H O U S I N G
How to Set Up Utilities in Tokyo: Electricity, Gas, Water & Internet (2026)
Set up TEPCO electricity, Tokyo Gas, water, and fiber internet after moving in. Phone numbers, timelines, costs, and what to say in Japanese.
Quick Answer
- Tourists don’t need to set up utilities. Hotels and Airbnbs include everything.
- Tokyo tap water is safe to drink straight from the faucet. No filter needed.
- Need internet? Rent a pocket WiFi at the airport (¥500–¥1,000/day) or buy a SIM card. See our SIM/WiFi guide for options.
- Electricity: Flip the breaker → register with TEPCO online or call 0120-995-001. Works immediately.
- Gas: You MUST book a technician visit from Tokyo Gas (0570-002-211). Someone must be home. Book 2–5 days before move-in.
- Water: Apply online or call your ward’s waterworks bureau (03-5326-1101 for Tokyo). No visit needed.
- Internet: Fiber takes 2–4 weeks to install. Get a pocket WiFi (¥3,000–¥5,000/month) to bridge the gap. Check if your apartment includes free internet first.
- Total monthly cost: ~¥12,000–¥20,000 for a single person (electricity + gas + water + internet).
What This Article Covers
✅ What you’ll be able to do:
- Set up all four utilities (electricity, gas, water, internet) in your new apartment
- Know exactly who to call and what to say in Japanese
- Avoid the #1 mistake: moving in without gas (no hot water, no cooking)
⏱️ Timeline: Electricity + water = same day. Gas = 2–5 days. Internet = 2–4 weeks.
💰 Monthly costs (single person, 1K apartment):
- Electricity: ¥3,000–¥7,000
- Gas: ¥2,000–¥5,000
- Water: ¥2,000–¥4,000 (billed every 2 months)
- Internet: ¥4,000–¥6,000
⚠️ Watch out for:
- Gas requires an in-person visit — no visit = no hot water on day 1
- Internet installation takes weeks — plan a temporary solution
- Moving during peak season (March–May) means longer wait times
The Order to Set Things Up
Do this before moving in, ideally 1 week ahead:
- Gas — Book the technician visit first (longest lead time)
- Electricity — Register online (usually works immediately on move-in day)
- Water — Call or apply online (turns on same day or next day)
- Internet — Order fiber ASAP (takes 2–4 weeks for installation)
Electricity (電気)
The Easy One
Electricity is usually already connected when you move in. Walk into your apartment, find the breaker box (分電盤 — usually near the entrance), and flip the main switch to ON (入). Lights should come on.
How to Register
You need to formally register or the electricity stays on the previous tenant’s account (or gets cut off).
TEPCO (Tokyo Electric Power Company / 東京電力) is the default in Tokyo:
- Online: tepco.co.jp/ep/ (Japanese, partial English)
- Phone: 0120-995-001 (toll-free, Japanese) or 0120-995-009 (English support)
- Hours: Mon–Sat, 9:00–17:00
What you’ll need:
- Your apartment address
- Move-in date
- Customer number (お客様番号) — found on a card left in the breaker box or from your real estate agent
- Payment method (credit card, bank account, or convenience store payment slips)
What to say on the phone: You: 「電気の利用開始の手続きをしたいのですが」 (Denki no riyō kaishi no tetsuzuki o shitai no desu ga — “I’d like to start electricity service”)
Choosing a Provider (Optional)
Since Japan’s electricity deregulation (2016), you can choose a different provider for potential savings:
| Provider | Discount type | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| TEPCO (default) | Baseline rates | Most people (simplest) |
| au Denki | au phone bundle discount | au mobile users |
| Rakuten Denki | Rakuten Points earned | Rakuten ecosystem users |
| Tokyo Gas Denki | Gas + electric bundle | Tokyo Gas customers |
| Looopでんき | Flat-rate pricing | Heavy users |
Honest advice: The savings are usually ¥300–¥1,000/month. If you don’t want to deal with the hassle, stick with TEPCO. The paperwork of switching isn’t worth it for most people.
Monthly Cost
| Apartment size | Summer (AC) | Winter (heater) | Spring/Fall |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1K (single) | ¥5,000–¥7,000 | ¥4,000–¥6,000 | ¥3,000–¥4,000 |
| 1LDK (couple) | ¥7,000–¥10,000 | ¥6,000–¥9,000 | ¥4,000–¥6,000 |
Gas (ガス): Don’t Forget to Book the Visit
The Critical One
Gas is the utility most people mess up. Unlike electricity, gas cannot be turned on remotely. A technician must physically visit your apartment, open the valve, run a safety inspection, and check your appliances. No visit = no hot water = no cooking.
How to Book
Tokyo Gas (東京ガス) is the standard provider in central Tokyo:
- Online: tokyo-gas.co.jp → 「お引越し」(Moving)
- Phone: 0570-002-211 (Japanese) or 03-3344-9100 (English service available)
- Book at least 2–5 days before your move-in date
What to say: You: 「引っ越しでガスの開栓をお願いしたいのですが」 (Hikkoshi de gasu no kaisen o onegai shitai no desu ga — “I’d like to open gas service for my move”)
The Technician Visit
- Duration: 15–30 minutes
- Someone must be home (you, or someone you trust)
- The technician will:
- Open the gas valve (元栓)
- Check for gas leaks
- Test gas appliances (stove, water heater)
- Explain safety features and emergency shutoff
- Bring: Identification (residence card) and know your apartment’s contract number if available
City Gas vs. Propane
| Type | Where | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| City gas (都市ガス) | Most Tokyo apartments | Lower | Piped in, Tokyo Gas |
| Propane (プロパンガス/LP) | Older/suburban buildings | 30–50% higher | Tank delivered, different provider |
How to tell: Your lease documents will say 都市ガス or プロパン. If propane, your landlord or management company will tell you the provider.
Monthly Cost (City Gas)
| Usage | Cost |
|---|---|
| Single person (shower + cooking) | ¥2,000–¥4,000 |
| Couple | ¥3,000–¥6,000 |
| Winter (more hot water) | Add ¥1,000–¥2,000 |
Water (水道)
The Simple One
Water is managed by your local ward’s waterworks bureau. It’s the simplest utility to set up.
Tokyo Waterworks Bureau (東京都水道局):
- Phone: 03-5326-1101 (Japanese and English available)
- Online: waterworks.metro.tokyo.lg.jp
- Hours: Mon–Sat, 8:30–20:00
What you’ll need:
- Apartment address
- Move-in date
- Customer number (from your real estate agent or the meter area)
- Payment method
What to say: You: 「水道の使用開始の届出をしたいのですが」 (Suidō no shiyō kaishi no todokede o shitai no desu ga — “I’d like to register for water service”)
No technician visit needed. Water is usually already running. If it’s not, find the meter box outside your apartment (near the front door or in the hallway) and turn the valve counter-clockwise to open.
Water Quality
Tokyo tap water is excellent quality and completely safe to drink. The Tokyo Waterworks Bureau maintains some of the strictest standards in the world. You don’t need a filter — though some people use one for taste preference.
Monthly Cost
- Single person: ¥2,000–¥3,000
- Couple: ¥3,000–¥4,000
- Billing cycle: Every 2 months (not monthly)
Internet (インターネット)
The Slow One to Set Up
Internet is the utility with the longest lead time. Fiber installation requires a technician visit and takes 2–4 weeks from application to activation. During peak moving season (March–May), it can take 4–6 weeks.
Step 1: Check if Your Apartment Has Free Internet
Some apartments include internet in the rent (インターネット無料 or ネット無料). Check your lease agreement or ask your real estate agent. If it’s included, you just plug in the LAN cable or connect to the building WiFi — no setup needed.
Step 2: If Not, Choose a Fiber Provider
| Provider | Speed | Monthly cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| NURO Hikari (NURO光) | Up to 2 Gbps | ¥5,200 | Fastest. Sony. Limited building coverage. |
| au Hikari (auひかり) | Up to 1 Gbps | ¥4,180–¥5,610 | Good bundle with au mobile |
| docomo Hikari (ドコモ光) | Up to 1 Gbps | ¥4,400–¥5,720 | Bundle with docomo mobile |
| SoftBank Hikari | Up to 1 Gbps | ¥4,180–¥5,720 | Bundle with SoftBank mobile |
| Flet’s Hikari (フレッツ光) | Up to 1 Gbps | ¥3,520–¥5,940 | NTT. Widest coverage. |
How to choose: If you have a Japanese mobile phone, bundle your internet with the same carrier for discounts (¥500–¥1,000/month off). Otherwise, NURO Hikari is fastest and Flet’s Hikari has the widest building coverage.
Step 3: Bridge the Gap with Pocket WiFi
While waiting for fiber installation:
| Option | Cost | Speed | How to get |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pocket WiFi rental | ¥3,000–¥5,000/month | 50–150 Mbps | Online order (WiFi Rental Japan, etc.) |
| SoftBank Air | ¥5,368/month | 50–300 Mbps | Plug-in home WiFi, no installation |
| Tethering | Free (uses phone data) | Varies | Use your phone as a hotspot |
SoftBank Air is a decent permanent alternative if your building doesn’t support fiber — it’s a plug-and-play home WiFi box with no installation needed.
Installation Day
- A technician visits to run a fiber cable to your apartment (1–2 hours)
- Someone must be home during the appointment
- You’ll receive a router (ONU) — connect it and set up your WiFi
- Some buildings have an existing fiber line → setup is faster
The Lifeline Phone Numbers
Keep these numbers saved in your phone:
| Utility | Provider | Phone | English? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electricity | TEPCO | 0120-995-001 / 0120-995-009 | Yes (009) |
| Gas | Tokyo Gas | 0570-002-211 / 03-3344-9100 | Yes (9100) |
| Water | Tokyo Waterworks | 03-5326-1101 | Partial |
| Gas leak emergency | Tokyo Gas | 0570-002-299 | — |
| Electrical emergency | TEPCO | 0120-995-007 | — |
| Water leak emergency | Tokyo Waterworks | 03-5326-1100 | — |
Gas leak? If you smell gas: don’t turn on lights, don’t use your phone, open windows, close the gas valve, leave the apartment, call from outside.
Monthly Cost Summary
| Utility | Single (1K) | Couple (1LDK) |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | ¥3,000–¥7,000 | ¥5,000–¥10,000 |
| Gas | ¥2,000–¥5,000 | ¥3,000–¥6,000 |
| Water | ¥2,000–¥3,000 | ¥3,000–¥4,000 |
| Internet | ¥4,000–¥6,000 | ¥4,000–¥6,000 |
| Total | ¥11,000–¥21,000 | ¥15,000–¥26,000 |
When Things Go Wrong
| Problem | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| No electricity when flipping breaker | Previous tenant canceled, or breaker tripped | Call TEPCO (0120-995-001). Check if the breaker is fully switched ON. |
| No hot water on move-in day | Didn't book gas visit | Call Tokyo Gas (0570-002-211) immediately. Earliest available: next day if lucky, 2–5 days in busy season. |
| Water doesn't come out | Main valve closed | Find the meter box outside (near entrance). Turn valve counter-clockwise. If still nothing, call 03-5326-1101. |
| Internet appointment keeps getting delayed | Moving season (March–May) | Get a pocket WiFi in the meantime. Consider SoftBank Air as a backup. |
| Electricity bill seems too high | Old AC unit, poor insulation, or wrong plan | Compare providers on enechange.jp. Check AC filter (clean monthly). Use curtains for insulation. |
FAQ
Q: Can I set up utilities without speaking Japanese?
A: TEPCO and Tokyo Gas have English phone lines. Water bureau has partial English support. For internet, ask a Japanese-speaking friend or use your real estate agent — many agents help with utility setup.
Q: When should I apply for utilities?
A: 1 week before move-in for electricity, gas, and water. 2–4 weeks before for internet. Gas is the critical one — book the technician visit as soon as you know your move-in date.
Q: Is Tokyo tap water safe to drink?
A: Yes. Tokyo’s tap water meets some of the strictest quality standards in the world. It’s safe to drink directly from the faucet. Some people use filters for taste, but it’s not necessary for safety.
Q: What if my apartment uses propane gas?
A: Your landlord or management company will tell you the propane provider. Setup is similar (technician visit required), but the provider is different from Tokyo Gas. Monthly costs are 30–50% higher than city gas.
Q: Can I pay utilities with a credit card?
A: Yes for electricity (TEPCO) and gas (Tokyo Gas) — register online. Water: credit card payment available in most wards. You can also set up automatic bank deduction (口座振替) or pay at convenience stores with paper slips.
Related Guides
- Rent an Apartment — Find your place first
- Register at City Hall — Required within 14 days of moving
- Garbage and Recycling — Your building’s trash rules
- Pay Bills — How to pay utility and other bills
- Payment Methods — Credit cards, PayPay, and cash in Japan
References and Official Sources
-
Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO / 東京電力)
“Starting Electricity Service”
https://www.tepco.co.jp/ep/
Phone: 0120-995-001 (Japanese) / 0120-995-009 (English)
Accessed February 2026. Official TEPCO procedures for electricity setup, customer registration, and service activation. Confirms that electricity is typically already connected in Tokyo apartments and requires only customer registration. -
Tokyo Gas (東京ガス)
“Moving In - Gas Service Setup”
https://home.tokyo-gas.co.jp/procedure/moving.html
Phone: 0570-002-211
Accessed February 2026. Official Tokyo Gas procedures requiring mandatory technician visit for gas service activation. Confirms 2-5 day advance booking requirement and safety inspection protocols. -
Tokyo Waterworks Bureau (東京都水道局)
“Water Service Application for Moving In”
https://www.waterworks.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/
Phone: 03-5326-1101
Accessed February 2026. Official water service setup procedures for Tokyo’s 23 special wards. Water service is managed at the ward level, with the Tokyo Waterworks Bureau providing centralized customer service. -
NTT East Japan (NTT東日本)
“Flets Hikari Fiber Internet Service”
https://flets.com/
Accessed February 2026. Japan’s largest fiber internet provider, offering service in Tokyo through the Flets Hikari infrastructure. Confirms 2-4 week installation timelines for new fiber connections. -
NURO (Sony Network Communications)
“NURO Hikari - 2Gbps Fiber Service”
https://www.nuro.jp/
Accessed February 2026. High-speed fiber alternative to NTT Flets, offering 2Gbps service. Installation requires separate infrastructure and longer lead times in some areas.
Note on Gas Safety Regulations: The Gas Business Act (ガス事業法) requires in-person safety inspections by qualified technicians when initiating gas service or after prolonged disconnection. This explains why gas cannot be activated remotely like electricity. Technicians check for leaks, proper ventilation, and appliance safety before opening the gas main.
Note on Water Service Continuity: In Tokyo’s 23 wards, water service is typically not disconnected between tenants due to fire safety regulations requiring continuous water pressure in multi-unit buildings. Registration primarily establishes billing rather than physical service activation.
Note on Internet Installation Timelines: The 2-4 week fiber installation timeline reflects standard scheduling for NTT Flets and competitors. Delays extend to 4-8 weeks during peak moving seasons (March-April, September-October). Some newer apartment buildings have pre-installed fiber infrastructure allowing faster activation.
Note on Utility Costs: Monthly utility cost estimates (electricity ¥3,000-¥7,000, gas ¥2,000-¥5,000, water ¥2,000-¥4,000) are based on single-person households in 1K apartments using typical appliances. Actual costs vary significantly by season (winter heating increases gas costs), usage patterns, and apartment size/insulation.
Water Safety: Tokyo’s tap water is managed by the Tokyo Waterworks Bureau and meets WHO drinking water quality standards and Japanese Water Supply Law requirements. The water undergoes advanced purification including ozone treatment and activated carbon filtration. Regular quality testing results are published monthly on the Bureau’s website.