Overview

Electricity in Japan is provided by regional power companies, and the country is divided into two frequency zones:

• 50 Hz in Eastern Japan (e.g., Tokyo, Yokohama, Sapporo).
• 60 Hz in Western Japan (e.g., Osaka, Kyoto, Hiroshima).

This difference in frequency can affect the use of certain appliances, so check compatibility when bringing electronics from abroad.

Providers

Major electricity providers include:

• TEPCO (Tokyo Electric Power Company) for the Kanto region.
• Kansai Electric Power Company (KEPCO) for the Kansai region.
• Chubu Electric Power for the Chubu region.

Since the deregulation of the electricity market in 2016, many alternative providers (e.g., SoftBank, Rakuten Denki) now offer competitive pricing and plans.

Costs

• Basic monthly fee: ¥1,000–¥2,000, depending on the provider and plan.
• Usage charges: ¥20–¥30 per kWh, with higher rates for higher usage tiers.
• Average monthly bill: ¥5,000–¥10,000 for a single person; ¥10,000–¥20,000 for a family.

How to Set Up

1. Contact a provider: You can sign up online, by phone, or through your real estate agent when moving in.
2. Provide details: Address, move-in date, and personal information.
3. Meter activation: In most cases, electricity is already active, but if not, the provider will send a technician to activate it.

Payment Methods

• Automatic bank transfer.
• Credit card.
• Convenience store payment slips.

Cultural Considerations

• Energy conservation is emphasized in Japan. Many households use energy-efficient appliances and turn off lights when not in use.
• During summer and winter, electricity bills may spike due to air conditioning and heating.

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2. Water (水道 - Suidō)

Overview

Water services are managed by local municipal governments. Tap water in Japan is safe to drink and of high quality.

Costs

• Basic monthly fee: ¥1,000–¥2,000.
• Usage charges: ¥200–¥300 per cubic meter.
• Average monthly bill: ¥2,000–¥4,000 for a single person; ¥5,000–¥8,000 for a family.

How to Set Up

1. Contact the local water bureau: This can usually be done online, by phone, or through your real estate agent.
2. Provide details: Address, move-in date, and personal information.
3. Meter reading: A technician may visit to check the water meter.

Payment Methods

• Automatic bank transfer.
• Credit card.
• Convenience store payment slips.

Cultural Considerations

• Water conservation is common, with many households using water-saving appliances and practices (e.g., reusing bathwater for laundry).

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3. Gas (ガス - Gasu)

Overview

Gas in Japan is used for cooking, water heating, and sometimes heating. There are two types of gas:

• City gas (都市ガス - Toshi Gasu): Supplied via pipelines in urban areas.
• Propane gas (プロパンガス - Puropan Gasu): Delivered in tanks, common in rural areas.

Providers

City gas is provided by regional companies like Tokyo Gas and Osaka Gas. Propane gas is supplied by private companies.

Costs

• Basic monthly fee: ¥1,000–¥2,000.
• Usage charges: ¥150–¥300 per cubic meter.
• Average monthly bill: ¥3,000–¥5,000 for a single person; ¥7,000–¥12,000 for a family.

How to Set Up

1. Contact the provider: Your real estate agent can help identify the provider.
2. Provide details: Address, move-in date, and personal information.
3. Gas activation: A technician will visit to activate the gas and check for safety.

Payment Methods

• Automatic bank transfer.
• Credit card.
• Convenience store payment slips.

Cultural Considerations

• Gas appliances often have safety features, such as automatic shut-off.
• Many homes use a combination of gas and electric appliances.

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4. Internet (インターネット - Intānetto)

Overview

Japan has one of the fastest and most reliable internet infrastructures in the world. Options include fiber-optic (光回線 - Hikari Kaisen), mobile Wi-Fi, and ADSL (less common).

Providers

Major providers include:

• NTT East/West (FLET’S Hikari).
• SoftBank Hikari.
• au Hikari.
• Rakuten Hikari.

Costs

• Installation fee: ¥15,000–¥30,000 (often waived during promotions).
• Monthly fee: ¥4,000–¥6,000 for fiber-optic plans.
• Mobile Wi-Fi: ¥3,000–¥5,000 per month.

How to Set Up

1. Choose a provider: Compare plans online or visit an electronics store.
2. Sign a contract: Provide ID, address, and bank details.
3. Installation: A technician may visit to install the necessary equipment.

Payment Methods

• Automatic bank transfer.
• Credit card.

Cultural Considerations

• Contracts often have a 2-year commitment, with penalties for early termination.
• Public Wi-Fi is not as widespread as in some countries, so having home internet or mobile Wi-Fi is essential.

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5. Waste Management (ゴミ処理 - Gomi Shori)

Overview

Japan has a strict and detailed waste separation and recycling system. Rules vary by municipality, but common categories include:

• Burnable waste (燃えるゴミ - Moeru Gomi).
• Non-burnable waste (燃えないゴミ - Moenai Gomi).
• Recyclables (資源ゴミ - Shigen Gomi): Paper, plastic, glass, cans.
• Large items (粗大ゴミ - Sodai Gomi).

Costs

• Regular waste collection is included in municipal taxes.
• Disposal of large items requires a fee (¥500–¥3,000 per item).

How to Dispose

1. Check local rules: Obtain a waste separation guide from your city office.
2. Use designated bags: Purchase specific garbage bags from supermarkets or convenience stores.
3. Follow the schedule: Waste is collected on specific days.

Cultural Considerations

• Improper waste disposal can lead to fines or complaints from neighbors.
• Recycling is taken seriously, and many items (e.g., PET bottles) must be rinsed before disposal.

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6. Postal Services (郵便 - Yūbin)

Overview

Japan Post (日本郵便 - Nippon Yūbin) is the primary postal service provider, offering reliable mail and package delivery, as well as banking and insurance services.

Costs

• Domestic letters: ¥84–¥94.
• Domestic parcels: ¥500–¥2,000, depending on size and weight.
• International mail: Rates vary by destination and service type.

How to Use

1. Post offices: Found in every neighborhood, open Monday–Friday (9:00–17:00) and sometimes on weekends.
2. Mailboxes: Red mailboxes are located throughout cities and towns.
3. Delivery services: Private companies like Yamato (Kuroneko) and Sagawa also offer parcel delivery.

Cultural Considerations

• Address format: Write the postal code first, followed by the prefecture, city, and address.
• Omotenashi (hospitality) is reflected in the high level of service, including careful handling of packages.

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Final Tips

• Language barrier: Many utility providers have English-speaking support or websites, but it’s helpful to have a Japanese-speaking friend or use translation apps.
• Seasonal costs: Utility bills may fluctuate with the seasons, especially for electricity and gas.
• Emergency contacts: Keep the contact numbers for your utility providers handy in case of outages or issues.

By understanding these systems and following the procedures, you can navigate Japan’s utilities and services smoothly and enjoy a comfortable life in the country.