Yokohama

1. Utilities: Electricity, Gas, and Water

Electricity

• Providers: The primary electricity provider in Yokohama is TEPCO (Tokyo Electric Power Company).
• Voltage and Frequency: Electricity in Yokohama operates at 100V, 50Hz. Ensure your appliances are compatible or purchase a transformer if needed.
• Setting Up an Account:
  • When moving into a new residence, you’ll need to contact TEPCO to set up your electricity account. This can often be done online, by phone, or through your real estate agent.
  • You’ll need to provide your name, address, move-in date, and contact information.
  • In many cases, the electricity is already active when you move in, and you simply need to register your details.
• Billing:
  • Bills are typically issued monthly and can be paid via bank transfer, credit card, convenience stores, or automatic withdrawal.
  • TEPCO also offers an online portal where you can monitor your usage and pay bills.
• Costs:
  • The average monthly electricity bill for a single person in Yokohama is around ¥5,000–¥8,000, while a family may pay ¥10,000–¥15,000, depending on usage and season (higher in summer and winter due to air conditioning and heating).

Gas

• Providers: Gas in Yokohama is primarily supplied by Tokyo Gas.
• Types of Gas: Most homes use city gas (都市ガス), which is piped directly to residences. Some rural areas may use propane gas.
• Setting Up an Account:
  • Contact Tokyo Gas to set up your account. This can be done online, by phone, or through your landlord/real estate agent.
  • A technician may need to visit your home to turn on the gas and check appliances for safety.
  • You’ll need to provide your name, address, move-in date, and contact information.
• Billing:
  • Bills are issued monthly and can be paid via bank transfer, credit card, convenience stores, or automatic withdrawal.
  • Tokyo Gas also offers an online portal for managing your account and payments.
• Costs:
  • The average monthly gas bill for a single person is around ¥3,000–¥5,000, while a family may pay ¥7,000–¥10,000, depending on usage (higher in winter for heating and hot water).

Water

• Provider: Water services in Yokohama are managed by the Yokohama Waterworks Bureau.
• Setting Up an Account:
  • Contact the Yokohama Waterworks Bureau to set up your account. This can be done online, by phone, or through your landlord/real estate agent.
  • You’ll need to provide your name, address, move-in date, and contact information.
• Billing:
  • Water bills are issued every two months and can be paid via bank transfer, credit card, convenience stores, or automatic withdrawal.
  • The Yokohama Waterworks Bureau also offers an online portal for managing your account and payments.
• Costs:
  • The average water bill for a single person is around ¥2,000–¥3,000 every two months, while a family may pay ¥5,000–¥7,000.

Cultural Considerations for Utilities:

• Energy Conservation: Japanese culture places a strong emphasis on energy conservation. You’ll notice that many homes are equipped with energy-efficient appliances, and residents are encouraged to turn off lights and unplug devices when not in use.
• Seasonal Variations: Utility costs can vary significantly by season. Be prepared for higher electricity bills in summer (air conditioning) and winter (heating).
• Language Barrier: Most utility providers have English-speaking support or online resources in English, but it’s helpful to have a Japanese-speaking friend or use translation apps if needed.

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2. Internet and Mobile Services

Internet

• Types of Internet:
  • Fiber-Optic (光回線): The most common and fastest option, with speeds up to 1 Gbps.
  • Pocket Wi-Fi: A portable option, ideal for short-term stays or those who don’t want to commit to a long-term contract.
  • Cable Internet: Available in some areas but less common than fiber-optic.
• Providers:
  • NTT Flets: The largest fiber-optic provider in Japan.
  • SoftBank Hikari: Offers competitive pricing and bundles with mobile services.
  • au Hikari: Another major provider with good coverage in Yokohama.
  • Asahi Net: Known for reliable service and English support.
• Setting Up Internet:
  • Contact the provider directly or through a retailer. Some providers offer English-language support.
  • Installation may take 1–2 weeks, and a technician may need to visit your home.
  • Contracts are typically for 1–2 years, with penalties for early termination.
• Costs:
  • Monthly fees for fiber-optic internet range from ¥4,000–¥6,000.
  • Installation fees may cost ¥10,000–¥20,000, but these are often waived during promotions.
• Cultural Tip: Internet contracts often include a lot of fine print. If you’re not fluent in Japanese, ask for help from a bilingual friend or consult an English-speaking service.

Mobile Services

• Major Providers:
  • Docomo: Known for excellent coverage and reliability.
  • au by KDDI: Offers competitive pricing and good coverage.
  • SoftBank: Popular among expats for its English support.
  • Rakuten Mobile: A newer provider with affordable plans and unlimited data in certain areas.
• MVNOs (Budget Providers):
  • IIJmio, Y!Mobile, and UQ Mobile offer cheaper plans but may have slower speeds during peak hours.
• Setting Up Mobile Service:
  • Visit a provider’s store or website to sign up. You’ll need your Residence Card (在留カード), passport, and a Japanese bank account or credit card.
  • Contracts are typically for 1–2 years, with penalties for early termination.
• Costs:
  • Major providers charge around ¥5,000–¥8,000 per month for unlimited data plans.
  • Budget providers offer plans starting at ¥2,000–¥3,000 per month.
• Cultural Tip: Mobile phone contracts in Japan can be complex, with many optional add-ons. Be sure to clarify what’s included in your plan to avoid unexpected charges.

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3. Practical Tips for Newcomers

• Bundling Services: Many providers offer discounts if you bundle internet, mobile, and/or TV services. Ask about these options when signing up.
• Convenience Store Payments: Utility bills can be paid at convenience stores like 7-Eleven, Lawson, and FamilyMart. Look for the barcode on your bill and present it at the counter.
• English Support: While some providers offer English-language support, it’s not guaranteed. Consider using translation apps or seeking help from a bilingual friend.
• Emergency Numbers:
  • Electricity (TEPCO): 0120-995-007
  • Gas (Tokyo Gas): 0570-002211
  • Water (Yokohama Waterworks Bureau): 045-847-6262

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By understanding these utilities and services, you’ll be well-prepared to settle into life in Yokohama. The city’s infrastructure is highly efficient, and with a little preparation, you’ll find it easy to manage your housing-related needs.