Connecting and Disconnecting Utilities When Moving Home in Tokyo

Poste date: Thursday, July 18, 2019

When moving to a new home in Japan, the property will initially not have any of the utilities connected. If your landlord or real estate agency has already set up and had the utilities connected for you, then you have nothing to worry about. However, if they are unable to help you with having your utilities connected, you'd be required to contact each utility supplier by yourself before you move in (or move out).

In this article we will cover the procedures for connecting or disconnecting utilities in Tokyo and provide contact information for each supplier’s English customer service department.

To learn about utility bills, please refer to "How to pay utility bills in Japan".

Electricity in Tokyo - How to Connect / Disconnect

TEPCO (Tokyo Electric Power Company) is the major electricity supplier in Tokyo. Relevant contact information for their customer service department will depend on the area you in which you live. Please call them before you move in or move out to set up a new contract or to cancel your current contract.

TEPCO English Website

TEPCO English Customer Service

Tokyo 1 Koto, Sumida, Edogawa, Katsushika, Taito, Arakawa, Adachi,Shibuya, Setagaya, Shinagawa, Meguro, Ota, Minato(Daiba)	0120-995-001 (toll free)
Tokyo 2 Chiyoda, Chuo, Shinjuku, Toshima, Bunkyo,Itabashi, Kita, Nerima,Suginami, Nakano and Islands, Minato(excluding Daiba)	0120-995-005 (toll free)
Tokyo 3 Excluding 23 wards	0120-995-661 (toll free)
Kanagawa 1 Kawasaki City and Yokohama City (excluding Izumi area, a part of Totsuka and Konan)	0120-99-5771 (toll free)
Kanagawa 2 Excluding above areas	0120-99-5775 (toll free)

Gas in Tokyo - How to Connect / Disconnect

The procedure is the same as with electricity, you will have to call the Gas supplier before moving in and moving out. However, unlike connecting or disconnecting electricity, you will be required to be present at your home when they come to open and connect the gas. When stopping the gas, it's also possible that they will request you to stay at home while they work.

You can contact them in English.Tokyo Gas Customer Center Website

Tokyo Gas Customer Center

TEL: 0570-002-211 or 03-3344-9100
Monday - Saturday : 9:00-19:00
Sunday & Holiday: 9:00-17:00

When you call, simply wait on the line without pressing any buttons until the automatic speaker finishes talking. Once finished you can speak in English via an interpreter or with an operator who speaks English.

When You Move In (Detail from Tokyo Gas)

When You Move Out (Detail from Tokyo Gas)

Water in Tokyo - How to Connect / Disconnect

To connect and disconnect water in Tokyo, contact Bureau of Waterworks Tokyo Metropolitan Government. You can also make an appointment online.

TEL: 03-5326-1100
Open everyday (except Sundays and National Holidays): 8:30 - 20:00

Application to Start / Stop Water Service Online in English

In the event water does not come out when you moved in

If the water isn't coming out when you move in, you may need to turn the water on at the main. If you live in an apartment, you can normally find the water meter and the main in a metal box outside your front door. It's usually installed next to the gas meter.

Turn the valve (handle) "Counterclockwise" to open.

The valve will look like one of the valves in the photo below. No matter what kind of valve is, it's always counterclockwise to open, and clockwise to close.

*Image from Bureau of Waterworks Tokyo Metropolitan Government*

How to Pay Utility Bills in Japan

Electricity, gas, and water are the basic utility services needed for everyday life. In Japan there are many convenient ways in which you can pay your utility bills. Here's some info on the rate structure and the payment methods available to those living in Japan.
Paying Bills in Japan Conveniently: A Simple Guide

There are many convenient ways you can pay your bills in Japan. One such way is visiting your local conbini, or convenience store. Take your bills to the nearest 7-11, Lawson, FamilyMart, or other conbini of your choice and hand your bill to the clerk. Luckily they are open 24 hours.
Convenience Store Services in Japan

Convenience stores in Japan are exactly what their name suggests. They offer many services that will raise your expectations of what a convenience store should be. Want to buy concert tickets, ship a package, buy lunch, or pay your utility bills all at the same place? Go to your nearest “conbini”!
Japanese Laundry and Dry Cleaning Services in Tokyo

Not sure how to do laundry in Japan? As apartments in the city are so small and hanging your washing outside is not an option in most cases, Tokyoites frequently use dry cleaners for a good deal of their laundry needs. Fortunately, there are many dry cleaning outlets in Tokyo and using their services can be very straightforward.
Japan Courier Services Combine Convenience, Efficiency and Innovation

Getting items of any kind delivered in Japan can be an eye-opening experience for foreigners, thanks to the speed and efficiency with which the whole process is carried out. Almost anything can be sent with the right service, including perishables. If you need a courier service in Japan, these four major companies offer a breath of fresh air in terms of convenience and ease of use.
How to Keep Cool and Use your Japanese Air Conditioner

Here is an easy to follow guide to using your Air Conditioner. Included are translations for the most common buttons and symbols on a Japanese air conditioner’s control panel from Japanese to English, to make sure your home remains at a comfortable temperature.