiFi (¥500-1,000/day) as a temporary solution
- NURO offers the fastest speeds in Tokyo but has limited coverage
- Many providers offer discounts if you have their mobile phone plan
The biggest decision of your move.
Understanding key money, guarantors, and agency fees will save you thousands of yen.
Housing
Home SetupFinding an apartment in Tokyo requires navigating unique Japanese rental practices. Learn about key money, deposits, guarantors, and how to work with real estate agencies that welcome foreigners.
Finding Your Apartment
| Agency Type | Specialization | English Support | Typical Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| GaijinPot Apartment | Foreigners (budget friendly) | Excellent | ¥0-30,000 |
| Real Estate Japan | Premium locations | Excellent | 1 month's rent |
| Suumo / Homes.co.jp | All types (self-service) | Fair | Varies |
| Local Agencies | Neighborhood specialists | Limited | 1 month's rent |
Typical Costs Breakdown
Key Money (礼金)
0-2 months' rent, non-refundable gift to landlord
Deposit (敷金)
1-2 months' rent, refundable (minus repairs)
Real Estate Fee
0-2 months' rent for broker services
Guarantor Fee
¥10,000-50,000 for company guarantor
Pro Tips
- Budget 4-6 months of rent for initial setup costs (deposit, key money, fees)
- Guarantor companies can replace needing a Japanese guarantor (¥10,000-50,000)
- Some agencies offer discounted fees for foreigners or package deals
- GaijinPot Apartment specializes in helping foreign residents
- Always inspect the apartment and document condition before moving in
- Many landlords prefer stable employment or company sponsorship
- Deposits are returned after you move out, minus any damage charges
Setting Up Your New Place? — Check our Home Centers & DIY guide for Nitori, IKEA, and 100-yen shops. Save money with secondhand furniture and appliances from Hard Off and Mercari.
Set up after you have your apartment.
Electricity, gas, and water — most can be arranged by phone or online with English support.
Utilities
Home SetupSetting up water, gas, and electricity in your Tokyo apartment is straightforward. Register before you move in to ensure services are ready on day one. Payment is typically automatic via bank transfer.
Utility Setup by Type
| Utility | Typical Cost | How to Apply | Payment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electricity | ¥4,000-8,000/mo | Phone / Online / in-person | Bank transfer (auto) |
| Gas | ¥2,500-5,000/mo | Phone / Online / in-person | Bank transfer (auto) |
| Water | ¥1,500-3,000/mo | Online / in-person / Phone | Bank transfer (auto) |
| Internet | ¥3,000-6,000/mo | Online / Phone | Credit card / Bank transfer |
Electricity Provider
Tokyo Electric Power (TEPCO) is most common, other options available
Registration Timeline
Apply 1-2 weeks before move-in date
What You Need
Residence card, address, move-in date, bank account details
Pro Tips
- Register utilities 1-2 weeks before move-in to ensure services are ready
- TEPCO (electricity) provides online application in English
- Set up automatic bank transfers to avoid late payments
- Average usage: electricity ¥4,000-8,000, gas ¥2,500-5,000, water ¥1,500-3,000
- Gas company may require in-person registration for safety inspection
- Keep utility bills as proof of address for banking and other applications
- Some apartments have shared utilities—check with building management
Required for salary, rent, and utilities.
Some banks are more foreigner-friendly than others. We have compared the best options.
Banking
Money & BankingOpen a local bank account to manage your money in Japan. Most banks are foreigner-friendly and offer online banking in English. Digital payment services like PayPay and Wise are also essential for daily transactions.
Bank Options
| Bank | Account Type | English Support | Account Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Japan Post Bank | Savings (easy approval) | Fair | Free |
| Shinsei Bank | Checking (foreigner-friendly) | Excellent | Free |
| SMBC Prestia | Premium checking | Excellent | Free for 1 year |
| Sony Bank | Online checking | Good | Free |
Digital Payment Services
PayPay
Mobile payment app, widely accepted at convenience stores and restaurants
LINE Pay
Integrated with LINE messaging app, popular for P2P transfers
Wise (TransferWise)
International transfers at real rates, good for money from home
Credit Cards
Need Japanese bank account to apply, most accept foreign residents
Pro Tips
- You'll need a residence card and residence certificate to open a bank account
- Japan Post Bank is the easiest to open an account with minimal requirements
- Shinsei Bank and SMBC Prestia have excellent English support for expats
- Most Japanese landlords and utilities require payment from a Japanese bank account
- Download PayPay immediately—it's essential for convenience store purchases and restaurants
- Credit cards take 2-3 weeks to receive after approval
- Keep your bank book (passbook) even though online banking is available
- Use Wise for international transfers—much cheaper than banks
Need a My Number Card? — Many banks require My Number for account opening. See our ID Documents guide for how to get your My Number Card, residence card updates, and more.
Master the system and save money.
Commuter passes can save you 30-50% on daily travel. Here is how to choose the right one.
Transport
Getting AroundTokyo's public transportation is efficient, affordable, and easy to navigate. Get a Suica or PASMO card for seamless train and bus travel. Register your bicycle and explore commuter pass options to save money.
Transit & Travel Options
| Service | Cost to Start | Monthly Cost | Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Suica Card | ¥2,000 (¥1,500 usable) | Pay-as-you-go | All trains, buses, convenience stores |
| PASMO Card | ¥2,000 (¥1,500 usable) | Pay-as-you-go | Subway, buses, some trains |
| Commuter Pass | Varies by route | ¥3,000-12,000+ | Specific line/station pair |
| Bike Registration | Free-¥1,000 | ¥0 | Cycling within Tokyo |
Essential Apps
Google Maps
Best transit directions, works offline, shows train times
Hyperdia
Train schedule and fare calculator, detailed route planning
Yahoo Transit
Japanese transit app with detailed platform information
Suica/PASMO App
Check balance and reload your transit card instantly
Pro Tips
- Get Suica or PASMO card immediately—it works on trains, buses, and in convenience stores
- Commuter passes save 20-30% if your commute exceeds 3 stops regularly
- Bike registration is required by law—register at local police box or cycling center
- Download Google Maps for offline train directions when underground
- Yamanote Line loops central Tokyo—good for exploring neighborhoods
- Rush hour is 7:30-9:30 AM and 5:00-7:00 PM—trains are extremely crowded
- Station numbers make navigation easy even without Japanese language
- Night buses (Oasis) run after 11 PM at premium rates
Need a Car? — For weekend trips or moving, see our Rental Cars guide for companies and car sharing. Need a license? Check our driver's license guide.