How to Pay Bills in Japan

Nobody moves to Japan expecting the bills to be the hard part. But if you are staring at a utility bill written entirely in Japanese, unsure whether to take it to a convenience store or set up a bank transfer, you are not alone.

The good news: there are five ways to pay your bills in Japan, and at least one of them requires zero Japanese ability and no bank account.

At a convenience store, you hand your bill to the cashier, they scan the barcode, you pay the amount in cash, and you walk out with a receipt. It takes about 90 seconds.

For people who prefer to set it and forget it, direct debit from your bank account or automatic credit card payment means your water bill and electricity bills get handled without you lifting a finger after the initial application form.

This guide covers all five payment methods, shows you which utility companies accept online applications for automatic payments, and explains what to do when you need to pay a bill but the utility company website is only available in Japanese.

How to pay bills in Japan

There are multiple ways you can pay utility bills in Japan. These various payment methods require different degrees of effort.

Method 1: Convenience stores

For most people living in relatively populated areas, paying electricity bills or your water bill at a convenience store is the simplest option. You take your payment voucher to a store and you hand your bill to the cashier. They scan the barcode, and you pay the amount. After paying, you receive a receipt as proof of payment. 

One caveat to remember when using this method is that you must pay in cash. So if you're someone who doesn't keep cash on hand or if you have multiple bills you need to pay, this may not be the best option for you. 

Method 2: Cash apps

Most invoices come with a QR code or barcode that you can scan and pay through accepted cash apps linked to a credit card. These cash apps include the following:

• Line Pay 

• PayB

• PayPay

• Rakuten Bank

• FamiPay

However, this option may not be available depending on where you live. 

Method 3: MailMate

MailMate is a bilingual virtual mailbox service that includes a bill payment service and can pay bills at the local convenience store for you.

Check out our service explainer video!

MailMate is ideal for expats returning to their home country for a temporary stay or anyone who travels frequently and wants to make sure the lights stay on while you are away.

Method 4: Bank transfers

Bank transfers allow you to settle your bills directly from your bank account as a direct debit withdrawal. You can either go to your bank and transfer the money from an ATM or do a bank transfer via online banking. You will need to apply for this option in advance.

Method 5: Credit cards

You must first apply via mail or website if you want to pay your bills with your credit card. After sending in your application form, you will receive a notice from the company to inform you that your application went through.

Image. Sample of electricity bill from Fukuoka City International Foundation.

Can I set up automatic bill payment online in Japan? (By provider)

Perhaps you’d rather not trot out to the conbini to pay your bill?

If that sounds like you, you can have your utility bills automatically charged to your credit card or withdrawn from your bank account. This approach will ensure you never miss a payment. It's also convenient for people who travel frequently or have busy schedules. 

To set up automatic withdrawals, you must fill out an application form from the utility company you are signed up with. Depending on your electricity provider, you may be able to apply online through the company's official website.

Below is a list of Japan's top 10 electricity companies throughout Japan and whether or not they permit online applications for automatic bill payments. Note: Most of the following sites are only in Japanese.

1. TEPCO (Tokyo Electric Power)

Credit card payment: can apply online 

Bank withdrawal payment: can apply online

2. CHUDEN (Chubu Electric Power)

Credit card payment: can apply online

Bank withdrawal: mail applications only

3. HEPCO (Hokkaido Electric Power)

Credit card payment: can apply online

Bank withdrawal: mail applications only

4. Tohoku Electric Power

Credit card payment: can apply online 

Bank withdrawal: mail applications only

5. RIKUDEN (Hokuriku Electric Power)

Credit card payment: can apply online

Bank withdrawal: mail applications only

6. KEPCO (Kansai Electric Power)

Credit card payment: can apply online

Bank withdrawal: can apply online

7. Chugoku Electric Power

Credit card payment: can apply online for customers with membership or through the mail 

Bank withdrawal: application form available online for certain banks

8. YONDEN (Shikoku Electric Power)

Credit card payment: can apply online

Bank withdrawal: application form available online for certain banks

9. KYUDEN (Kyushu Electric Power)

Credit card payment: can apply online

Bank withdrawal: application form available online for certain banks

10. Okinawa Electric Power

Credit card payment: can apply online

Bank withdrawal: application form available online

Frequently asked questions

How do you pay utility bills in Japan?

There are five main payment methods for utility bills in Japan: cash at a convenience store, QR code cash apps like PayPay or LINE Pay, direct debit from your bank account, automatic credit card payment, or a virtual mail service. Convenience stores require no setup — bring your bill, pay the amount in cash, and receive a receipt.

Can I pay my bills in Japan with a credit card?

Yes, most utility companies in Japan accept credit cards for automatic bill payment. You need to submit an application form — either online or by post — to register your credit card with the utility company. Once approved, your bill is charged automatically each month with no further action required.

How do I set up direct debit for bills in Japan?

To set up direct debit from your bank account, you need to complete an application form from your utility company. Most electricity providers accept online applications for credit card payments, but bank transfer applications often require a mail-in form. Processing typically takes one to two billing cycles before automatic payments begin.

Do I need a bank account to pay bills in Japan?

No. If you do not have a Japanese bank account, convenience stores are the most accessible option. You bring your bill to the cashier, they scan the barcode, and you pay in cash. Cash apps linked to a credit card are another option, though availability depends on your utility company and area.

Can I pay my water bill or electricity bill online in Japan?

It depends on your utility company. Most major providers — including TEPCO and KEPCO — allow you to apply online to have electricity bills automatically charged to your credit card. Bank withdrawal applications are more restrictive and often require a mail-in form, especially outside Tokyo and Kansai.

What happens if I don't pay a bill in Japan?

If you do not pay a utility bill in Japan by the due date, the utility company will typically send a reminder notice. Continued non-payment can result in service suspension — electricity and water can be cut off with relatively short notice. Setting up direct debit or automatic credit card payment is the most reliable way to avoid missed payments.

Is there English support for paying bills in Japan?

Most utility company websites and payment processes are only available in Japanese. However, convenience store payments require no Japanese reading ability — the cashier handles everything by scanning the barcode on your bill. Virtual mail services also offer bilingual support and can pay bills on your behalf if you are abroad or unable to read Japanese.

In closing

While there are plenty of ways to pay your bills in Japan, the key is to use the most convenient method that allows you to pay them on time. 

Convenience store payments may be a simple option for most people. However, if you don’t want to forget to pay your electricity bill, it might be best to consider MailMate’s virtual mail services, which are great for individuals who travel frequently or have busy schedules.