Gas

Gas supplied to homes comes in two types, propane and “city gas”. Make sure that your appliances are designed for the right type of gas.

Electricity

Electricity is 100V, and 60Hz in western Japan and 50Hz in eastern Japan.

Garbage

Each local government has its own rules for throwing out garbage. Most require residents to separate their garbage into several categories and take these to the nearby collection point on different days of the week. Some specify particular types of bag that have to be used. Your real estate agent or city hall can provide details of the rules in your area. Typical garbage categories are:

• “burnable” garbage (food waste, clothes made from natural materials, paper other than newspapers and magazines),
• “unburnable” garbage (plastics, metals, synthetic materials, rubber, leather, etc.),
• newspapers and magazines, and
• recyclable items (bottles, cans, etc.).

To dispose of large items such as furniture, you will need to apply to your city hall, pay a fee, and arrange the date for them to be picked up. For refrigerators, air-conditioners, washing machines, and televisions, contact the shop where you bought the item, or the shop where you are buying a new one. For computers, contact the manufacturer.

Tap Water

Tap water in Japan is safe to drink.

Heating

Houses and apartments in Japan do not usually have central heating. The most popular and efficient ways of heating rooms are kerosene and gas fan heaters. These are box-shaped heaters with electric fans that blow hot air out of grilles on the front. Kerosene is available at most gasoline stations. There is a wide range of other types of heaters available, including ceramic heaters and more old-fashioned kerosene heaters, and some people use their air-conditioners for heating in the winter.

In the winter the air can be uncomfortably dry, and you may want to get an electric humidifier.

Utility Bills

See here for information about how to pay your bills.