Utility problems on moving day—no electricity, gas, or water—are surprisingly common. This guide by a rental expert walks you through every step of the process, even if it's your first time living alone, including how to choose energy providers and what to expect during gas line activation.
Reviewed by: Nobuyuki MoriPresident, M-Assets Co., Ltd. / Licensed Real Estate Transaction Specialist (Miyagi #018212)
Once you've decided to move, don't put off setting up your utilities. Gas service in particular requires an in-person inspection, so appointments may not always be available on your preferred date. Here's the general timeline and recommended order of procedures.
To ensure electricity, gas, and water are ready on moving day, advance setup is essential. This practical checklist outlines the procedures, contact information, and important notes for activating each utility in chronological order.
To avoid situations where electricity won't turn on or gas can't be used on moving day, this guide explains the practical procedures from application timing, whether inspections are required, identity verification specific to foreign residents, to choosing billing plans.
A chronological guide to opening utilities—electricity, gas, water, and internet—when moving. Learn how to handle disconnection at your old place and connection at your new place simultaneously, tips for scheduling a gas technician appointment, and information about English-language support.
A guide to electricity, gas, and water setup procedures when moving. We've clearly outlined utility activation steps, timing guidelines, and the benefits and precautions of bundled electricity and gas plans.
2-3 Weeks Before Moving
1 Week Before Moving
Moving Day
Gas activation appointments fill up quickly during peak moving season (late February through early April), so the earlier you book, the better.
Since Japan's full retail electricity liberalization in April 2016, consumers can freely choose their electricity provider. You can stick with your region's major utility company (like Tokyo Electric or Kansai Electric), but switching to a new energy provider—such as plans from gas companies or telecom firms—may reduce your monthly bill.
Process
Important Notes
Unlike electricity or water, gas service activation requires an in-person inspection by a gas company technician. You or an adult proxy must be present on the scheduled day—otherwise the work cannot be done.
Process
Important Notes
Water is the simplest: just file a service activation request with your local municipal water bureau. In most cases, no in-person inspection is needed. However, if you don't file the request, your meter won't be activated and water won't flow.
Process
Important Notes
Problems like "no electricity on moving day" or "no gas to take a hot bath" actually happen fairly often. Gas in particular is hard to get activated same-day if you forgot to apply—inspections must be scheduled in advance.
| Situation | What to Do |
|---|---|
| No electricity | Contact your power company. Same-day activation is sometimes possible with smart meters |
| No gas | Call the gas company and try to book an appointment as soon as possible. Same-day activation is usually not feasible |
| No water | Contact your water bureau. Same-day activation is sometimes possible |
If gas isn't available, workarounds include using an electric kettle or microwave (IH cooktop) for cooking, and taking showers at a nearby public bath or coin laundry facility.
The best prevention is to add utility setup to your moving checklist the moment you decide to move, and complete everything 1-2 weeks beforehand.
If you have city gas, you may be able to bundle electricity and gas with the same provider for a discount. Examples include electricity plans from gas companies or gas-and-electric bundles from power companies.
Benefits of Bundled Contracts
Downsides of Bundled Contracts
How to Choose
The paperwork may feel tedious, but once it's done, you've got the foundation for daily life in place. While you still have time before moving, make it a habit to submit all three applications—electricity, gas, and water—together.
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