Kobe

๐Ÿ”Œ

Utilities Setup

Sections

1. Electricity

Provider

  • In Kobe, electricity is primarily provided by Kansai Electric Power Company (KEPCO).
  • Website: KEPCO
  • Customer Service (English): 0800-777-8810

Costs

  • Basic charge: Around ยฅ300โ€“ยฅ1,500 per month, depending on the capacity of your breaker (measured in amperes).
  • Usage charge: Approximately ยฅ20โ€“ยฅ30 per kWh, depending on your usage tier.
  • Monthly bills for a small apartment typically range from ยฅ4,000โ€“ยฅ8,000.

Setup Procedure

  1. Contact KEPCO:
    • You can apply online, by phone, or through your real estate agent.
    • If youโ€™re moving into a new apartment, check if the electricity is already active. If not, youโ€™ll need to contact KEPCO to activate it.
  2. Provide Information:
    • Address of your residence.
    • Move-in date.
    • Your preferred payment method (bank transfer, credit card, or convenience store payment).
  3. Breaker Activation:
    • If the electricity is off, locate the breaker box in your apartment and switch it on after contacting KEPCO.

Required Documents

  • Passport.
  • Residence Card (Zairyu Card).
  • Bank account details (if setting up automatic payments).

Tips

  • KEPCO offers an English-speaking hotline, which is helpful for expatriates.
  • Consider signing up for an energy-saving plan if you use electricity during off-peak hours.

2. Gas

Provider

  • Gas in Kobe is supplied by Osaka Gas.
  • Website: Osaka Gas
  • Customer Service (English): 0120-0-94817

Costs

  • Basic charge: Around ยฅ1,000โ€“ยฅ2,000 per month.
  • Usage charge: Approximately ยฅ150โ€“ยฅ200 per cubic meter.
  • Monthly bills for a small apartment typically range from ยฅ3,000โ€“ยฅ6,000.

Setup Procedure

  1. Contact Osaka Gas:
    • Call or apply online to set up your account.
    • Schedule an appointment for a technician to visit your residence and activate the gas supply.
  2. Technician Visit:
    • A technician will visit to turn on the gas and check for safety. You must be present during this appointment.
  3. Payment Setup:
    • Choose your payment method (bank transfer, credit card, or convenience store payment).

Required Documents

  • Passport.
  • Residence Card.
  • Bank account details (for automatic payments).

Tips

  • Gas is commonly used for cooking and heating water in Japan. Ensure youโ€™re home for the technicianโ€™s visit, as they will not activate the gas without your presence.
  • If you donโ€™t speak Japanese, ask your real estate agent or a Japanese-speaking friend to assist with scheduling the appointment.

3. Water

Provider

  • Water services in Kobe are managed by the Kobe City Waterworks Bureau.
  • Website: Kobe Waterworks Bureau (Japanese only)
  • Customer Service: 078-341-5451

Costs

  • Basic charge: Around ยฅ1,000โ€“ยฅ2,000 per month.
  • Usage charge: Approximately ยฅ200โ€“ยฅ300 per cubic meter.
  • Monthly bills for a small apartment typically range from ยฅ2,000โ€“ยฅ4,000.

Setup Procedure

  1. Contact the Waterworks Bureau:
    • Call or visit their website to set up your account.
    • Provide your address and move-in date.
  2. Water Activation:
    • In most cases, water is already active when you move in. If not, the Waterworks Bureau will guide you on how to activate it.
  3. Payment Setup:
    • Choose your payment method (bank transfer, credit card, or convenience store payment).

Required Documents

  • Passport.
  • Residence Card.
  • Bank account details (for automatic payments).

Tips

  • If youโ€™re unsure whether the water is active, check the taps upon moving in. If itโ€™s not running, contact the Waterworks Bureau immediately.
  • Bills are typically sent every two months.

4. Internet

Providers

  • Popular internet providers in Kobe include:
    • NTT Flets (fiber optic).
    • SoftBank Hikari (fiber optic).
    • au Hikari (fiber optic).
    • Pocket Wi-Fi options (e.g., Sakura Mobile, Japan Wireless) for short-term stays.

Costs

  • Fiber optic plans: ยฅ4,000โ€“ยฅ6,000 per month.
  • Pocket Wi-Fi: ยฅ3,000โ€“ยฅ5,000 per month (ideal for temporary setups).

Setup Procedure

  1. Choose a Provider:
    • Research plans and choose one that fits your needs. Many providers offer English support for expatriates.
  2. Apply Online or In-Store:
    • Provide your address, residence details, and preferred installation date.
  3. Installation:
    • A technician may need to visit your residence to install the necessary equipment. This can take 1โ€“2 weeks after application.
  4. Router Setup:
    • Once the installation is complete, set up your router or modem to start using the internet.

Required Documents

  • Passport.
  • Residence Card.
  • Bank account details or credit card (for payment).

Tips

  • If you need internet immediately, consider renting a Pocket Wi-Fi device while waiting for fiber optic installation.
  • Some providers offer discounts if you bundle internet with mobile phone services.

General Tips for Expatriates

  1. Language Barrier:
    • While some utility providers offer English support, many do not. Consider asking your real estate agent or a Japanese-speaking friend for assistance.
  2. Payment Methods:
    • Automatic bank transfers or credit card payments are the most convenient options. You can also pay bills at convenience stores (e.g., 7-Eleven, Lawson).
  3. Cultural Norms:
    • Punctuality is highly valued in Japan. Be on time for any technician appointments.
    • Utility bills are typically sent monthly (except for water, which is bi-monthly).
  4. Emergency Numbers:
    • Electricity (KEPCO): 0800-777-8810
    • Gas (Osaka Gas): 0120-0-94817
    • Water (Kobe Waterworks Bureau): 078-341-5451

By following these steps and tips, youโ€™ll be able to set up your utilities in Kobe smoothly and efficiently.