Tokyo

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Utilities

Sections

1. Electricity in Tokyo

Providers

  • The primary electricity provider in Tokyo is TEPCO (Tokyo Electric Power Company).
  • Other smaller providers exist due to energy market deregulation, allowing you to choose based on pricing or renewable energy preferences.

How to Set Up Electricity

  1. Contact the Provider:
    • You can set up electricity service online, by phone, or through your real estate agent or landlord.
    • TEPCOโ€™s website and customer service offer English support.
  2. Information Needed:
    • Your address.
    • Move-in date.
    • Personal details (name, phone number, etc.).
  3. Meter Activation:
    • In most cases, electricity is already connected, and you only need to register your account.
    • If the power is off, TEPCO will send a technician to activate it (usually free of charge).

Costs

  • Basic Monthly Fee: Around ยฅ300โ€“ยฅ1,000, depending on the size of your home and contract.
  • Usage Charges: Approximately ยฅ20โ€“ยฅ30 per kWh.
  • Average Monthly Bill:
    • Single person: ยฅ4,000โ€“ยฅ7,000.
    • Family: ยฅ10,000โ€“ยฅ15,000.
  • Payment Options:
    • Automatic bank transfer.
    • Credit card.
    • Convenience store payment (common in Japan).

Tips for Foreigners

  • Voltage and Plugs: Japan uses 100V with Type A plugs (two flat pins). Check if your appliances are compatible.
  • Energy-Saving Practices: Japanese homes often use energy-efficient appliances and turn off lights when not in use.
  • Seasonal Costs: Expect higher bills in summer (air conditioning) and winter (heating).

2. Water in Tokyo

Provider

  • Water services in Tokyo are managed by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Bureau of Waterworks.

How to Set Up Water

  1. Contact the Bureau:
    • You can apply online, by phone, or through your landlord/real estate agent.
    • English support is available on their website.
  2. Information Needed:
    • Address.
    • Move-in date.
    • Personal details.
  3. Meter Reading:
    • A technician may visit to check the water meter when you move in.

Costs

  • Basic Monthly Fee: Around ยฅ1,000โ€“ยฅ2,000.
  • Usage Charges: Approximately ยฅ200โ€“ยฅ300 per cubic meter.
  • Average Monthly Bill:
    • Single person: ยฅ2,000โ€“ยฅ3,000.
    • Family: ยฅ5,000โ€“ยฅ8,000.
  • Payment Options:
    • Automatic bank transfer.
    • Credit card.
    • Convenience store payment.

Tips for Foreigners

  • Drinking Water: Tap water in Tokyo is safe to drink and of high quality.
  • Water Conservation: Japanese culture emphasizes resource conservation. Many homes have water-saving appliances.
  • Seasonal Usage: Water bills may increase in summer due to higher usage (e.g., showers, laundry).

3. Gas in Tokyo

Providers

  • The main provider in Tokyo is Tokyo Gas, but other regional providers may be available depending on your location.

How to Set Up Gas

  1. Contact the Provider:
    • You can apply online, by phone, or through your landlord/real estate agent.
    • Tokyo Gas offers English support.
  2. Information Needed:
    • Address.
    • Move-in date.
    • Personal details.
  3. Gas Activation:
    • A technician will visit your home to turn on the gas and check for safety. You must be present during this appointment.

Costs

  • Basic Monthly Fee: Around ยฅ1,000โ€“ยฅ2,000.
  • Usage Charges: Approximately ยฅ150โ€“ยฅ200 per cubic meter.
  • Average Monthly Bill:
    • Single person: ยฅ3,000โ€“ยฅ5,000.
    • Family: ยฅ8,000โ€“ยฅ12,000.
  • Payment Options:
    • Automatic bank transfer.
    • Credit card.
    • Convenience store payment.

Tips for Foreigners

  • Gas Types: Tokyo primarily uses city gas (natural gas). Ensure your appliances are compatible.
  • Seasonal Costs: Gas bills are higher in winter due to heating and hot water usage.
  • Safety: Gas appliances often have built-in safety features, such as automatic shut-off. Familiarize yourself with these.

General Considerations for Foreigners

  1. Language Barrier:

    • Many utility providers offer English support, but itโ€™s helpful to have a Japanese-speaking friend or your landlord assist you if needed.
    • Websites often have English instructions for setting up services.

  2. Payment Methods:

    • Convenience store payments are common and easy to use. Look for the utility companyโ€™s logo on the bill and pay at the counter.
    • Automatic payments are convenient and prevent missed deadlines.

  3. Billing Cycle:

    • Utility bills are typically issued monthly. Youโ€™ll receive them by mail or email.

  4. Moving Out:

    • Notify all utility providers at least a week before moving out. They will arrange a final meter reading and send you a closing bill.

  5. Energy Conservation:

    • Japanese homes are designed to conserve energy. Use appliances like air conditioners and heaters efficiently to save on costs.

Culturally Specific Practices and Tips

  1. Seasonal Adjustments:

    • Many Japanese homes lack central heating or cooling. Instead, people use space heaters, kotatsu (heated tables), or air conditioners. Be prepared for higher utility costs during extreme weather.

  2. Eco-Friendly Practices:

    • Japan emphasizes environmental sustainability. Consider choosing renewable energy plans or using energy-efficient appliances.

  3. Community Awareness:

    • Be mindful of noise and energy use, especially in apartment buildings. Japanese culture values harmony and consideration for neighbors.

  4. Emergency Preparedness:

    • Tokyo is prone to earthquakes. Familiarize yourself with how to shut off gas and water in case of an emergency.

By understanding these details, youโ€™ll be well-prepared to manage utilities in Tokyo efficiently and adapt to local practices. Let me know if you need further assistance!