When moving into a property in Niseko, setting up your utilities correctly is essential for a comfortable stay — especially during the winter months.
Here’s everything you need to know, step by step.
Know Your Area
Utility providers vary depending on your location. Start by confirming whether you are in Kutchan Town, Niseko Town, or surrounding areas.
LP Gas (Propane)
Gas is usually disconnected when you move in. You must contact the LP gas provider to open an account before using it.
How to identify your provider:
- Check the gas tank outside your property.
- The provider’s contact info is typically printed on the tank.
We recommend setting this up before moving in.
Examples of local LP Gas providers:
Kutchan Propane
1 Chome Minami 4 Jonishi, Kutchan
0136-22-0761
Kubota Propane
2 Chome-5 Kita 1 Johigashi, Kutchan
0136-22-1377
North Japan Fuel Co., Ltd.Iwanai Sales Office
102 Chuodori, Niseko
0136-44-3369
Hokkaido Air Water Kutchan Sales Office
157 Kotohira, Kutchan
0136-22-0010
Electricity
Hokuden
Minami 1-jo Nishi 2-chome 18, Kutchan
0120-12-6565 (main number)
0136-22-0150 (local office – Japanese only)
If language is a barrier, we recommend visiting the Kutchan office in person.
Hokkaido Electric Power Co. Inc, Kutchan Network Center
2 Chome – 18 Minami 1 Jonishi, Kutchan
https://maps.app.goo.gl/A5zroMQbULYZMgZP8
0120-060-599
Water
Depending on your property, water may be billed as a combined water + sewerage bill (connected system), or separately, if you have a pump-out toilet system.
Water service contacts
Kutchan Town Hall
3 Chome-3 Kita 1 Johigashi, Kutchan
https://maps.app.goo.gl/4EdCj5yj8TA1j4qBA
0136-22-1121
Niseko City Office
55 Fujimi, Niseko
https://maps.app.goo.gl/xgbpU2fp9tUDUzBg7
0136-44-2121
Heating Oil (Toyu)
Most properties use Toyu (heating oil) for winter heating.
- Check your oil level regularly
- Do not let it run out — air in the system can cause damage
- Refill when the gauge is low
- Payment is often cash only
How to refill:
- Visit your local gas station or
- Arrange home delivery from a nearby supplier
Example Toyu Suppliers
Kutchan Area – Idemitsu
1 Chome-4 Minami 1 Jonishi, Kutchan
Click for Google maps – Idemitsu
Niseko Area – Idemitsu
78 Chuodori, Niseko
Click for Google maps – Idemitsu
Septic & Pump-Out Toilet Systems
Around 20% of homes in Kutchan & Niseko are not connected to a sewage system.
You may have one of the following:
Septic tank (standard flush) / Pump-out toilet system (low water use, external tank)
When moving in, find out which system you have.
Local pump-out service providers:
Internet Setup
Internet is usually not included in NestNiseko rentals.
Here are some internet options for your house/apartment in Japan.
Home Internet
How to set up internet at home (RealEstate Japan)
SIM Cards & Rental Phones
Internet access options for visitors (Inside Kyoto)
Pocket Wifi
Renting pocket wifi (Tokyo Cheapo)
When You Move Out
Before leaving your property:
- Cancel all utilities
- Settle unpaid bills
- Provide receipts or proof of payment
- Refill your Toyu tank and send a photo
- Drain all water pipes to prevent freezing damage (see below)
How to Prevent Pipe Freezing
During winter, water expands when frozen, which can burst pipes.
It’s essential to drain your system if:
- You’re away for extended periods
- Temperatures fall below –4°C
- You live in a building with exposed pipes (e.g. stairwells)
Manual Drain Steps:
- Close the drain valve
- Open taps to let water out
- Turn taps off when done
Electric System:
- Use the control panel
- Open taps & air valves
- Close all once draining is complete
Some video tutorials to help you:
🔗 Video guide – How to drain pipes
🔗 Sapporo city pipe-freezing FAQ (English)
Need Help?
If you are unsure about any utility setup or drainage process, please contact your manager.
We are here to help you settle in safely and smoothly.