How to set up electricity, gas, water, and internet after renting in Japan
Electricity and water can often be set up in a few days; gas usually needs an in-person meeting to open the valve. A realistic timeline for your move-in week.
Next step
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Fees, campaigns, language support, and cancellation rules can change. Confirm the official conditions before applying.
Arrange your home internet nextQuick conclusion
The right order to set up utilities when moving into a Japanese apartment is based on lead time, not the order you will actually use them: start internet first (2-4 weeks including construction), then gas (needs a booked in-person appointment to open the valve safely), while electricity and water are usually the fastest, often arranged online or by phone and sometimes activating automatically at move-in.
The four utilities, ranked by how early to start
| Utility | Typical setup method | Lead time |
|---|---|---|
| Internet (fiber) | Online/phone application plus a construction visit | 2-4 weeks - start earliest |
| Gas | In-person appointment required to open the valve | A few days to a week - book as soon as you have a move-in date |
| Electricity | Online, phone, or sometimes automatic with smart meters | Often same day to a few days |
| Water | Online, phone, or sometimes automatic | Often same day to a few days |
Why gas needs a person to show up
Unlike electricity and water, which increasingly activate remotely through smart meters, gas providers in Japan generally require a technician to physically visit and open the meter/valve for safety reasons - this is standard practice, not something specific to one company. Book this appointment as soon as you know your move-in date, and make sure someone (you or an authorized person) will actually be home at the scheduled time, since it cannot be done remotely.
City gas vs propane changes who you contact
Check whether your building uses city gas (toshi gas), which is piped and generally cheaper, or propane (LP gas), common in smaller buildings and some areas, which involves a tank and can have different running costs. This affects which company handles your setup and is worth confirming during your apartment viewing if possible, before you are locked into move-in day surprises.
Internet: start it first even though you use it last
Fiber internet has by far the longest lead time due to construction scheduling, so the practical advice is counterintuitive: start your internet application before you even finish moving, ideally 2-4 weeks ahead, even though gas and electricity will physically be connected sooner. The full setup process, provider comparison, and contract traps to watch for are covered in how to get home internet in Japan.
A realistic move-in week timeline
1. 2-4 weeks before moving: Apply for internet; check if construction is needed 2. 1-2 weeks before moving: Book your gas appointment; apply for electricity and water 3. Move-in day: Confirm electricity and water are active; be present (or arrange someone to be) for the gas technician if scheduled that day 4. First few days: Confirm internet construction/activation status; update your address with your phone carrier and bank
If you are also relocating an existing internet or phone contract rather than starting fresh, the transfer process and what to watch for is covered separately in moving with internet and phone contracts. For the broader move-in cost picture including utility deposits some providers require, see initial costs when renting and the general rental contract guide.
This is general information. Specific setup processes, required documents, and lead times vary by utility provider and region - confirm details directly with each provider for your specific address.
Service checks
Compare support, costs, and conditions before applying
These service notes are not rankings. Use them to confirm language support, documents, fees, and cancellation rules on the official site.
| Service | Languages | Suitable for | Check before applying | Official site |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sakura MobileChecked: 2026-06-11 | English, Chinese | People who want support in English or Chinese | Check the latest fees, campaign rules, device costs, and delivery fees on the official site. | Confirm conditions |
| GTN Rent GuarantorChecked: 2026-06-11 | English, Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, Nepali | Residents who cannot use a Japanese personal guarantor | Confirm guarantee fees, renewal fees, and covered contract scope before signing. | Confirm conditions |
Before you apply
- ✓Apply for electricity and water online or by phone as soon as you have a move-in date
- ✓Book the gas company's in-person meter opening appointment early since slots fill up
- ✓Confirm whether your building uses city gas or propane before choosing appliances
- ✓Start your internet application 2-4 weeks ahead since it has the longest lead time
- ✓Keep the meter reading/contract numbers from your apartment handover documents
FAQ
Which utility takes the longest to set up when moving into a Japanese apartment?
Internet (fiber) typically has the longest lead time, often 2-4 weeks including a construction visit, so it should be arranged first even though you will physically connect it last. Gas usually needs a specific in-person appointment to open the meter safely, which can also require booking a few days to a week ahead, especially during the busy moving season.
Can I set up electricity and water without visiting an office?
Yes in most cases - electricity and water can typically be arranged online or by phone, sometimes activating automatically at move-in without anyone needing to visit, especially with newer smart meters. Confirm the specific process with the utility provider for your address, since older buildings or certain areas may still require a technician visit.
Why does gas require an in-person appointment?
For safety reasons, gas providers in Japan generally require a technician to physically visit and open the gas valve/meter for a new resident, rather than allowing remote activation - this is standard practice nationwide, not specific to any one company. Book this appointment as early as you know your move-in date, since slots can fill up, particularly in the February-April moving season.
What is the difference between city gas and propane for setup?
City gas (toshi gas) is piped and generally has a more standardized setup process and lower running costs, while propane (LP gas) involves a tank and is common in smaller buildings or certain areas, sometimes with a different provider relationship and higher running costs for equivalent usage. Check which type your building uses before your setup appointment, since it affects which company you contact.
What should I bring or know for utility setup appointments?
Have your new address, move-in date, and any account or meter numbers from your apartment handover documents ready. For gas specifically, someone needs to be present for the in-person appointment, so coordinate the timing with your actual move-in schedule rather than assuming it can happen whenever is convenient.
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You now know what to check. Compare the current conditions while they are fresh in your mind, and keep a record of what you confirm.
Arrange your home internet nextReferences
- Guidebook on Renting Housing in Japan - Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism