Yokohama

1. Categories of Utilities in Yokohama

In Yokohama, as in the rest of Japan, utilities typically include the following:

a. Electricity (Denki - 電気)

• Providers: The primary electricity provider in Yokohama is TEPCO (Tokyo Electric Power Company). However, since the deregulation of the electricity market in 2016, alternative providers (e.g., Looop, ENEOS, or Rakuten Denki) are also available.
• Billing Units: Electricity is billed in kilowatt-hours (kWh), and rates vary depending on the provider and the time of day (peak/off-peak).

b. Water and Sewage (Suidō - 水道)

• Provider: Water and sewage services in Yokohama are managed by the Yokohama Waterworks Bureau.
• Billing Units: Water usage is billed in cubic meters (m³), and charges include both water supply and sewage treatment fees.

c. Gas (Gasu - ガス)

• Providers: The main provider in Yokohama is Tokyo Gas, though some areas may use propane gas (LP gas) instead of city gas.
• Billing Units: Gas is billed in cubic meters (m³), and rates depend on the type of gas and usage.

d. Internet and Mobile Services

• Providers: Popular internet providers include NTT FLET’S, SoftBank Hikari, and au Hikari. Mobile carriers like Docomo, SoftBank, and au often bundle internet services with mobile plans.
• Billing: Internet is typically billed monthly, with costs depending on the speed and type of connection (fiber-optic is most common).

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2. Typical Costs of Utilities

While costs vary depending on household size, season, and usage, here’s a general breakdown of monthly utility expenses for a single person or small family in Yokohama:

| Utility | Monthly Cost (Approx.) | |--------------------|----------------------------| | Electricity | ¥5,000–¥10,000 | | Water & Sewage | ¥2,000–¥4,000 | | Gas | ¥3,000–¥6,000 | | Internet | ¥4,000–¥6,000 | | Total | ¥14,000–¥26,000 |

• Seasonal Variations: Electricity and gas bills can spike in summer (due to air conditioning) and winter (due to heating).

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3. Registration Procedures

When moving into a new residence in Yokohama, you’ll need to set up utility accounts. Here’s how:

a. Electricity

1. Contact the Provider: Call TEPCO or your chosen provider, or register online. You’ll need your address and move-in date.
2. Meter Activation: For most apartments, electricity is already connected. You may need to flip the breaker switch to activate it.
3. Plan Selection: Choose a plan based on your expected usage. Some providers offer eco-friendly or discounted plans.

b. Water

1. Contact the Yokohama Waterworks Bureau: You can register online, by phone, or at their office. Provide your address and move-in date.
2. Meter Reading: A technician may visit to check the water meter.

c. Gas

1. Contact Tokyo Gas: Call or register online. You’ll need to schedule an appointment for a technician to activate the gas supply.
2. Safety Check: The technician will perform a safety check and turn on the gas.

d. Internet

1. Choose a Provider: Research providers and plans. Some landlords may recommend specific companies.
2. Installation: Fiber-optic internet often requires installation, which can take 1–2 weeks. Schedule an appointment with the provider.

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4. Methods of Payment

Utility bills in Yokohama can be paid through several convenient methods:

a. Automatic Bank Transfer (Kōza Furikomi - 口座振込)

• Set up automatic payments by providing your bank account details to the utility company.
• This is the most common and hassle-free method.

b. Convenience Stores (Konbini - コンビニ)

• Pay bills at convenience stores like 7-Eleven, Lawson, or FamilyMart. Simply bring the bill and pay at the counter.

c. Online Payment

• Many providers offer online payment options via credit card or bank transfer. Check the provider’s website for details.

d. ATMs

• Some ATMs allow you to pay utility bills by scanning the barcode on the bill.

e. Post Office

• Bills can also be paid at Japan Post offices.

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5. Cultural Considerations

• Punctuality: Paying bills on time is important in Japan. Late payments may incur small penalties and could affect your credit history.
• Paper Bills: Most providers send paper bills by mail, but you can opt for electronic billing (E-bill) to reduce paper waste.
• Language Barrier: Utility bills are usually in Japanese. If you’re not fluent, consider using a translation app or asking a Japanese-speaking friend for help.
• Energy Conservation: Japan places a strong emphasis on energy conservation. Many households use energy-efficient appliances and turn off lights when not in use.

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6. Local Tips and Resources

• Energy-Saving Tips: Use appliances with the “Eco” label, and consider using a kotatsu (heated table) in winter instead of central heating.
• Discounts: Some providers offer discounts for bundling services (e.g., electricity and gas) or for using electronic billing.
• Moving Out: When leaving Yokohama, notify all utility providers in advance to close your accounts and settle final bills.
• Customer Support: Most utility companies have English-speaking support lines. For example, TEPCO and Tokyo Gas offer assistance in English.
• Yokohama Waterworks Bureau Website: https://www.city.yokohama.lg.jp/kurashi/suidou-gesuido/ (Japanese only, but translation tools can help).

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7. Emergency Contacts

• Electricity Outage: TEPCO Customer Service - 0120-995-007
• Gas Leak: Tokyo Gas Emergency Line - 0570-002299
• Water Issues: Yokohama Waterworks Bureau - 045-847-6262

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By following this guide, you’ll be well-prepared to manage your utilities in Yokohama. If you have further questions or need assistance, feel free to ask!