Hiroshima

1. Electricity (電気 - Denki)

Providers:

• The main electricity provider in Hiroshima is Chugoku Electric Power Company (Chugoku Denryoku).
• Alternatively, since the deregulation of the electricity market in Japan, you can choose from other providers offering competitive rates, such as ENEOS Denki or Looop Denki.

Steps to Set Up:

1. Contact the Provider:
   • You can apply online, by phone, or in person at the provider’s office.
   • Chugoku Electric Power’s website has an English page for foreign residents.
2. Provide Necessary Information:
   • Your name and contact details.
   • Address of the property.
   • Move-in date.
   • Bank account details for automatic payments (optional but recommended).
3. Activate the Service:
   • In most cases, electricity is already connected. You only need to flip the breaker switch in your home.
   • If the electricity is not active, the provider will send a technician to activate it.

Costs:

• Basic Monthly Fee: ¥1,000–¥2,000, depending on the size of your home.
• Usage Fee: Around ¥20–¥30 per kWh.
• Average monthly cost for a single person: ¥4,000–¥6,000.

Tips:

• Electricity in Japan is 100V, 60Hz in Hiroshima. Ensure your appliances are compatible.
• Consider energy-saving habits, as electricity can be expensive.

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2. Gas (ガス - Gasu)

Types of Gas:

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

Main Provider:

• Hiroshima Gas Co., Ltd. is the primary city gas provider.

Steps to Set Up:

1. Contact Hiroshima Gas:
   • Call their customer service or visit their office. Some staff may speak basic English, but it’s helpful to have a Japanese speaker assist you.
2. Provide Necessary Information:
   • Your name, address, and move-in date.
   • Bank account details for payment.
3. Schedule a Technician Visit:
   • A technician will visit your home to turn on the gas and check for safety. You must be present during this visit.

Costs:

• Basic Monthly Fee: ¥1,000–¥2,000.
• Usage Fee: ¥150–¥200 per cubic meter.
• Average monthly cost for a single person: ¥3,000–¥5,000.

Tips:

• If your home uses propane gas, the setup process and costs may vary. Check with your landlord or property manager.
• Always ventilate your kitchen when using gas stoves, as is customary in Japan.

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3. Water (水道 - Suidō)

Provider:

• Water services in Hiroshima are managed by the Hiroshima City Waterworks Bureau.

Steps to Set Up:

1. Contact the Waterworks Bureau:
   • Call their customer service or apply online. Their website has an English section for foreign residents.
2. Provide Necessary Information:
   • Your name, address, and move-in date.
   • Bank account details for payment.
3. Service Activation:
   • Water is usually already connected. If not, the bureau will arrange for activation.

Costs:

• Basic Monthly Fee: ¥1,000–¥2,000.
• Usage Fee: Around ¥200–¥300 per cubic meter.
• Average monthly cost for a single person: ¥2,000–¥4,000.

Tips:

• Water bills are typically issued every two months.
• Hiroshima’s tap water is safe to drink, but many residents use water filters for taste.

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4. Internet (インターネット - Intānetto)

Providers:

• Popular providers in Hiroshima include:
  • NTT Flets Hikari (fiber-optic).
  • SoftBank Hikari.
  • au Hikari.
  • Asahi Net (foreigner-friendly).
• Mobile internet options (pocket Wi-Fi) are also available for short-term stays.

Steps to Set Up:

1. Choose a Provider:
   • Compare plans based on speed, cost, and contract length. Some providers offer English support.
2. Apply for Service:
   • Apply online, by phone, or at a retail store.
   • Provide your name, address, and residence card (在留カード - Zairyū Card) for identification.
3. Schedule Installation:
   • Fiber-optic internet often requires a technician to install the connection. This can take 1–2 weeks.
4. Set Up Payment:
   • Payments can be made via bank transfer, credit card, or convenience store.

Costs:

• Installation Fee: ¥10,000–¥20,000 (may be waived during promotions).
• Monthly Fee: ¥4,000–¥6,000 for fiber-optic plans.
• Pocket Wi-Fi: ¥3,000–¥5,000 per month.

Tips:

• If you need internet immediately, consider renting a pocket Wi-Fi device while waiting for installation.
• Some providers require a 2-year contract. Early termination fees can be high.

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General Tips for Setting Up Utilities in Hiroshima:

1. Language Barrier:

   • Most utility providers have limited English support. If you’re not fluent in Japanese, ask a Japanese-speaking friend or your landlord for assistance.
   • Alternatively, use translation apps like Google Translate to communicate.

2. Payment Methods:

   • Utilities can be paid via:
     • Automatic bank transfer (most convenient).
     • Credit card.
     • Payment slips at convenience stores (コンビニ - Konbini).

3. Documents Needed:

   • Residence card (在留カード - Zairyū Card).
   • Passport (sometimes required for identification).
   • Bank account details (for automatic payments).

4. Cultural Considerations:

   • Punctuality is important. Be present at home during scheduled technician visits.
   • Energy conservation is a cultural norm in Japan. Turn off lights and appliances when not in use.

5. Emergency Numbers:

   • Electricity: Chugoku Electric Power (0120-123-456).
   • Gas: Hiroshima Gas (082-251-2151).
   • Water: Hiroshima City Waterworks Bureau (082-511-6800).

6. Landlord Assistance:

   • Many landlords or real estate agents in Hiroshima will help you set up utilities as part of the move-in process. Confirm this when signing your lease.

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By following these steps and tips, you’ll be able to set up utilities in Hiroshima efficiently and adapt to local practices. If you encounter any issues, don’t hesitate to ask for help from your landlord, neighbors, or local community centers that support foreign residents.