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Utilities
Electricity
Apply by phone before you move in. In eastern Japan the current is 100V/50Hz (60Hz for western Japan). However, you do not need a transformer between eastern and western Japan.
Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) is the provider of electricity to the Kanto region including Tokyo and Yokohama, as well as Yamanashi and parts of Shizuoka. You can get an English brochure “A Guide to Electricity”, either by mail or on the website, which provides valuable information on rules, instructions and troubleshooting procedures.
Contact them to apply for or terminate the electricity service, or to request the “payment by credit card” application form.
Phone: See below | Hours: Mon-Fri (excl. N.H.) 9:00am-7:00pm, Sat (excl. N.H.) 9:00am-6:00pm
Gas
Call and apply for the gas service connection about 1-2 weeks prior to moving in.
Use the number below for application, to arrange set-up when moving in, to terminate your gas supply when moving out.
Phone: 0570-002-211 (from fixed line phones), 03-5722-0111 (from mobile phones) | Hours: 9:00am-7:00pm (excl. Sun&N.H.)
Water
Call to apply for service before you move in or move out.
Phone: 03-5326-1100 | Hours: 8:30am-8:00pm (excl. Sun& N.H.)
Note: Call this number if you are living in one of the 23 wards (“-ku”) in Tokyo. If you live outside of this area you should refer to their website to check the telephone number for your area.
Phone: 045-847-6262 | Hours: 24 hrs., Daily
Telephones
Fixed Line Telephones
NTT East is the company that provides regular fixed line telephone services in eastern Japan. You can apply for a new fixed line at 0120-364-463 (toll-free). There are 2 plans available, the Analog and the Analog Lite Plan.
Call below for new telephone line applications, additional services or other inquiries.
Phone: 0120-364-463 (toll-free) | Hours: Mon-Fri (excl. N.H.&N.Y.H.) 9:00am-5:00pm
Application fees are as follows:
Monthly telephone bills include both basic monthly charges and usage charges. You can pay either by cash, automatic bank transfer or credit cards (some credit cards may not be accepted). All payment methods require application by phone, and you need to fill out a form for payment by credit cards or bank transfer. Call customer service for any assistance.
International Dialing
You can make an international call by simply dialing the international carrier access number, followed by the telephone number.
International Carrier Access Number + 010+Country Code + Area Code + Number
They have English-speaking support for everything, enabling you to inquire about price plans and discount services. The main international carrier access numbers are as follows:
Phone: 0120-506506 (toll-free)
Phone: 0057 (toll-free)
Phone: 0088-41 (toll-free)
Dialing Within Japan
Area codes are 03 for Tokyo and 045 for Yokohama. You do not need to add the area code if dialing from a regular fixed line within the area.
Dial 104 for NTT Directory assistance. Although the phone will be answered in Japanese, an English-speaking operator can be requested. Charges apply. See their website for details.
IP Phones
Another choice for fixed line telephone is IP phones. Instead of using an analog phone line, IP phone calls are made over an IP network such as the Internet. IP phones have various advantages such as cheaper rates when making long-distance or international calls. You can easily apply for it when you set up Internet connection to your home. However, you need to be aware that it cannot be used at times of blackouts.
Pay Phones
Pay phones are easy to use and are usually located near train stations, in major public buildings, or at stores and can be used with 10 Yen coins, 100 Yen coins or prepaid telephone cards. Pay phones do not give change for 100 Yen coins. Telephone cards are available at station kiosks and convenience stores. Because more and more people have mobile phones, pay phones are becoming harder to find.
Mobile Phones
The communications standards in Japan differ largely from most other countries, thereby preventing foreigners from using mobile phones or SIM cards from their home countries. For those planning to stay in Japan for more than one year, buying a new phone from a Japanese phone company is a convenient alternative.
In order to buy a handset, make sure to have your identification and contact information ready, such as your resident card (alien registration card), passport, and address in Japan. A range of plans are available as well as discount services, so check with the websites or shops before you make your purchase. Most Japanese mobile phones are post-paid, but prepaid phones are also an option.
Phone: 0077-7-111 (toll-free)
Phone: 0120-005-250 (toll-free)
Phone: 0800-919-0157 (toll-free) Press “8″ for English support
