Quick Answer: After moving into a Japanese apartment, start electricity and water early, book gas activation, and apply for internet well ahead of move-in. Submit your moving-in notification within 14 days. This guide covers utility setup order; see the
city hall registration guide
for full address registration steps.
What should I prepare before move-in day?
Having these documents and details ready makes key collection and utility applications smoother.
- Used for
- Utility applications, moving-in notification
- Used for
- Supplementary ID
- Used for
- Address and unit number
- Used for
- Contact with providers
- Used for
- If choosing direct debit (alternatives below if not open yet)
- Used for
- Signing forms (not always required)
| Item | Used for |
|---|---|
| Residence card | Utility applications, moving-in notification |
| Passport | Supplementary ID |
| Rental contract | Address and unit number |
| Japanese phone number | Contact with providers |
| Bank account details | If choosing direct debit (alternatives below if not open yet) |
| Personal seal (inkan)​ | Signing forms (not always required) |
Once your move-in date is set, ask your agent for local power, gas, and water contacts, breaker location, and whether the previous tenant canceled service. For the full apartment hunt flow, see the
apartment hunting guide for foreigners
.
What should I do on key handover day?
Before utilities, inspect the unit with your agent.
- Walk-through — Confirm keys, building manager contact, trash area, and bicycle parking
- Room check — Test hot water, ventilation, intercom, and window locks; note existing damage
- Take photos — Document condition to reduce move-out disputes
- Locate the breaker and main water valve — Electricity often works after turning on the main breaker; open the main valve before checking taps
Read any inspection sheet before signing. Ask the agent or management company if anything is unclear.
How do I set up electricity, gas, and water?
Electricity
In many units you can start by turning on the main breaker on move-in day, but you still need a contract in your name.
- Contact the regional power company (TEPCO, Kansai Electric, etc.) or use a postcard/QR code near the breaker
- Provide name, address, phone, move-in date, and customer number if shown
- Payment options often include bank transfer, credit card, or convenience store slips
Gas
For both city gas and propane, someone usually must be present for activation. Book as early as possible for move-in day or the next day.
- Confirm the gas company from your lease or management office
- Block about 30 minutes when you can be home
- The technician checks for leaks, lights pilots, and explains emergency shutoff
If you smell gas, ventilate, leave, and call the gas company’s emergency line from outside.
Water
Opening the main valve is often enough to use water, but some municipalities require a start-of-service notice in your name.
- Check with management or your lease whether you must contact the water bureau
- In some buildings, water is billed through management and no separate application is needed
- Billing cycles vary (for example, every two months)
When should I apply for internet?
Fiber installation often takes one to two weeks, so apply once your move-in date is confirmed.
- Confirm what works in the building — Ask about fiber type and provider restrictions
- Compare providers — Contract length, installation fee, monthly cost, cancellation terms
- Book installation — You usually need to be home for one to two hours
- Bridge the gap — Pocket Wi-Fi, phone tethering, or public Wi-Fi nearby
Update your mobile address after resident registration, following your carrier’s instructions.
How soon must I register my address?
You must submit a moving-in notification within 14 days of fixing your address at your new municipal office. Your residence card is updated with the new address during this process.
This article covers priority order only. Documents, counter flow, insurance, My Number, and common pitfalls are in the
city hall registration guide
—treat that as the detailed source.
A typical order after move-in looks like this.
- Key handover and room inspection
- Start electricity and water (book gas activation)
- Apply for internet (wait for installation)
- Moving-in notification (within 14 days)
- Update bank, mobile, employer, and school addresses
For domestic moves needing a move-out certificate, or how to list household members, use the registration guide above.
What about NHK, neighborhood associations, and trash rules?
NHK reception fee
If your household has equipment that can receive NHK broadcasts, you need an NHK reception contract—whether or not you watch.
Monthly fees depend on contract type (terrestrial vs satellite) and payment method. Since October 2023, bank transfer or credit card bi-monthly payments are roughly ¥1,100/month (terrestrial)​ or ¥1,950/month (satellite)​, tax included. Okinawa has separate rates; prepayment discounts apply. Confirm current amounts on NHK’s official site.
Neighborhood association (chĹŤnaikai)
Some areas invite you to join a local association with a small monthly fee (often around ¥300–500). Membership may be optional but can help with trash rules and disaster information.
Trash disposal
Sorting rules, collection days, and designated bags come from your municipality or building management. Check materials from city hall at registration or a rule book from management.
Frequently asked questions
Is gas activation always in person?
City and propane gas usually require an on-site safety check. Procedures vary by company and building—confirm when you apply.
Can I set up utilities without a Japanese bank account?
Many providers accept convenience store payment or credit cards. Many people open a bank account after resident registration.
What if internet is not ready on move-in day?
Installation often takes one to two weeks. Pocket Wi-Fi or tethering is a common short-term option. Book installation early.
Is resident registration fully covered here?
No. The 14-day deadline, documents, and counter steps are in the
city hall registration guide
. This article focuses on move-in task order.
How do I forward mail after moving?
Submit a change-of-address notice at your old post office (including online e-moves). See Japan Post guidance for details and forwarding period.
What should I do next?
- As soon as move-in is confirmed, book gas activation and internet installation
- On key day, inspect the unit and locate the breaker and main water valve
- Apply for power, gas, and water; submit your moving-in notification within 14 days (details in the
registration guide
)
- After registration, update bank, mobile, and employer addresses and confirm trash rules
- If upfront rental costs are still unclear, see the
rental costs guide
Sources
- Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications — Basic Resident Registration (verified September 5, 2026) — moving-in notification deadline
- Immigration Services Agency — Notification of place of residence (verified September 5, 2026) — address on residence card
- NHK — Reception fee information (verified September 5, 2026) — contract types and fees
- Japan Post — Change of address and mail forwarding (verified September 5, 2026) — forwarding service