Japan

Are you planning to visit Japan? Check if you need a power plug adapter or voltage converter for the power sockets (outlets) used in Japan.

The following information is for travelers living in the United States of America.I live in another country.

  • You don’t need a power plug adapter in Japan, when living in the United States of America.
  • You need a voltage converter.
  • Be extra careful with certain appliances because of the difference in frequency.

Below you find pictures of the applied power sockets and corresponding plugs. And we provide more information about the voltage and frequency.

Electricity in Japan

In Japan the power plug sockets are of type A and B. The standard voltage is 100 V and the frequency is 50 / 60 Hz.

Power plug adapter needed in Japan?

In Japan the power plug sockets are of type A and B. Check out the following pictures. When living in the United States of America you don’t need a power plug adapter in Japan. Your power plugs fit. We recommend you to pack a 3 to 2 prong adapter in case type B sockets are not available.

Type A: This socket has no alternative plugs
Type A: This socket has no alternative plugs
Type B: This socket also works with plug A
Type B: This socket also works with plug A

Voltage converter needed in Japan?

In Japan the standard voltage is 100 V and the frequency is 50 / 60 Hz.

  • The voltage in Japan (100 V) is less than in the United States of America (120 V). You need a voltage converter.

Some say you can carefully try to use your appliances in Japan without a converter. Most likely they won’t be damaged, but may not function optimally. If you don’t want to take any chances, use a voltage converter in Japan. You can find voltage converters at Amazon.

Also the frequency in Japan (50 / 60 Hz) differs from the frequency in the United States of America (60 Hz). You should use a voltage converter which also changes the frequency, but these are hard to find. If your converter can’t change the frequency, be warned! Be especially careful with moving, rotating and time related appliances like clocks, shavers and electric fan heaters.

To be sure, check the label on the appliance. Some appliances never need a converter. If the label states ‘INPUT: 100-240V, 50/60 Hz’ the appliance can be used in all countries in the world. This is common for chargers of tablets/laptops, photo cameras, cell phones, toothbrushes, etc.