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.
Reviewed by: Nobuyuki MoriPresident, M-Assets Co., Ltd. / Licensed Real Estate Transaction Specialist (Miyagi #018212)
When moving, you must handle disconnection at your old residence and connection at your new residence simultaneously. Delays in these procedures can result in double billing at your old place or no gas available on your first day at your new home.
Order of priority: Gas (requires technician visit) → Internet (depends on installation schedule) → Electricity → Water (easiest).
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.
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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 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.
Internet (Fiber Optic)
Fiber optic lines (such as NTT Flets Hikari, au Hikari, SoftBank Hikari) can take 1–2 months to schedule installation. We recommend applying immediately after deciding to move.
If your new apartment building has a building-wide contract (including free internet), you typically don't need to apply separately. Check with the building management company about whether internet is included.
Home routers (such as SoftBank Air or Rakuten Turbo) require no installation and can be used the day after signing up, but they may be slower and less stable than fiber optic lines.
Gas Transfer (Most Important)
Opening an account with a gas company requires a technician visit. During peak season (March and April), appointments can be booked 2–3 weeks in advance. Contact the gas company as soon as your moving date is confirmed.
Tokyo Gas: 0570-002211 (moving-specific line) or online Toho Gas (Chubu region): 0570-0-34521 Osaka Gas: 0570-002211 Seibu Gas (Kyushu): 0120-220-110
Required for the technician visit: valid ID, stamp/seal (if needed), your move-in date and preferred opening time.
Don't forget to also notify the gas company to close your account at your old residence. Schedule the closure for your expected move-out date.
Electricity Transfer
With deregulation of the electricity market, you have many options beyond the major utilities (Tokyo Electric Power, Kansai Electric Power, Chubu Electric Power)—including Rakuten Denki and ENEOS Denki. Your move is a good time to decide whether to keep your current plan or switch to a cheaper option.
How to proceed: Visit the electricity company's website or call and select "moving procedures." Specify the disconnection date at your old residence and the connection date at your new one. No technician visit is required for electricity.
Water Transfer
Water services are managed by the municipal water bureau. Contact your local government through their website or phone. Most areas offer online procedures. No technician visit is required; service begins on your specified date.
Gas Opening Technician Visit
If the gas technician's arrival overlaps with moving company work, either finish moving in before the technician arrives or ask the moving crew to wait briefly while the gas technician conducts their inspection.
The visit typically takes 30–60 minutes. The technician checks all gas appliances (water heaters, stove) and confirms safety.
Electricity Connection
If you've notified the electricity company, simply switch on the circuit breaker to begin service. No technician visit is typically required to confirm the meter reading.
Water Check
Turn on a faucet to confirm water is flowing. If water doesn't come out, contact the building management company or water bureau.
English support: Tokyo Gas English hotline (03-5722-0045), Tokyo Electric Power (call 0120-995-113 and select English)
Chinese and Korean support: Service levels vary by company, but you can also receive support through foreign-specialist management companies referred through SUMUIE.
If you moved in through a guarantor company specializing in foreign residents (such as GTN), utility setup support may be included.
Some properties (in suburban areas, single-family homes, or older apartments) use propane gas. Propane is typically supplied by a gas company designated by the building management, and you usually cannot choose a different provider.
Propane is typically more expensive than city gas (sometimes nearly twice as much). Before applying for a property, confirm whether it uses propane or city gas and calculate costs accordingly.
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