Kobe

1. Electricity

Providers:

• The primary electricity provider in Kobe is Kansai Electric Power Company (KEPCO) (関西電力, Kansai Denryoku).
• KEPCO is the default provider, but since Japan deregulated its electricity market in 2016, you can also choose from alternative providers like Looop Denki, ENEOS Denki, or SoftBank Denki.

Voltage and Frequency:

• Japan uses 100V with a frequency of 60Hz in Kobe (Western Japan). Ensure your appliances are compatible or use a transformer if needed.

Average Costs:

• The average monthly electricity bill for a single-person household is around ¥5,000–¥7,000, while a family may spend ¥10,000–¥15,000 depending on usage.
• Rates are typically calculated based on kilowatt-hours (kWh) and vary by provider and plan.

Setting Up Electricity:

1. Contact KEPCO or your chosen provider:
   • You can apply online or by phone. KEPCO’s website has an English option for foreigners.
   • You’ll need your address, move-in date, and personal details.
2. Meter Activation:
   • In most cases, the electricity meter is activated remotely. If not, a technician may visit your home.
3. Billing:
   • Payment options include automatic bank withdrawal, credit card, or convenience store payments.

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2. Water

Provider:

• Water services in Kobe are managed by the Kobe City Waterworks Bureau (神戸市水道局, Kobe-shi Suidōkyoku).

Average Costs:

• The average monthly water bill for a single-person household is around ¥2,000–¥3,000, while a family may spend ¥5,000–¥7,000.
• Water bills are calculated based on usage (measured in cubic meters).

Setting Up Water:

1. Contact the Kobe City Waterworks Bureau:
   • You can apply online, by phone, or in person at their office. Their website has English support.
   • Provide your address, move-in date, and personal details.
2. Meter Reading:
   • A technician may visit to check the water meter when you move in.
3. Billing:
   • Payment options include automatic bank withdrawal, credit card, or convenience store payments.

Practical Tip:

• Tap water in Kobe is safe to drink and of high quality, as the city is known for its excellent water supply system.

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3. Gas

Providers:

• The main gas provider in Kobe is Osaka Gas (大阪ガス, Osaka Gas), which supplies city gas (都市ガス, Toshi Gas).
• Some areas may use propane gas (プロパンガス, Propane Gas), which is managed by private companies.

Average Costs:

• The average monthly gas bill for a single-person household is around ¥3,000–¥5,000, while a family may spend ¥7,000–¥10,000.
• Costs vary depending on the season (higher in winter due to heating).

Setting Up Gas:

1. Contact Osaka Gas or your propane provider:
   • You can apply online or by phone. Osaka Gas has English-speaking support.
   • Provide your address, move-in date, and personal details.
2. Gas Activation:
   • A technician will visit your home to activate the gas supply and check for safety. You must be present during this visit.
3. Billing:
   • Payment options include automatic bank withdrawal, credit card, or convenience store payments.

Practical Tip:

• Gas is commonly used for cooking and heating water in Kobe. If you’re renting, confirm whether the property uses city gas or propane gas, as propane is more expensive.

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Communication in Kobe, Japan

1. Internet Services

Types of Internet:

• Fiber-optic (Hikari): The most common and fastest option.
• Mobile Wi-Fi (Pocket Wi-Fi): Portable and ideal for short-term stays.
• Cable Internet: Available in some areas but less common.

Best Providers:

1. NTT Flets Hikari:
   • The largest fiber-optic provider in Japan.
   • Speeds up to 1Gbps.
   • Monthly cost: ¥4,000–¥6,000.
2. So-net:
   • Offers competitive pricing and English support.
   • Monthly cost: ¥3,500–¥5,500.
3. SoftBank Hikari:
   • Bundles available with SoftBank mobile plans.
   • Monthly cost: ¥4,000–¥6,000.
4. Au Hikari:
   • Another major provider with good coverage in Kobe.
   • Monthly cost: ¥4,000–¥6,000.

Setting Up Internet:

1. Choose a Provider:
   • Compare plans and check coverage for your address.
2. Apply Online or In-Store:
   • Some providers offer English support for applications.
3. Installation:
   • Fiber-optic installation may take 1–2 weeks. A technician will visit your home to set up the connection.
4. Router:
   • Most providers include a router in their plans, or you can purchase one separately.

Practical Tip:

• If you need internet immediately, consider renting a Pocket Wi-Fi while waiting for fiber-optic installation.

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2. Mobile Services

Best Providers:

1. Major Carriers:
   • Docomo, AU by KDDI, and SoftBank are the largest providers, offering extensive coverage and reliable service.
   • Monthly cost: ¥5,000–¥8,000 for unlimited data plans.
2. Budget Carriers (MVNOs):
   • Rakuten Mobile, Y!Mobile, and UQ Mobile offer cheaper plans with good coverage.
   • Monthly cost: ¥2,000–¥4,000 for limited data plans.

Setting Up Mobile Service:

1. Choose a Provider:
   • Major carriers have English-speaking staff at flagship stores, while budget carriers may require Japanese proficiency.
2. Required Documents:
   • Passport.
   • Residence Card (在留カード, Zairyū Card).
   • Japanese bank account or credit card.
3. SIM Card or Phone Contract:
   • You can purchase a SIM card for your unlocked phone or sign up for a phone contract with a new device.

Practical Tip:

• If you’re staying short-term, consider prepaid SIM cards or Pocket Wi-Fi instead of a long-term contract.

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Cultural Considerations and Practical Advice

1. Language Barrier:
   • While some utility and communication providers offer English support, many services are primarily in Japanese. Consider using translation apps or asking for help from a Japanese-speaking friend.
2. Convenience Stores:
   • Utility bills can be paid at convenience stores (e.g., 7-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart) if you don’t set up automatic payments.
3. Energy Conservation:
   • Japanese homes are often less insulated than Western homes. Be mindful of energy usage, especially in winter and summer.
4. Customer Service:
   • Japanese customer service is highly polite and efficient. Be patient and respectful when dealing with providers.

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By following this guide, you’ll be well-prepared to manage utilities and communication services in Kobe, Japan. Let me know if you need further assistance!