Japan Apartment Move-In Checklist: Lights, Gas, 100V & Curtains

The Truth About the Light Bulb Myth: It's the Whole Ceiling Fixture

There is a popular rumor among expats that "you have to buy light bulbs the moment you move into a Japanese apartment." However, this urban legend gets the noun wrong: what is missing is usually not the bulb itself, but the entire ceiling light fixture (Ceiling Light) in main rooms.

In standard Japanese long-term rentals and UR housing, basic lighting is installed in entryways, kitchens, hallways, and bathrooms. However, the living room and bedroom ceilings usually only feature a bare wiring socket (引掛シーリング, Hikidashi Ceiling).

If a standard ceiling wiring socket is present, you can easily install a compatible ceiling light without any electrical work. Request photos of the ceiling sockets from your agent before moving in.

Move-In Ready vs. Living Ready: Essential Pre-Check Items

Receiving your key means you have the legal right to enter the apartment—it does not automatically mean you can turn on hot water, turn on lights, or browse the internet on your first night.

Equipment (設備) vs. Leftover Items (残置物)

If you see an air conditioner, bidet, or ceiling light during a room viewing, do not assume it belongs to the landlord. It may be a leftover item (残置物, Zanchibutsu) left behind by the previous tenant.

Landlords are not responsible for repairing or replacing leftover items if they break. Always ask the property agent: "Is this official landlord equipment (設備), or a leftover item (残置物)?"

Fire Insurance and Special Contract Terms

Private rentals usually mandate fire and water damage insurance. For UR housing, fire insurance is not strictly mandatory to sign a contract, but is strongly recommended for peace of mind.

Utility Registration: Gas Appointments, Electricity, and Water

Electricity, gas, and water utilities must be registered separately by the tenant before moving in.

• In-Person Gas Opening (立会): Gas companies require an in-person safety inspection before opening your gas valve. If your water heater uses gas, you will not have hot water on day one without this appointment.
• City Gas vs. LP Gas: Appliances and connecting hoses differ between City Gas (都市ガス) and LP/Propane Gas (LPガス).
• Timing: Schedule your utility appointments as soon as your move-in date is finalized, especially during peak moving seasons (March–April).

Using Overseas Appliances: 100V Voltage and Frequency

Japan uses 100V standard household voltage nationwide. Frequency is 50Hz in Eastern Japan (Tokyo) and 60Hz in Western Japan (Osaka, Kyoto, Nagoya).

Voltage and Adapter Misconceptions

• Dual-voltage devices (100–240V, 50/60Hz) like laptops and smartphones only need a Type A plug adapter.
• 220–240V single-voltage heating products (hairdryers, electric kettles, rice cookers) will not produce adequate heat or work safely on 100V. A simple plug adapter only changes the physical prong shape; it does not convert voltage.

Electrical Breaker Capacity (Amperes)

Check the maximum amperage contract of your apartment circuit breaker (e.g., 30A or 40A). Running an air conditioner, microwave, and electric kettle simultaneously may trip the breaker.

Furniture and Appliance Dimensions Checklist

• Lighting & Curtains: Measure curtain rail width and length from rail to floor. Buildings higher than 31 meters (approx. 11th floor and above) legally require flame-retardant (防炎) curtains and carpets.
• Washing Machine & Refrigerator: Measure washing machine tray dimensions, faucet height, and drain hole location. For refrigerators, measure entryways, elevators, stairwells, and doorways.
• Internet Readiness (インターネット対応): This label only means the building structure supports internet wiring—it does not mean Wi-Fi is active on day one. Separate provider contracts and technician visits are usually required.

Key Pickup Day Formalities and Living Rules

• Documenting Room Condition: On key pickup day, take date-stamped photos of all existing scratches, scuffs, or stains on walls, flooring, doors, and air conditioners, and submit them to your management company.
• Address Registration (住民票): Mid-to-long-term residents must register their local residence at the local city/ward office within 14 days of establishing an address.
• Trash Separation Rules: Learn local garbage categories, designated trash bags, collection schedules, and oversized trash booking methods.

Key Differences from Housing Practices in Your Home Country

For international residents moving to Japan, key differences from Western or overseas rental practices include:

1. Unfurnished Standard: Unlike furnished or equipped apartments in many countries, standard Japanese long-term rentals do not include ceiling light fixtures, curtains, refrigerators, washing machines, or stoves unless explicitly specified as 家具家電付き.
2. In-Person Gas Appointment: Gas opening requires an technician to enter your apartment to inspect gas appliances in your presence.
3. 100V Household Voltage: Single-voltage 220–240V appliances brought from Europe, Asia, or Oceania will not work properly without a transformer.

Useful Japanese Phrases to Inquiry Real Estate Agents

各居室の照明器具は、設備として付いていますか。
Are ceiling light fixtures included as equipment in each room?

天井の引掛シーリングの写真を送っていただけますか。
Could you send me photos of the ceiling wiring sockets?

エアコン、温水洗浄便座、照明器具は設備ですか。それとも残置物ですか。
Are the air conditioner, bidet, and light fixtures landlord equipment or leftover items?

コンロは付いていますか。都市ガスですか、LPガスですか。
Is a stove included? Is it City Gas or LP Gas?

洗濯機置場の防水パンの内寸、蛇口までの高さ、排水口の位置を教えてください。
Please let me know the washing machine tray inner dimensions, faucet height, and drain location.

カーテンレールの幅と、レールから床までの高さを教えてください。
Please tell me the curtain rail width and height from rail to floor.

インターネットは部屋まで開通済みですか。
Is the internet connection already activated inside the room?

使用可能な電気容量は何アンペアですか。
What is the maximum available electrical capacity in amperes?