Do You Need a Travel Adapter for Japan?
Japan uses Type A and Type B sockets at 100 V, 50 / 60 Hz.
Japan runs on 100 V nationwide, lower than anywhere else. The frequency is split: 50 Hz in eastern Japan (Tokyo, Yokohama, Sapporo, Sendai) and 60 Hz in western Japan (Osaka, Kyoto, Nagoya, Hiroshima, Fukuoka). Sockets are mostly ungrounded Type A; grounded Type B sockets are uncommon outside newer buildings, so a US three-pin plug may need a 3-to-2 adapter. Japanese Type A pins are the same width, so a polarised US plug (one wide blade) may not fit an older Japanese socket.
Check your own plug
Verdict by where you are travelling from
From United States: No adapter needed for your devices.
Dual voltage (100–240 V input) covers 100 V. Your Type A plug fits Japan's Type A socket. Japan uses both 50 Hz and 60 Hz depending on region.
100 V is within what this device expects. Your Type A plug fits Japan's Type A socket. Japan uses both 50 Hz and 60 Hz depending on region.
From United Kingdom: You need a Type A adapter and a voltage converter.
Dual voltage (100–240 V input) covers 100 V. Type G plugs do not fit Japan's Type A/B sockets. Pack a Type A adapter. Japan uses both 50 Hz and 60 Hz depending on region.
Single-voltage device (230 V) on a 100 V supply. A plug adapter alone will damage it; you need a voltage converter, or a dual-voltage model. You will also need a Type A plug adapter. Japan uses both 50 Hz and 60 Hz depending on region.
What to buy (on amazon.co.uk)
Some links on this site are affiliate links: if you buy through them we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
From Europe: You need a Type A adapter and a voltage converter.
Dual voltage (100–240 V input) covers 100 V. Type C/E/F plugs do not fit Japan's Type A/B sockets. Pack a Type A adapter. Japan uses both 50 Hz and 60 Hz depending on region.
Single-voltage device (230 V) on a 100 V supply. A plug adapter alone will damage it; you need a voltage converter, or a dual-voltage model. You will also need a Type A plug adapter. Japan uses both 50 Hz and 60 Hz depending on region.
What to buy (on amazon.de)
Some links on this site are affiliate links: if you buy through them we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
From Australia: You need a Type A adapter and a voltage converter.
Dual voltage (100–240 V input) covers 100 V. Type I plugs do not fit Japan's Type A/B sockets. Pack a Type A adapter. Japan uses both 50 Hz and 60 Hz depending on region.
Single-voltage device (230 V) on a 100 V supply. A plug adapter alone will damage it; you need a voltage converter, or a dual-voltage model. You will also need a Type A plug adapter. Japan uses both 50 Hz and 60 Hz depending on region.
What to buy (on amazon.com.au)
Some links on this site are affiliate links: if you buy through them we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
From Canada: No adapter needed for your devices.
Dual voltage (100–240 V input) covers 100 V. Your Type A plug fits Japan's Type A socket. Japan uses both 50 Hz and 60 Hz depending on region.
100 V is within what this device expects. Your Type A plug fits Japan's Type A socket. Japan uses both 50 Hz and 60 Hz depending on region.
Device by device: 100 V in Japan
| Device | Voltage | Plug | What you need |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phone, laptop or USB charger | Dual voltage: fine | Type A/B adapter unless your plug matches | Plug adapter at most |
| Camera battery charger | Dual voltage: fine | Type A/B adapter unless your plug matches | Plug adapter at most |
| Hair dryer or straightener | Single voltage: only if rated for 100–127 V | Type A/B adapter unless your plug matches | Adapter, plus a converter if it is a 220–240 V model |
| Electric shaver | Single voltage: only if rated for 100–127 V | Type A/B adapter unless your plug matches | Adapter, plus a converter if it is a 220–240 V model |
| CPAP machine | Dual voltage: fine | Type A/B adapter unless your plug matches | Plug adapter at most |
| Kettle or other appliance | Single voltage: only if rated for 100–127 V | Type A/B adapter unless your plug matches | Adapter, plus a converter if it is a 220–240 V model |
Not sure which your device is? Read the INPUT line on the label.
Frequently asked questions
What plug does Japan use?
Japan uses Type A and Type B sockets. Type A: two flat parallel pins. Type B: two flat parallel pins and a round earth pin.
What is the voltage in Japan?
Japan runs on 100 V at 50 / 60 Hz. Both frequencies are in use depending on the region.
Can I charge my iPhone or laptop in Japan?
Yes. Phones, laptops and USB chargers are dual voltage (100–240 V) so the voltage is fine anywhere; US-style Type A plugs fit Japan's sockets, so US travellers need no adapter at all. Everyone else needs a Type A adapter.
Do I need a voltage converter for Japan?
Only for single-voltage 220–240 V appliances from Europe, the UK, Australia or Asia. Anything marked INPUT 100–240 V works with a plug adapter alone.
Route guides
Other countries in Asia
Socket types: Type A Type B · Voltage by country · How this data was verified