Electricity

To enjoy living in Tokyo, there are things you need to know. Public services, utilities, where to shop, recreation spots and etc.
Here we provide you with guides and tips to live in Tokyo.

Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) is a major provider of electricity to the Kanto region including Tokyo and Yokohama, as well as Yamanashi and parts of Shizuoka. Since the liberalization of the energy market in 2016, it has been possible for customers to choose their own energy supplier. Unfortunately, foreign language support from most providers is lacking, so it is difficult to compare prices if you don’t read Japanese. As such, you may find it simpler just to apply for electricity service through TEPCO.

TEPCO Customer Center https://www4.tepco.co.jp/en/customer/index-e.html

Contact TEPCO to apply for or terminate the electricity service, or to request the “payment by credit card” application form.

※Please call the customer support and tell a person in charge your preferred language.
※Monday - Saturday (excluding National Holidays): 9:00am - 5:00pm

Large electronics chains such as Bic Camera, Yodobashi Camera and LABI sell everything from cameras and computers to kitchen appliances and gadgets. Some online retailers, such as Amazon Japan, have English-language versions of their websites. If you do not mind buying used items, Craigslist Tokyo has a steady stream of expats looking to offload items, and there are second-hand “recycle” shops across the city selling all manner of appliances and furniture.

The following is a list of commonly-found buttons and settings found on controls for household appliances, with their English translations.