Step 6 of 6
Set up essential services
Arrange the basic household and communication services you need after moving into your residence in Japan.
Overview
After moving into a residence, confirm which utilities and communication services are already active and which require an application or contract. Procedures differ by location, property, landlord or management company, and service provider, so confirm the arrangements that apply to your home.
Requirements
- Confirm what your residence already includesBefore making new applications, check your lease, landlord, real-estate agent, or property management information to determine which services are already available and which you must arrange yourself.
- Identify the applicable service providersElectricity, gas, water, mobile, and internet arrangements can depend on your address and property. Confirm the provider or procedure that applies before submitting an application.
Documents and items
- Registered addressKeep your complete Japanese address available because service providers generally need the address where the service will be used or installed.
- Identity and contact informationKeep appropriate identification and reachable contact information available when a service provider requires customer verification or communication.
- Payment informationCheck which payment methods the provider accepts and prepare the information needed for the payment method you choose.
- Property or management informationKeep your lease, landlord, real-estate agent, or management-company contact information available in case you need to confirm building-specific utility or installation arrangements.
Actions
- Confirm electricity serviceCheck whether electricity is already active at the residence and follow the applicable provider's procedure if a start-of-service application is required.
- Confirm gas service where applicableIf the residence uses gas, confirm the applicable provider and opening procedure. Some gas-service arrangements may require an appointment or access to the residence.
- Confirm water serviceCheck the water-service procedure for the municipality or water authority responsible for your address and complete any required start-of-use notification.
- Arrange mobile communicationChoose a mobile service appropriate to your circumstances and confirm the provider's identification, payment, and contract requirements before applying.
- Arrange home internet if neededCheck which internet services are available at the property and whether installation, landlord approval, building equipment, or an appointment is required.
- Record provider and emergency contact detailsKeep the names, account or contract information, and support contact details for the services you establish so you can report outages, billing issues, or changes later.
Practical notes
- Utility and communication procedures vary by municipality, property, building, and provider.
- Do not assume that a service is active simply because the residence has the relevant equipment.
- If you are renting, check with the landlord, real-estate agent, or management company before arranging work that could modify or require access to building equipment.
- Keep records of applications, contracts, customer numbers, and payment arrangements.
- When moving again or leaving Japan, check each provider's procedure for changing or terminating service.