Water & Sewer Setup in Tokyo Housing

When moving into a new home or apartment in Tokyo, one of the first things you’ll need to handle is setting up your water and sewer services. Unlike electricity or gas, which may require comparing providers, Tokyo’s water supply is generally managed by the local government—most commonly the Tokyo Metropolitan Bureau of Waterworks (TWB). This guide covers everything you need to know about starting, stopping, and managing your water and sewer services in Tokyo, including billing, payment methods, and tips for efficient water use.

How the Water System Works in Tokyo

Tokyo’s water infrastructure is managed through an extensive network overseen by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. Water is purified and distributed by the Tokyo Metropolitan Bureau of Waterworks, while sewage treatment and drainage fall under the Bureau of Sewerage Tokyo Metropolitan Government.

Water Supply: The TWB provides clean, treated tap water that meets international safety standards. You can safely drink tap water in Tokyo.
Sewer System: Wastewater and sewage are collected through underground networks and treated before being released safely into the environment.

In most residential areas, water and sewer charges are combined into one bill and managed by the same office.

Starting Water Service in Your New Home

When you move into a new apartment or house, you’ll need to start your water service (水道の使用開始手続き / suidō no shiyō kaishi tetsuzuki).

Step 1: Check the Water Meter and Valve

Before you begin the process, locate your water meter box—usually near the entrance, in a utility area, or outside near the ground. If your water supply is off, you can usually turn the valve to start the flow.

Step 2: Contact the Water Bureau

You must notify the Tokyo Waterworks Bureau to officially start service. There are several convenient options:

Online application: https://www.waterworks.metro.tokyo.lg.jp
Phone: Call the Tokyo Waterworks Customer Center (ナビダイヤル: 0570-091-100, available in English).
Postcard application: Some apartments provide a “Water Use Start Notification” card in the kitchen—fill it out and mail it.

You’ll need the following information:

Your address and building name
Move-in date (service start date)
Tenant’s name
Payment method (credit card, bank transfer, or convenience store)

Once processed, your water will be officially registered under your name.

Stopping Water Service When Moving Out

When you move out, you must submit a Water Use Stop Notification (使用中止届).

Notify the bureau at least 3–4 days before your move-out date via the same methods (online, phone, postcard). Provide:

Your service address
Move-out date
Forwarding address for final billing

If you fail to submit this notice, you might continue receiving bills for the next tenant, so it’s essential to handle it properly.

Understanding Water and Sewer Bills

In Tokyo, you’ll typically receive a combined bill for both water and sewer services every two months.

Breakdown of Charges

Basic charge: Fixed fee depending on pipe size (usually ¥1,000–¥2,000).
Usage charge: Based on the amount of water consumed, measured in cubic meters (m³).
Sewer charge: Usually calculated as a percentage of your water usage.

For example:

Average small apartment: ¥2,000–¥3,000/month
Family home: ¥5,000–¥8,000/month

Your bill will show both the current and previous meter readings, along with the usage difference and total amount due.

Payment Methods

Tokyo Waterworks offers several payment options to make things easy for residents.

1. Automatic Bank Transfer (口座振替 / kōza furikae)

You can link your Japanese bank account to pay automatically every billing cycle. You’ll receive a confirmation slip after each payment.

2. Credit Card Payment

3. Convenience Store Payment (コンビニ払い)

Each bill comes with a barcode. Take it to any convenience store such as 7-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart, or Ministop, and pay at the counter.

4. Bank Counter Payment

You can also pay directly at major banks or post offices using your bill.

Online Account and Management

The Tokyo Waterworks Bureau offers an online portal called My TOKYO Waterworks where you can:

View water usage history
Check and download past bills
Update contact and payment details
Submit move-in or move-out notifications

This service is available in English and simplifies water management for both Japanese and foreign residents.

Setting Up Water in Apartments vs. Houses

In Apartments (Mansions / Apāto):

Water accounts are often managed by the landlord or property management company.
The service might already be active when you move in; you just need to submit your name and move-in date.
Some buildings have a centralized water meter, and water costs are included in rent or billed monthly with maintenance fees.

In Detached Houses:

You’re usually responsible for managing your own account directly with the Waterworks Bureau.
You may need to turn on the main valve yourself or request a technician to do so.

What to Do in Case of Water Issues

1. No Water Supply

Check if the main valve is open. If it is and you still have no water, call the Tokyo Waterworks Bureau Customer Center.

2. Low Water Pressure

This may occur during maintenance or construction. If it persists, report it to your local water office.

3. Leaks or Drips

Leaks inside your property (like faucets or toilets) are your responsibility, but leaks outside (such as in the meter area) are handled by the Bureau.

4. Frozen Pipes

Although rare in Tokyo, during cold winters you can wrap pipes with insulation or cloth to prevent freezing.

Sewer System and Wastewater

Tokyo’s sewer system automatically handles all wastewater from sinks, toilets, and baths. You don’t need to arrange separate contracts.

However, never pour cooking oil or food waste down the drain, as it can clog pipes and cause maintenance issues.

If you live in a rural area or detached house outside central Tokyo, you might have a septic tank instead of a city sewer connection. In that case, the property owner must schedule regular cleaning and inspection services.

Tips for Saving Water and Reducing Bills

Install water-saving devices on faucets and showerheads.
Turn off water while brushing teeth or soaping dishes.
Use a washing machine with full loads instead of multiple small ones.
Fix leaks immediately—even small drips can increase your bill.
Check your usage online to spot unusual patterns early.

Emergency Water Supply in Tokyo

In case of earthquakes or water service interruptions, Tokyo has Emergency Water Supply Stations (災害時給水ステーション) located throughout the city. These are managed by local wards and are equipped to provide clean drinking water during disasters.

You can find your nearest station on the Tokyo Waterworks website or through your ward office’s disaster map.

Contact Information

Tokyo Waterworks Customer Center (English Support Available)

Phone: 0570-091-100 (9:00–20:00)
Website: https://www.waterworks.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/
Service area: 23 wards of Tokyo

If you live outside central Tokyo (like in Yokohama, Kawasaki, or Saitama), your local city water bureau will manage the service instead.

Conclusion

Setting up water and sewer services in Tokyo is a straightforward process, especially since it’s handled by a single government bureau. Once you’ve submitted your start or stop notification, payments can be automated, and you can track everything online. Whether you live in a high-rise apartment or a standalone home, Tokyo’s water system is reliable, safe, and efficient—one of the many factors that make daily life in Japan’s capital comfortable and worry-free.

FAQs

What is the basic process to start water service when I move into a Tokyo home?

Starting water service is straightforward. Locate your water meter and main valve (often near the entry or in a meter box). If the valve is closed, turn it slowly to the open position. Then submit a start-of-use notice to the local water bureau (in most of the 23 wards, this is the Tokyo Metropolitan Bureau of Waterworks). You’ll provide your address, move-in date, full name, and preferred payment method. Once registered, billing begins from your move-in date, and you can manage your account online or by phone.

Do I need to compare water providers like I do with electricity or gas?

No. Water is typically a public service operated by the local government water bureau. In Tokyo’s 23 wards, the Tokyo Waterworks Bureau handles supply, quality, metering, and billing. Because it’s not a deregulated market like electricity, you won’t be choosing among competing retail providers—setup is primarily an administrative registration step.

Is Tokyo tap water safe to drink?

Yes. Tap water in Tokyo is treated to meet strict safety standards. Most residents drink directly from the tap. If you prefer, you can use a household filter for taste, but it isn’t a safety requirement. Always run the tap briefly if a faucet has not been used for a long period to refresh standing water in the line.

How are sewer services set up—do I need a separate contract?

In central Tokyo, sewer service is automatically paired with your water service and billed together. You do not sign a separate sewer contract. Charges are typically calculated based on your measured water consumption, under the assumption that most water used becomes wastewater.

What information do I need to start service?

Have the following ready: (1) your exact address and building/room number, (2) move-in date (service start date), (3) full name matching your lease, (4) phone and email for contact, and (5) your preferred payment method (automatic bank transfer, credit card, or convenience-store payment). Some buildings provide a pre-printed postcard form; otherwise, online and phone channels are available.

How do I stop service when I move out?

Submit a stop-of-use notice at least three to four business days before your move-out date. Provide your service address, the final service date, and a forwarding address for the last bill or any refunds. If you forget to stop service, bills may continue in your name, so it’s essential to file the notice on time and record your final meter reading if requested.

How often will I be billed and what does the bill include?

Bills usually arrive every two months and include: (1) a basic charge tied to pipe size or meter class, (2) a usage charge per cubic meter (m³) based on your meter readings, and (3) a sewer charge often calculated as a percentage of your water consumption. Your statement shows previous and current readings, the amount of water used, total charges, due date, and instructions for payment or how to verify automatic payments.

What are typical monthly costs for water and sewer in Tokyo?

Costs vary by household size, lifestyle, and building plumbing. As a rough guide, a single occupant in a small apartment might average the equivalent of a few thousand yen per month, while families often spend more. Seasonal changes (e.g., more showers in summer) and appliance efficiency also affect totals. Because billing is bimonthly, expect larger combined statements every two months rather than monthly invoices.

What payment methods can I use?

You can pay by automatic bank transfer (recommended for hassle-free on-time payment), registered credit card (auto-billed), convenience store (barcode slip at major chains), or at banks/post offices. If you choose convenience-store payment, keep the receipt until the payment reflects on your account. For auto-pay methods, you’ll receive a confirmation notice after each charge cycle.

Can I manage my account online in English?

Yes. The Tokyo water bureau’s online portal provides English-friendly interfaces for common tasks: starting/stopping service, checking usage, downloading bills, and updating payment details. Phone support with English assistance is typically available during business hours. For non-ward areas around Tokyo (e.g., neighboring cities), local bureaus provide similar services; availability of English support may vary.

My building says water is “already on.” Do I still need to register?

Often, yes. Even if water is flowing when you arrive, you still need to put the account in your name so that bills are directed correctly. Some property managers handle this for you and include water in monthly building fees; if so, your lease or handover documents should explicitly state how charges are collected. When in doubt, ask the landlord or management company whether you must register personally.

How are meters read, and can I submit readings myself?

Meters are usually read by bureau staff on a set schedule every two months. If a meter is inaccessible (e.g., you weren’t home for an indoor meter), the bureau may leave a postcard or provide a portal option for self-reporting. Submitting accurate self-readings ensures your bill aligns with actual consumption. If you miss a reading, the bureau may estimate usage based on prior history and true-up next cycle.

What should I do if there’s no water or very low pressure?

First, confirm that your main valve is fully open. Check building notices for planned maintenance. If neighbors are unaffected, the issue may be within your unit (e.g., clogged aerators or a faulty shutoff). If the entire building is affected, contact building management. For persistent or unexplained outages/pressure drops, contact the water bureau to report a possible line issue or meter problem.

Who is responsible for leaks?

Generally, leaks inside your unit (faucets, toilets, appliance hoses) are the occupant’s responsibility to fix, often via the landlord or a licensed plumber depending on lease terms. Leaks in the common areas, meter boxes, or public mains fall under building management or the bureau. Report visible external leaks immediately to minimize damage and water loss; you may be eligible for an adjustment if a verified hidden leak inflated your bill.

Can pipes freeze in Tokyo, and how do I prevent it?

Freezing is uncommon in central Tokyo but can occur during cold snaps or in exposed outdoor lines. Wrap pipes with insulation, keep minimal indoor heating during extended absences, and slightly open taps overnight in rare severe cold to maintain a trickle. If a pipe freezes, thaw slowly with warm (not boiling) water or a hair dryer; forceful heating can damage lines. Contact a professional if you suspect a burst.

How can I reduce my water bill without sacrificing comfort?

Install efficient aerators and low-flow showerheads, take shorter showers, run washing machines and dishwashers with full loads, promptly fix running toilets or dripping taps, and choose water-efficient appliances. Track usage on your portal to spot unusual spikes—these can indicate leaks or behavioral patterns worth adjusting. Small changes (like turning off the tap while brushing) add up over a two-month billing cycle.

What about hot water—does the water bureau handle that?

No. The water bureau supplies cold water. Hot water is generated within your dwelling by a gas or electric water heater. If you have issues with hot water, check your gas or electric utilities, ignition, and the water heater itself. For new move-ins, ensure your gas service is activated (some gas meters require an in-person turn-on appointment) and that the heater is powered and vented correctly.

Are there special rules or systems in detached houses versus apartments?

In apartments, water is often centrally metered with individual submeters; billing may go directly to tenants or be charged via management fees. In detached houses, you typically have a direct account with the bureau and a clearly labeled curb or wall meter. Always ask your landlord or agent whether water is included in rent, billed separately by management, or paid directly to the bureau in your name.

Do some homes use septic tanks instead of city sewers?

Most residences within central Tokyo are connected to the municipal sewer. However, in certain outlying or rural areas, a property may rely on a private septic system. If your lease indicates a septic tank, the owner is generally responsible for periodic inspection and pumping through licensed contractors. Tenants should avoid flushing wipes, oils, and chemicals that can disrupt septic function.

What should I do with cooking oil and food scraps?

Never pour cooking oil down the drain—it congeals and can clog household and municipal pipes. Let oil cool, solidify, and dispose of it according to local waste guidelines (or absorb with paper and bag it). Scrape food scraps into a bin before washing dishes. Use sink strainers to catch debris and reduce the risk of blockages and pests.

How do emergency water supplies work after earthquakes or disasters?

Tokyo maintains emergency water supply stations at designated locations. After major earthquakes, the city prioritizes restoring critical trunk lines, and temporary distribution points may open. Keep a home water stockpile (at least three days’ worth per person, more if possible). Follow official announcements for the nearest emergency distribution sites and bring clean containers if advised.

Can I switch my payment method later?

Yes. Log into your account portal or contact the customer center to change from convenience-store payment to automatic bank transfer or credit card, or vice versa. Ensure you complete any required forms and confirm the effective date so there’s no gap in coverage during the transition. Keep copies of approval notices for your records.

What if I miss a payment?

If you miss a due date, the bureau usually issues a reminder or reissued slip with a new payment window. Persistent non-payment can lead to late fees and eventual service suspension. If you anticipate difficulty paying, contact the bureau proactively; they may offer guidance or a structured plan to avoid interruption.

How do shared households split the bill fairly?

Because water/sewer is bimonthly and usage may vary, housemates can either split evenly, use a headcount ratio, or track individual usage proxies (e.g., shower counts or laundry loads). The simplest approach is equal shares unless someone’s usage is notably different. Keep agreements in writing to prevent disputes and update the split if a roommate moves in or out mid-cycle.

Will a sudden spike in usage always mean a leak?

Not always. Seasonal behavior (more showers, guests, summer laundry), appliance changes, or a running toilet can raise usage. To check for leaks, ensure no water is running and see if the meter’s flow indicator still moves. Dye tabs or food coloring in toilet tanks can reveal silent leaks into the bowl. If you cannot find the cause, contact the bureau or a licensed plumber for inspection.

Can I get usage history to understand trends?

Yes. Your online portal typically provides historical consumption graphs across billing cycles. Reviewing multi-cycle trends helps you evaluate conservation steps, identify anomalies, and budget more accurately. Export or download statements if you need records for company reimbursements or household accounting.

What should I check on move-in day regarding water?

Verify water flows at all taps, confirm hot water works, check for leaks under sinks and around toilets, and locate the main shutoff valve for emergencies. Photograph the meter reading as a baseline. Ask management where the meter is and whether readings are self-reported or staff-read. If anything seems off, report it immediately to create a documented record.

Any final best practices for smooth water and sewer setup?

Register service as soon as your lease is confirmed, opt for an automatic payment method to avoid missed deadlines, monitor your first two cycles closely to establish a usage baseline, and address small leaks early. Clarify with your landlord how water is billed in your building and keep all notices. With these steps, your water and sewer setup in Tokyo will be reliable, predictable, and low-maintenance.

Tokyo Housing Guide: Where to Live, What It Costs, and How to Get Started