The first month of setting up a home can be expensive for many foreigners in Japan, and initial outlays often hover around ¥300,000 when you don’t plan with the right information.1 There are multiple hidden costs when settling in that can be genuinely surprising.
When I moved into my first Japanese apartment that wasn’t semi-furnished, the place looked desolate; I couldn’t understand Japanese forms for basic utilities and felt pressure to introduce myself properly to my neighbors. So I completely understand your situation if you’re going through this process or getting ready for it.
After more than so many years living in Japan, I’ve moved multiple times and learned (often the hard way) how to navigate this triple challenge: setting up utilities in a foreign language, furnishing a home on a limited budget, and building positive relationships with Japanese neighbors while overcoming cultural and language barriers.
For that reason, I’ll share everything you need to efficiently set up your Japanese home while optimizing resources and building positive community connections. My goal is for your transition to be much smoother than mine.
Settling into a new home in Japan presents unique challenges for foreigners that go beyond simply unpacking your bags. The three main obstacles you’ll face are:
According to publications from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, foreign residents often incur higher initial setup costs than Japanese residents, especially when they’re unfamiliar with local budget options and signup procedures.1 This gap widens for those who don’t speak Japanese well.
This article is aimed primarily at people settling in urban apartment environments, though I’ll include considerations for houses and rural areas when relevant. Needs and processes vary significantly depending on your specific situation.
One aspect rarely mentioned in standard guides is how Japanese expectations differ fundamentally from Western ones regarding moving procedures and neighbor relations. In Japan, moving comes with specific social rituals that are key to establishing a positive reputation from the start.
Setting up basic utilities will likely be your first task after moving in, and it can feel intimidating when all the paperwork is in Japanese. The good news: the process has become more accessible for foreigners.
Electricity: The most straightforward service
Electricity is usually the easiest to set up and should be your priority:
If you can’t find the card, contact your area’s electric company directly. In Tokyo, TEPCO has support for foreign residents and English materials.2 In general, electricity startup procedures have been standardized and digitized in recent years.3
Water: Variable municipal process
Water service is administered by each municipality, so the process varies:
For Tokyo, the Bureau of Waterworks provides English guidance on its official site.4 Important: activation usually doesn’t require anyone to come out; registration is enough.
Gas: Requires an in-person appointment
Gas service does require a technician visit to turn it on:
In Tokyo and surrounding areas, Tokyo Gas provides English information and help lines.5 Critical tip: during peak moving season (March–April) appointments can take longer—book in advance.
Lesson learned the hard way
Expectation: “All my utilities will be up on day one.”
Reality: A week without hot water and surviving on supermarket meals.
Moral: Schedule gas service before you move in.
Do you absolutely need help from a Japanese speaker?
Not strictly, though it helps—especially for gas. With English options and telephone interpretation services, you can often handle it on your own in many areas.
After activating utilities comes the challenge of turning an empty space into a home without blowing your budget. My first apartment lacked everything: lighting, curtains, hooks, etc.
Prep phase: Before you buy
Avoid impulse purchases and take these steps:
Step 1: Must-haves for the first night
First-night reality
Instagram: “My cozy minimalist Japanese apartment.”
Reality: Sleeping on the floor with aluminum foil on the windows.
Pro tip: ¥100 shops have cushions that save your back.
Step 2: Shopping options by budget
| Category | Available options | Prices | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget | Nitori, Don Quijote, Daiso, secondhand (Mercari, “sayonara sales”) | ¥300 – ¥30,000 | Short stays, tight budgets |
| Mid-range | MUJI, IKEA, Francfranc | ¥5,000 – ¥100,000 | Reasonable quality, 1–3-year stays |
| Premium | IDC Otsuka, BoConcept, ACTUS | ¥50,000+ | Long-term investments |
Typical cost breakdown
For a 1DK/1LDK (~25–30 m²):
| Category | Lean | Moderate | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic furniture | ¥30,000 – ¥50,000 | ¥100,000 – ¥200,000 | ¥300,000+ |
| Essential appliances | ¥50,000 – ¥80,000 | ¥100,000 – ¥150,000 | ¥200,000+ |
| Household items | ¥20,000 – ¥30,000 | ¥50,000 – ¥100,000 | ¥150,000+ |
| Estimated total | ¥100,000 – ¥160,000 | ¥250,000 – ¥450,000 | ¥650,000+ |
Strategies by length of stay
The factor that surprised me most was how important neighbor relations are. Here, they can define your day-to-day experience.
Essential etiquette from day one
Common mistake #1: Inappropriate gift
Opt for non-perishable items that are easy to share.
Common mistake #2: Misreading noise standards
Common mistake #3: Incorrect trash sorting
Trash is a common source of friction. In municipal surveys, a notable share of complaints against foreign residents relates to separation errors and timing.6
Resources for conflict mediation
Considerations for families
If you’re moving with children, connect early with families in the building. Official studies indicate that positive neighborhood networks support school and social adjustment for children from foreign families.8
Significant regional differences
| Region | Utility setup | Neighborhood customs | Special considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tokyo | Highly digitized, more English options | Formal and distant relationships | Higher cost but more options |
| Osaka/Kansai | Less digital but more flexible staff | More casual and direct | Trash systems with local nuances |
| Rural areas | Less English, more personal assistance | Greater expectation of community participation | More travel for shopping/services |
Differences by housing type
According to national data, most foreigners live in apartments; those in detached houses tend to report greater long-term satisfaction due to space and autonomy.9
Accessibility considerations
For specific needs, look for バリアフリー (barrier-free) properties. Government information on accessibility and barrier-free housing standards can guide your search.10
Summary of fundamentals
Signs of a successful setup
I’d love to hear your own experiences setting up your home in Japan. What challenges did you face? What solutions did you discover that I haven’t mentioned? Share in the comments to strengthen our mutual-support community.
Is it essential to have a Japanese friend to set up basic utilities?
Not absolutely necessary, though it helps—especially for gas. Many companies offer English support, and telephone interpretation services exist.
How much should I budget to fully furnish an average apartment?
For a 1DK/1LDK (25–30 m²): ¥100,000–160,000 (lean), ¥250,000–450,000 (moderate), or ¥650,000+ (premium).
Do I really need to introduce myself to neighbors with a gift?
Not mandatory, but it’s a cultural practice that creates a positive first impression and eases daily coexistence.
What happens if I make mistakes with trash sorting?
Occasional mistakes can result in uncollected trash and warning notes. Repeated errors lead to formal complaints to building management.
How can I tell if my neighbors are upset even if they don’t say it directly?
Signs include avoiding eye contact, shorter greetings, notes on your door/mailbox, or returned trash.
Is it better to buy furniture online or in physical stores in Japan?
Physical stores let you verify measurements and coordinate delivery/installation. Online shopping works well for small items or brands you already know.
How long does it take to feel truly “settled”?
Many residents report feeling functionally settled in 3–4 weeks; the “home” feeling often arrives between 3–6 months, alongside more comfortable neighbor relations.
