Moving in · Practical guide
Check what your lease includes, arrange each start date and book the gas visit. Use official provider routes—or get help with a Japanese call when the next step is unclear.
Direct answer
Arrange each utility before you move in.
First ask your landlord which services are included and whether the building uses city gas or LP gas. Apply for electricity and water with the appropriate providers, and reserve the gas opening visit if required. Keep the application confirmations and start dates for all three services.
Working electricity does not prove that your contract is complete. Kansai Electric explicitly asks new residents to complete the start procedure even if power is already available. Stopping services at your old address is a separate task.
01 · Prepare
Get the address, dates and gas type right.
- Check the lease. Ask which utilities you arrange personally, which are included, and who supplies the building’s gas.
- Prepare the full address. Include the postal code, building name, room number and the contract holder’s name.
- Choose realistic dates. Note when you receive the keys, when you need service and when someone can attend a gas visit.
- Have your contact details ready. Keep a reachable phone number, email and any existing application reference.
- Keep payment details for the official application. Complete the provider’s contract, consent and payment steps personally.
02 · Choose your next step
How would you like to handle it?
03 · Do it yourself
Choose the provider for your address.
The providers below are starting points. Check the supply area and the plan you are applying for; electricity, gas and water are separate arrangements.
| Provider / service | Start here | Useful check |
|---|---|---|
| TEPCO | Moving / start procedures (Japanese) | Check address eligibility and save the application receipt and reference. |
| Kansai Electric | Moving procedures (Japanese) | Choose the start route, including when electricity already works. |
| Chubu Electric Power Miraiz | Moving procedures (Japanese) | Select starting service and check the applicable area. |
| Tokyo Gas | Gas / electricity procedure guide (English) | Gas opening requires attendance. The guide is in English; the linked application is Japanese. |
| Osaka Gas | Moving procedures (Japanese) | Arrange the gas opening appointment and someone’s attendance. |
| Tokyo Metropolitan Waterworks | English app guide | The English app supports starting and stopping water contracts. A customer number is not required to start. |
| Another area or LP gas | Your municipal water bureau and the building’s gas supplier | Ask management for the correct supplier. Do not apply for city gas if your building uses LP gas. |
Electricity: finish the application.
Check the selected provider’s instructions and keep proof that your request was received. Confirm the service address, start date and any remaining personal steps. If the form cannot identify your building or room, use the provider’s official support route.
Gas: make the appointment workable.
Tokyo Gas and Osaka Gas require attendance for opening. You need access to the home for the visit. Ask what to do about keys, auto-lock entry and the intended attendee. Tokyo Gas asks you to notify it of a representative’s name and phone number in advance. Check your own provider’s requirements.
Confirm that appliances suit the building’s gas type with the supplier or management. Follow the provider’s opening procedure.
Water: use the local water bureau.
For an address served by Tokyo Metropolitan Waterworks, its English app guide includes instructions and links to the relevant procedures. For another municipality, use its own official start-service route. If water is included in your rent, confirm who handles the account.
Ask about starting service
“I’d like to start electricity / gas / water on [date]. My address, building and room are [details]. Please explain the procedure and anything I must do personally.”
Ask about the gas opening appointment
“Do I need to attend the gas opening visit? I’m available during [two possible windows]. Please confirm available slots and what to prepare.”
Confirm an existing application
“Please confirm whether my start-service application was received. My reference is [number]. Please confirm the planned start date, any appointment and remaining steps.”
Before ending the call, confirm these points.
- The correct provider, address and requested start date
- Whether the application is received, pending or still needs action
- The visit date, time window, access and attendee requirements
- Any personal contract, verification or payment steps
- The reference and the official contact for changes
Tokyo Gas · Explore your options
Setting up utilities at your next home?
If you are moving within Japan, you can check Tokyo Gas’s offer below. Check the advertised service, supply area, rates and application conditions on the destination page before applying. This offer does not cancel your existing utilities or arrange every move-in procedure.
Affiliate link: VisaSHOGUN may receive a commission if you apply through it.
LifeAdmin · Japanese call support
Need help confirming one utility’s next step?
LifeAdmin can communicate with one provider to confirm requirements, ask about an appointment or check an existing application. You receive a written English summary of the result and any action still needed.
- ¥2,980 · one organization, one clear purpose
- Up to two call attempts
- Normally reviewed within one business day; calls during Japanese business hours
What we’ll need from you
- The provider’s name and official phone number
- The contract holder’s name and full service address
- Your requested start date and key-access date
- Any application reference or customer number you already have
- One clear question and times you can join for consent or verification
Provide relevant details through the task form. Enter passwords, full card details and bank information only through the provider’s official process. The provider may require you to speak personally.
This is communication support. You select the plan and personally complete contractual consent, identity checks and payment. LifeAdmin does not guarantee acceptance or activation, perform gas work, or arrange all three utilities under one task. Contacting another organization is a separate task.
04 · After applying
Keep the confirmations together.
Save each reference and confirmation. Complete any personal steps requested by the provider and check that all three start dates match your plans.
If the visit or move date changes
Use the provider’s official change route promptly. Confirm a new appointment rather than assuming the previous booking transfers.
If service is unavailable when you arrive
Check your application receipt and contact the correct provider. If the issue is with the building or equipment, ask your management company or use the apartment repair guide.
05 · Keep your move on track
Is each service ready for your new home?
Tick each item once arranged. The ticks apply to this visit.
Continue with your moving checklist.
Questions
Starting utilities: common questions
Do working lights mean I have an electricity contract?
Complete the provider’s start procedure and retain the confirmation. Kansai Electric explicitly says the procedure is needed even when electricity already works.
Can I set up every utility with the same company?
Check each service separately. Some providers offer electricity and gas, but your gas type, supply area and water bureau still matter.
Does someone need to attend the gas opening?
Tokyo Gas and Osaka Gas require attendance. Confirm who may attend, access requirements and the appointment with your supplier.
Can LifeAdmin sign up for a plan for me?
LifeAdmin communicates and confirms one clear enquiry. You choose the plan and complete the provider’s contract, verification and payment steps personally.
One clear next step
Unclear about a utility application?
Identify the provider and prepare your address, dates and reference. LifeAdmin can help communicate and confirm the next step.
Get utility enquiry help →Before buying, check what we’ll need from you.
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Official sources
Checked 5 October 2026. Follow your provider’s current instructions.