Japan Utility Bills: Complete Guide for Foreigners

Living in Japan requires understanding utility bills (公共料金). This guide explains everything you need to know about Japan utility bills, payment methods, and procedures in simple terms.

1．What Are Japan Utility Bills?

Japan utility bills are essential monthly expenses for electricity, gas, water, and other services. The government regulates these prices to keep them fair for everyone.

Energy bills include electricity (電気代-DENKIDAI) and gas (ガス代-GASUDAI), which can be either city gas or propane. Water bills cover both water supply (水道代-SUIDOUDAI) and sewerage (下水道代-GESUIDOUDAI). These are the most important utility bills for daily life in Japan.

2．5 Best Payment Methods for Japan Utility Bills

1. Credit Card Payment (Most Popular for Foreigners)

Credit card payment works through automatic monthly payment from your credit card. This method allows you to earn points, which can save you 1,000-3,000 yen per year.

It also makes household management easier since you don’t need to visit payment locations, and it helps build your credit history in Japan. However, you need credit card approval first, and you won’t receive the bank transfer discount that some companies offer.

2. Bank Transfer (Most Reliable)

Bank transfer involves automatic deduction from your bank account each month. This method offers a monthly discount of usually 55 yen, making it very reliable with no payment fees.

It’s particularly good for people who don’t have credit cards yet. The main drawbacks are that you don’t earn any points, and there’s a risk if your account balance gets too low.

3. Smartphone Payment (Most Convenient)

Smartphone payment lets you scan bill barcodes with apps like PayPay. You can pay anytime and anywhere, often earning points or cashback with no fees involved.

The process is quick and easy, but not all companies accept this method, and you need to maintain app balance or have a linked card.

4. Convenience Store Payment

With convenience store payment, you simply pay cash at any convenience store using your bill. Stores are available 24/7, you get a receipt immediately, and you don’t need a bank account.

This method is easy to understand but requires going to the store each month, offers no points or discounts, and it’s easy to forget payment dates.

5. Internet Banking

Internet banking allows you to pay online through your bank’s website. You can pay from home 24/7 with immediate confirmation.

However, you need internet banking setup first, and not all companies support this payment method.

3．Which Japan Utility Bills Payment Method Should You Choose?

For maximum savings, credit card payment is usually best if you have a card with 1% or higher point rewards.

This typically saves the most money over time. If you prioritize reliability and want to “set it and forget it” bank transfer is your most reliable option.

For flexibility and convenience, smartphone payment gives you control over when you pay. If you prefer using cash and want immediate confirmation, convenience store payment works well.

4．How to Set Up Japan Utility Bills Payment Methods

Setting Up Credit Card Payment

You’ll need your credit card, utility bill or customer number, and an online account with the utility company. Visit the utility company website and log in or create an account.

Navigate to the “Payment Methods” section, enter your credit card information, and confirm the setup. The process typically takes 1-2 billing cycles to become active.

Setting Up Bank Transfer

For bank transfer, you need a bank account, bank book and registered seal, plus your utility bill with customer number.

You can set this up through the utility company website or at your bank by filling out a bank transfer form and submitting required documents. Wait for confirmation, which usually takes 1-2 months.

Setting Up Smartphone Payment

Download a payment app like PayPay or LINE Pay, then add money or link your card or bank account. When your bill arrives, simply scan the barcode and confirm payment.

This method requires a smartphone with the payment app and either app balance or a linked payment method.

5．Japan Utility Bills: Special Guide for Foreign Residents

Required Documents for Bank Account

To set up automatic payments, you need a Japanese bank account with these documents

• Residence card (在留カード)
• Passport
• Resident certificate (住民票)
• Personal seal (印鑑)
• Initial deposit (1,000-10,000 yen)

If You Can’t Get a Credit Card

Many foreigners have trouble getting credit cards in Japan, but there are good alternatives.

Debit cards require no credit check and use money directly from your bank account while being accepted for most utility bills.

Prepaid cards let you load money in advance with no credit check required, and they’re good for building payment history.

Multilingual Support

Tokyo Electric Power (TEPCO)

• Languages: English, Chinese, Korean, Spanish, Portuguese
• Phone: 0120-995-007

Tokyo Gas

• Languages: English, Chinese, Korean
• Phone: 0570-002211

Tokyo Water Bureau

• Languages: English, Chinese, Korean, Thai, Spanish
• Phone: 03-5326-1101

6．What Happens If You Don’t Pay Japan Utility Bills?

The warning process starts with a first reminder notice about 20 days late, followed by a final notice around 50 days late. You’ll then receive a service suspension notice, and service stops after about 60 days late.

To avoid problems, set up automatic payment and keep enough money in your account. Contact the company immediately if you have financial difficulties, and pay as soon as possible if you’re already late.

If service stops, you must pay all overdue amounts immediately and call the utility company to request restoration. Electricity is usually restored the same day, gas requires a safety check where you must be home, and water is typically restored within hours.

7．Japan Utility Bills Money-Saving Tips

When comparing total costs, don’t just look at basic rates. Consider point rewards from credit cards, bank transfer discounts, annual fees, and your actual usage amounts. Many companies offer bundle discounts for electricity and gas together, internet plus utilities, or mobile phone plus utilities.

Choose the right plan based on your situation. Single people usually find basic plans cheapest, while families may save money with volume discount plans. Check if you qualify for any low-income support programs.

8．Common Japan Utility Bills Mistakes to Avoid

When Moving

Don’t forget to transfer your payment settings to your new address. Contact all utility companies before moving and set up services at your new home in advance.

This prevents service interruptions and ensures your preferred payment method continues working.

Credit Card Changes

Update your payment information whenever your card expires. Check that automatic payments continue working after any changes, and keep your old payment method active until the new one is confirmed.

Seasonal Usage

Summer and winter bills are usually much higher due to air conditioning and heating costs. Budget for these seasonal increases and consider energy-saving plans if your usage varies greatly throughout the year.

9．Japan Utility Bills Quick Setup Guide

For New Residents

Monthly Tasks

10．Japan Utility Bills Emergency Contacts

Keep these important numbers in your phone for quick access.

• Tokyo Electric Power: 0120-995-007
• Tokyo Gas: 0570-002211
• Tokyo Water: 03-5326-1101
• Gas Leak Emergency: 0570-002299

Remember that Japan utility bills are manageable once you understand the system. Choose a payment method that fits your lifestyle, set it up properly, and you’ll have one less thing to worry about while living in Japan.

11．Japan Utility Bills: Key Takeaways for Smart Payment Management

Managing Japan utility bills doesn’t have to be complicated once you understand the system. Credit cards offer the best savings through point rewards, while bank transfers provide reliable automation with small discounts.

For foreigners, setting up automatic payments early prevents service interruptions and late fees. Choose a payment method that matches your situation—credit cards for maximum savings, bank transfers for reliability, or smartphone payments for convenience.

Remember to keep emergency contact numbers handy, update payment information when cards expire, and budget for higher seasonal costs. With proper setup and the right payment method, Japan utility bills become one less worry in your daily life.