Myth-busting: “The gas will work as soon as I get the keys” is wrongExperience
In some countries and regions, utilities may already be available when you move into a home, so it’s easy to assume that they’ll work as soon as you arrive. That is not how it works in Japan: each utility has its own procedures, and gas is the most important one to watch out for:
Gas activation, called 開栓（かいせん）, usually requires an advance appointment. You or a representative must be present for the technician’s visit to turn on the gas and carry out a safety check, a requirement called 立会（たちあい）. During the busy moving season (especially March–April), appointments may not be available for a week. So if you call to schedule gas activation only on moving day, you may have no hot water to shower with and no way to cook that evening. A representative can be there on your behalf, but someone must be present; simply leaving a key is not enough.
The best approach is to contact the water, electricity, and gas providers 3–7 days before you move in Guide. For gas in particular, make sure to book both the activation visit and the time when you will be present. At the latest, confirm these three things on the day you get the keys: whether the water is on, whether the electricity works, and whether gas activation is scheduled. The key difference is: “電気・水道は自分で開始すればすぐ使える、ガスだけは立会予約が要る” (You can start using electricity and water right away by arranging them yourself; gas alone requires an appointment for you to be present).
Step-by-Step Checklist for Before and After Moving InOfficial
Water: Apply to the local waterworks bureau to start service (使用開始)
In Tokyo, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Bureau of Waterworks handles this. Apply online or by phone and provide your address, move-in date, name, and contact details.
- Confirm which water bureau serves your area (within Tokyo = Tokyo Metropolitan Government Bureau of Waterworks).
- Apply online or by phone for 「使用開始」 (start of service); most providers ask you to do this 3–4 days before moving Guide.
- If you do not change the account holder, service may remain under the previous resident’s name or lead to billing disputes. Make sure to switch it to your own name.
Watch outTake care of this 3–4 days before moving in; do not leave it until the day itself. If you do not change the account holder, the final move-out bill may be disputed.
waterworks.metro.tokyo.lg.jpElectricity: Apply to the power company to start service (使用開始; online applications may be available)
TEPCO’s website clearly states that you can apply online to start service. Electricity may have been shut off after the previous resident moved out, so you must apply yourself; it will not turn on automatically.
- Apply online to start service (TEPCO accepts applications on its website).
- If there is already a paper 「使用開始手続書」 in the home, you can also complete and submit it the traditional way Guide.
- At the same time, check or choose your 契約アンペア (contract amperage; see the next item).
Watch outAfter getting the keys, switch on room lights and check whether outlets have power. If they do not, contact the property manager and power company to check the service-start procedure.
tepco.co.jpGas: Schedule 開栓 (activation) and arrange for yourself to be present (essential)
Tokyo Gas and other providers let you arrange a move online or by phone. On the day the gas is opened, a technician visits to ignite the appliance and perform a safety check, so you or a representative must be present. Of the three utilities, this is the only step that cannot be handled entirely online and requires someone to attend in person.
- Book the gas-opening date and time slot as early as possible (there is a queue during moving season, so book well ahead).
- Confirm that you can be there on the day; if not, arrange for a representative to attend for you.
- During the visit, confirm whether the home uses 都市ガス or プロパン（LPガス）; their pricing systems differ.
Watch outBooking only on move-in day = no hot water and no way to cook that evening; during busy periods, the appointment may be a week away.
home.tokyo-gas.co.jpContract amperage: Choose carefully—it affects your monthly basic charge
For an electricity contract, you choose the amperage, which directly determines the monthly 「基本料金」. If you choose too few amps, using several appliances at once (air conditioner + microwave + electric kettle) may trip the breaker; if you choose too many, you pay a higher base fee for no reason.
- Estimate which high-power appliances you may use at the same time and choose an appropriate amperage.
- If you are unsure, start with the setting already installed in the property; you can request a change later.
- Note: Kansai and some other regions do not use the amperage system; practices vary by region To verify.
Watch outMore amps are not always better—you may pay a higher base fee for nothing. But do not choose too few and end up tripping the breaker every day.
Two things that are easy to overlook when choosing a home or movingExperience
- 都市ガス vs プロパン（LPガス）: the suppliers and pricing systems are completely different. プロパン is often more expensive and may involve restrictions or fees for ending the contract. Check which type the property uses before viewing or signing; do not wait until the gas-opening visit to discover that the monthly bill is much higher To verify.
- “Forgot-to-stop-service charges” when moving out: if you forget to contact the water, electricity, and gas providers to file 「使用中止」 when returning home or moving, base fees may continue after you leave. The assumption that “it stops naturally when you move out” does not apply here. You must proactively stop all three services when ending the lease, or you may be charged for both homes for several months.
Official service application linksOfficial
- Tokyo Metropolitan Government Bureau of Waterworks · Start/stop water service proceduresFor water service in Tokyo; for other areas, check with the local water bureau
- Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) · Moving (start service)You can apply online; if your area is not served by TEPCO, check with your local electric utility.
- Tokyo Gas · Moving procedures (schedule gas activation)Gas activation requires an appointment and someone to be present; if your area is not served by Tokyo Gas, check with your local gas company.
Japanese phrase guide · What to say by phone or at the service counterOfficial
- 開栓かいせん
Gas activation: A gas company representative visits to turn on the gas and perform a safety inspection so you can use it — you must book in advance, and you or a representative must be present.
- 立会たちあい
Being present: You or a representative must be there during gas activation; leaving the key with the worker is not enough—you must be there in person.
- 使用開始しようかいし
Start service: Apply to the water bureau, electric utility, or gas company to start service — it will not start automatically if you do not apply.
- 使用中止しようちゅうし
Stop service: Arrange to stop your water, electricity, and gas when you return home or move; if you do not, basic charges will continue after you move out.
- アンペア
Electricity capacity (amperage): The number of amperes you choose for your electricity contract, which directly determines your monthly basic charge. If you choose too low a capacity, using several high-power appliances at once may trip the breaker.
- 都市ガス
City gas: Gas supplied through pipes. It is generally cheaper than propane; check which type a home uses when viewing it.
- プロパン
Propane gas (LP gas): Gas supplied in tanks or cylinders. It is often more expensive, and there may be restrictions on canceling the contract; its pricing system differs from city gas.
Practice scenario · Calling to start electricity service (polite phone language · follow along with pronunciation guides)Experience
お世話になります。電気の使用開始の件でお電話しました。
Hello, I'm calling to arrange to start my electricity service.
お電話ありがとうございます。ご住所とお名前を教えていただけますか？
Thank you for calling. Could you tell me your address and name?
はい、お伝えします。それと、使用開始日は来週の月曜でお願いできますか？
Certainly, I'll give you those details. Also, would it be possible to start the service next Monday?
かしこまりました。当日、ブレーカーを入れていただければ電気が使えます。
Certainly. On the day, just turn on the breaker and you'll be able to use the electricity.
料金の支払いはどうすればいいですか？
How do I pay my electricity bill?
口座振替かクレジットカードがご利用いただけます。後日、書類をお送りします。
You can pay by automatic bank account withdrawal or credit card. We will send you the form afterward.