Accomodation

Some tips on finding your ideal Wi-Fi provider:

Getting Wi-Fi for your new apartment can be a hassle especially if you cannot speak Japanese. I looked for websites of almost all the Wi-Fi providers and chose the one that suits me ( also using chrome and directly translating the website to English is handy). Luckily, there are apartments that provide free Wi-Fi services, you can opt for such places when you are choosing your apartment.

Also, since I had to shift between apartments as I moved cities within Japan, it was quite hard to navigate through the wifi contracts. Many providers require 1-2 year contracts. Breaking contracts may result in hefty fees. Some popular providers like DOCOMO, ahamo, au, Rakuten give campaigns every season. And some campaigns are very cost-efficient and have helped me save some money. I recommend keeping an eye on such campaigns !

Setting Up Utilities in Tokyo: A First-Hand Experience and Key Tips:

When I moved to Tokyo, my real estate agent provided some support in setting up my gas and electricity connections. However, I was required to call a few days in advance to ensure the utilities would be activated on my move-in date. Unfortunately, I forgot to do so, which left me without electricity until the next day. While I was able to manage the situation since I speak Japanese, it could have been a significant challenge otherwise.

Hence, I suggest scheduling activation online or by phone before moving in (communicate clearly to your real-estate agent too!).Some providers may require refundable deposits. Planning ahead can save you from unnecessary inconveniences, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the language or the local system.