Electricity, gas and water 電気・ガス・水道
Start all three before or right after you move in. Water and electricity can be done online — gas needs an in-person appointment.
Deadline Book gas about a week ahead
Where Online or by phone
Last verified 2026-07-10
Who needs this
Everyone moving into a new home in Tokyo. If your building manages utilities for you (some serviced apartments do), check your contract first.
Steps
- Water — apply online, any time Use the Tokyo Waterworks English online application or the Tokyo Water App (English mode). It covers the 23 wards and most of the Tama area, 24 hours a day.
- Electricity — apply online or by phone TEPCO is the main supplier and has English pages and support. Apply as soon as you know your move-in date.
- Gas — book a technician visit Apply online or by phone, then be home for the appointment: a technician opens the valve and runs a safety check (about 20–40 minutes). Book about a week ahead — longer in the March–April moving season.
Official links
Every link below goes to an official source. We show the domain so you can check it yourself.
Common questions
- Do I need to be home for any of these?
- Only for gas. The technician's ignition test and safety check require you (or a representative) to be present. Water and electricity usually start without a visit.
- How far in advance should I apply?
- As soon as you know your move-in date. For gas, about one week ahead is recommended — more during the March–April peak season.
Note on link policy: electricity and gas are run by private companies, so this page links to TEPCO and Tokyo Gas directly — the only exception to our official-domains-only rule. Water is the Tokyo Metropolitan Government’s own service. See our link policy.