Kyoto

1. Electricity (Denki - 電気)

Providers:

• In Kyoto, electricity is primarily supplied by Kansai Electric Power Company (KEPCO) (関西電力).
• Recently, due to energy market deregulation, alternative providers (known as "new power companies") are also available, offering competitive rates and renewable energy options.

Voltage and Frequency:

• Voltage: 100V
• Frequency: 60Hz (Western Japan, including Kyoto)

Setting Up:

• When moving into a new residence, you’ll need to contact KEPCO or your chosen provider to set up service. This can often be done online or by phone.
• You’ll need to provide:
  • Your name
  • Address
  • Move-in date
  • Contact information
• In many cases, electricity is already active when you move in, and you simply need to register your details.

Costs:

• Basic monthly fee: ¥1,000–¥2,000
• Usage charge: ¥20–¥30 per kWh (varies by provider and plan)
• Average monthly bill: ¥5,000–¥8,000 for a single person; ¥10,000–¥15,000 for a family.

Payment Methods:

• Automatic bank transfer (most common)
• Credit card
• Convenience store payment (using a payment slip sent to your address)

Local Considerations:

• Kyoto is known for its hot summers and cold winters, so electricity usage for air conditioning and heating can vary significantly by season.
• Consider energy-saving appliances and LED lighting to reduce costs.

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2. Water (Suidō - 水道)

Provider:

• Water services in Kyoto are managed by the Kyoto City Waterworks Bureau (京都市上下水道局).

Setting Up:

• Contact the Kyoto City Waterworks Bureau to start or stop service. This can be done online, by phone, or in person at their office.
• Information required:
  • Name
  • Address
  • Move-in date
  • Contact information

Costs:

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

Payment Methods:

• Automatic bank transfer
• Credit card
• Convenience store payment

Local Considerations:

• Kyoto’s tap water is safe to drink and of good quality, but some residents prefer to use water filters for taste.
• Be mindful of water conservation, especially during the summer months.

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3. Gas (Gasu - ガス)

Providers:

• Kyoto primarily uses city gas (都市ガス), supplied by Osaka Gas (大阪ガス).
• Some rural areas may use propane gas (プロパンガス), which is delivered in tanks.

Setting Up:

• Contact Osaka Gas to set up service. This can be done online or by phone.
• A technician will need to visit your residence to turn on the gas and check appliances for safety.
• Information required:
  • Name
  • Address
  • Move-in date
  • Contact information

Costs:

• Basic monthly fee: ¥1,000–¥2,000
• Usage charge: ¥150–¥200 per cubic meter
• Average monthly bill: ¥3,000–¥5,000 for a single person; ¥8,000–¥12,000 for a family.

Payment Methods:

• Automatic bank transfer
• Credit card
• Convenience store payment

Local Considerations:

• Gas is commonly used for cooking, water heating, and sometimes room heating.
• Winter months may see higher gas bills due to increased water heating needs.

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4. Internet (Intānetto - インターネット)

Providers:

• Major internet providers in Kyoto include:
  • NTT West (FLET’S Hikari): Fiber-optic internet
  • KDDI (au Hikari): Fiber-optic internet
  • SoftBank Hikari
  • Local providers: Offer competitive rates and packages
• Mobile internet providers like Rakuten Mobile or SoftBank also offer home internet plans.

Setting Up:

• Choose a provider and plan based on your needs (speed, data limits, etc.).
• Installation may take 1–2 weeks, so plan ahead.
• Required documents:
  • Residence address
  • Identification (passport, residence card)
  • Bank account or credit card details for payment

Costs:

• Installation fee: ¥10,000–¥20,000 (may be waived during promotions)
• Monthly fee: ¥4,000–¥6,000 for fiber-optic internet
• Optional router rental: ¥500–¥1,000 per month

Payment Methods:

• Automatic bank transfer
• Credit card

Local Considerations:

• Kyoto has excellent internet infrastructure, and fiber-optic connections are widely available.
• If you need internet immediately, consider renting a pocket Wi-Fi device while waiting for installation.

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5. Other Utilities and Services

Garbage Disposal:

• Garbage collection in Kyoto is highly organized and follows strict sorting rules.
• Categories include burnable waste, non-burnable waste, recyclable items (plastics, cans, glass), and oversized items.
• You’ll need to purchase designated garbage bags (available at supermarkets and convenience stores).
• Collection schedules vary by neighborhood, so check with your local ward office.

Heating and Cooling:

• Many homes in Kyoto use electric air conditioners (エアコン) for both heating and cooling.
• Some older homes may rely on kerosene heaters (ストーブ) in winter, which require purchasing kerosene separately.

Mobile Phone:

• Mobile phone plans are essential for daily life and often bundled with internet services.
• Major providers: NTT Docomo, au, SoftBank, Rakuten Mobile.
• Monthly costs: ¥3,000–¥8,000 depending on the plan.

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6. General Tips and Cultural Considerations

• Language Barrier: Many utility providers have English-speaking support or online forms in English, but it’s helpful to have a Japanese-speaking friend or translator if needed.
• Seasonal Variations: Kyoto’s climate can be extreme, so utility usage (and costs) will fluctuate with the seasons.
• Eco-Friendly Options: Kyoto is a city that values sustainability. Consider choosing renewable energy plans or conserving water and electricity.
• Payment Deadlines: Utility bills are typically due within 1–2 weeks of issuance. Late payments may incur penalties or service interruptions.

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By understanding these utilities and their setup processes, you’ll be well-prepared to settle into life in Kyoto. If you need further assistance or have specific questions, feel free to ask!