What to Set Up on Move-In Day
Utilities in Tokyo are straightforward, but each one has a different activation timeline. Plan ahead to avoid cold showers and no WiFi.
Electricity
Same-day activation. Flip the breaker or call TEPCO to start service immediately.
Water
Same-day or next day. Call or apply online to Tokyo Waterworks Bureau.
Gas
1–3 business days. Requires a technician appointment — book early.
Internet
2–4 weeks for fiber. Apply before you move if possible.
Pro Tip: Order Internet Before You Move
Fiber optic installation can take 2–4 weeks (up to 6 weeks during March–April moving season). Apply as soon as you have a confirmed address so installation can happen close to your move-in date. In the meantime, consider renting a pocket WiFi device.
- Your landlord or agent may have already arranged some utilities — ask before setting up
- Some apartments come with internet pre-installed — check your lease agreement
- Keep your lease contract handy — you may need the customer number printed on it
Electricity (電気)
Electricity is the easiest utility to set up. Most apartments can be activated on the same day you move in.
How to Start Service
- Default providerTEPCO
- Activate onlinetepco.co.jp
- English hotline0120-995-113
- Activation timeSame day
- What you needAddress, move-in date
Average Monthly Cost
- Single person¥4,000–8,000
- Couple¥6,000–12,000
- Summer AC surcharge+¥2,000–5,000
Deregulated Electricity Providers
Japan deregulated its electricity market in 2016. Alternatives like Loooop Denki and ENEOS Denki can offer lower rates, especially for higher usage households. You can switch providers anytime without any installation work — just sign up online and service transfers automatically.
Gas (ガス)
Gas is the only utility that requires an in-person appointment. A technician must inspect the gas lines and turn on the supply.
How to Start Service
- Main providerTokyo Gas
- Book onlinetokyo-gas.co.jp
- English supportAvailable by phone
- Scheduling1–3 business days
- RequirementYou must be home
Average Monthly Cost
- Single person¥3,000–5,000
- Winter increase+¥1,000–3,000
- City gasCheaper (piped)
- Propane (LP gas)1.5–2x more expensive
City Gas vs. Propane — Check Before You Sign a Lease
City gas (toshi gas) is piped directly to your building and is significantly cheaper. Propane (LP gas) is delivered in tanks and common in older or suburban buildings. Propane can cost 1.5 to 2 times more than city gas. When apartment hunting, check if the listing says “都市ガス” (city gas) or “LPガス” (propane).
Water (水道)
Water service in Tokyo is managed by the Tokyo Waterworks Bureau and is straightforward to activate.
How to Start Service
- ProviderTokyo Waterworks Bureau
- Apply onlinewaterworks.metro.tokyo.lg.jp
- Phone03-5326-1100
- Activation timeSame day or next day
- Billing cycleEvery 2 months
Average Monthly Cost
- Single person¥2,000–3,000/mo
- Billed bimonthly¥4,000–6,000
- IncludesWater + sewerage
Internet & WiFi (インターネット)
Internet takes the longest to set up but is essential. Here are your main options for getting connected in Tokyo.
Fiber Optic Options (Best for Residents)
| Provider | Speed | Monthly Cost | Contract | English Support |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NTT Flet's Hikari | 1 Gbps | ¥5,000–5,500 | 2 years | Limited |
| au Hikari | 1 Gbps | ¥4,500–5,600 | 2–3 years | Limited |
| NURO Hikari | 2 Gbps | ¥5,200 | 2–3 years | Limited |
| SoftBank Hikari | 1 Gbps | ¥4,700–5,700 | 2 years | Limited |
Pocket WiFi (Bridge Solution)
- Use caseWhile waiting for fiber
- ProvidersWiMAX, Rakuten WiFi
- Cost¥3,000–5,000/mo
- Rental optionsShort-term available
Installation Timeline
- Standard2–4 weeks
- Busy season (Mar–Apr)Up to 6 weeks
- Pre-installed buildingsA few days
- ProcessApply → survey → install
Average Monthly Utility Costs Summary
Here is what you can expect to spend on utilities each month in Tokyo, including internet.
| Utility | Single Person | Couple | Family of 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electricity | ¥4,000–8,000 | ¥6,000–12,000 | ¥8,000–15,000 |
| Gas | ¥3,000–5,000 | ¥4,000–7,000 | ¥5,000–10,000 |
| Water | ¥2,000–3,000 | ¥2,500–4,000 | ¥3,000–5,000 |
| Internet | ¥3,000–5,000 | ¥3,000–5,000 | ¥4,000–5,500 |
| Total | ¥12,000–18,000 | ¥15,000–25,000 | ¥20,000–35,000 |
Seasonal Variations
Utility costs fluctuate significantly with the seasons. Summer (July–September) increases electricity bills due to air conditioning. Winter (December–February) increases gas bills for heating and hot water. Spring and autumn are the cheapest months for utilities.
Payment Methods
You have several options for paying your utility bills in Japan. Setting up auto-pay early saves hassle later.
Credit Card
Most utility providers accept credit card payment. Register online through each provider's website. Earn reward points on your monthly bills. Visa and Mastercard widely accepted.
Bank Auto-Debit
Recommended method. Set up automatic bank transfers (kouza furikae) through your bank. Some providers offer a small monthly discount (¥55–110) for using auto-debit. See our bank account guide.
Convenience Store
Pay bills at any combini (7-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart) using the paper invoice mailed to your home. Bring the bill slip to the register and pay with cash or some electronic payments. Flexible but requires manual payment each cycle.
Setting Up Auto-Pay
To set up automatic payment for each utility, you can usually do it online through the provider's website or by submitting a form at your bank. Here is how to get started:
- Electricity (TEPCO): Log into your TEPCO account online and register your bank or credit card
- Gas (Tokyo Gas): Use the myTOKYOGAS online portal or submit a form at your bank
- Water: Submit the auto-debit application form included with your first bill, or apply at your bank
- Internet: Most providers set up payment during the initial sign-up process
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about setting up and managing utilities in Tokyo.
Yes. TEPCO, Tokyo Gas, and most internet providers offer English phone support and some have English websites. Your landlord or real estate agent can also help with initial setup. For water, the Tokyo Waterworks Bureau has English-language online applications.
You will not have hot water or gas cooking until a technician visits. Gas is the one utility that cannot be self-activated — a Tokyo Gas technician must inspect the lines and turn on the gas supply. Book your appointment as early as possible, ideally 1 week before your move-in date.
Generally no. Electricity, gas, and water do not require deposits in Tokyo. Internet providers may charge an installation fee (typically ¥16,500–22,000) but this is often waived or discounted during promotional campaigns.
Typically 2 to 4 weeks from application to installation. Some buildings with pre-installed fiber optic lines can be set up within a few days. During busy moving seasons (March–April), installation can take up to 6 weeks, so apply as early as possible.
Bank auto-debit (kouza furikae) is the most convenient and sometimes offers a small discount. Credit card payment can earn you reward points. Convenience store payment (combini barai) is flexible but requires you to remember to pay each bill manually before the deadline.
Yes, for electricity and gas you can transfer your service to the new address online or by phone. You will need to schedule a stop date at your old address and a start date at the new one. Water requires contacting the Waterworks Bureau separately for the new ward. Internet may or may not transfer depending on the provider and building type.
Getting Settled in Tokyo?
Utilities are just one piece of the puzzle. Explore our guides on banking, apartment hunting, and everything else you need for a smooth move.