Sapporo

1. Electricity (Denki - 電気)

Providers:

• The primary electricity provider in Sapporo is Hokkaido Electric Power Company (HEPCO).
• Since the deregulation of the electricity market in Japan, alternative providers (known as "new power companies") are also available, offering competitive rates and renewable energy options.

Setting Up Electricity:

• When moving into a new residence, you’ll need to contact HEPCO or your chosen provider to set up service. This can usually be done online, by phone, or through your real estate agent.
• You’ll need to provide:
  • Your name
  • Address
  • Move-in date
  • Contact information
• In most cases, electricity is already connected, and you only need to register your account.

Costs:

• Electricity is billed monthly based on usage (measured in kWh).
• Average monthly cost: ¥5,000–¥8,000 for a single person, depending on the season and usage.
• Winter heating can increase electricity costs significantly, as many homes in Sapporo rely on electric heaters.

Tips:

• Consider energy-efficient appliances to reduce costs.
• Some providers offer discounts for bundled services (e.g., electricity + gas).

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2. Gas (Gasu - ガス)

Providers:

• Sapporo primarily uses city gas (都市ガス), provided by Hokkaido Gas (Hokuden Gas).
• In rural areas or older buildings, propane gas (プロパンガス) may be used, which is more expensive.

Setting Up Gas:

• Contact Hokkaido Gas or your propane provider to set up service. This usually requires an appointment for a technician to visit your home and activate the gas supply.
• You’ll need to provide:
  • Your name
  • Address
  • Move-in date
  • Contact information

Costs:

• Gas is billed monthly based on usage.
• Average monthly cost: ¥3,000–¥6,000 for a single person.
• Gas usage increases in winter due to heating and hot water needs.

Tips:

• If you’re renting, confirm whether the property uses city gas or propane gas, as this can significantly affect your monthly expenses.

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3. Water (Mizu - 水)

Provider:

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

Setting Up Water:

• Contact the Sapporo City Waterworks Bureau to set up your account. This can be done online, by phone, or through your real estate agent.
• You’ll need to provide:
  • Your name
  • Address
  • Move-in date
  • Contact information

Costs:

• Water is billed every two months based on usage.
• Average cost: ¥2,000–¥4,000 per month for a single person.

Tips:

• Water quality in Sapporo is excellent, so there’s no need to buy bottled water.
• Be mindful of water usage during winter, as pipes can freeze. Insulate exposed pipes to prevent damage.

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4. Internet (Intānetto - インターネット)

Providers:

• Major internet providers in Sapporo include:
  • NTT East (FLET’S Hikari): Fiber-optic internet.
  • SoftBank Hikari: Fiber-optic internet with mobile phone bundle options.
  • au Hikari: Fiber-optic internet.
  • Local providers like Hokkaido Cable.

Setting Up Internet:

• Internet setup can take 1–4 weeks, so plan ahead.
• You’ll need to:
  • Choose a provider and plan.
  • Schedule an installation appointment (if required).
  • Provide your residence details and identification (e.g., residence card or passport).
• Some apartments come with pre-installed internet, so check with your landlord.

Costs:

• Monthly cost: ¥4,000–¥6,000 for high-speed fiber-optic internet.
• Installation fees: ¥10,000–¥20,000, though promotions often waive these fees.

Tips:

• Look for bundle discounts if you also use the same provider for mobile phone service.
• Pocket Wi-Fi is a good temporary solution while waiting for installation.

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5. Garbage Disposal (Gomi - ゴミ)

System:

• Sapporo has a strict and detailed garbage disposal system. Garbage is separated into categories:
  • Burnable (燃えるゴミ): Kitchen waste, paper, etc.
  • Non-burnable (燃えないゴミ): Glass, ceramics, etc.
  • Recyclables (資源ごみ): Plastic bottles, cans, paper, etc.
  • Large items (粗大ごみ): Furniture, appliances, etc.

Procedures:

• Garbage must be placed in designated bags, which can be purchased at convenience stores or supermarkets.
• Each type of garbage is collected on specific days. Check the schedule for your neighborhood.
• Large items require a special pickup request and fee.

Tips:

• Follow the rules carefully, as improper disposal can result in fines or complaints from neighbors.
• Download the Sapporo Garbage Sorting App for guidance.

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6. Heating (Ondanka - 温暖化)

Heating Systems:

• Sapporo winters are harsh, so heating is essential. Common systems include:
  • Kerosene heaters: Affordable but require regular refueling.
  • Gas heaters: Convenient but more expensive.
  • Electric heaters: Common in apartments but can lead to high electricity bills.

Costs:

• Heating costs vary widely depending on the system and winter temperatures.
• Monthly cost: ¥10,000–¥20,000 during winter months.

Tips:

• Insulate windows and doors to reduce heating costs.
• Stock up on kerosene early in the season, as demand increases in winter.

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7. Housing Costs and Considerations

Rent:

• Average monthly rent in Sapporo:
  • ¥40,000–¥60,000 for a 1K or 1DK apartment (single person).
  • ¥60,000–¥100,000+ for larger apartments or family homes.

Initial Costs:

• Moving into a new apartment typically requires:
  • Key money (礼金): 1–2 months’ rent (non-refundable).
  • Deposit (敷金): 1–2 months’ rent (refundable).
  • Agency fee (仲介手数料): 1 month’s rent.
  • First month’s rent.

Tips:

• Look for apartments with "no key money" (礼金なし) to save on initial costs.
• Consider proximity to public transportation, as Sapporo’s winters can make commuting challenging.

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8. Local Tips and Considerations

• Winter Preparation: Sapporo’s winters are long and snowy. Invest in snow-clearing tools and ensure your home is well-insulated.
• Language Barrier: Many utility providers have English-speaking staff or online resources, but having a Japanese-speaking friend or using translation apps can be helpful.
• Emergency Numbers:
  • Electricity issues: Hokkaido Electric Power Company (0120-12-6565).
  • Gas leaks: Hokkaido Gas (011-207-7000).
  • Water issues: Sapporo City Waterworks Bureau (011-211-7770).

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By understanding these utilities and services, you’ll be well-prepared to settle into life in Sapporo. Let me know if you need further assistance!