Power Plugs and Sockets in Japan - Do You Need an Adapter?

If you are travelling to Japan 🇯🇵 from the United States 🇺🇸, then NO, you will not need an adapter.

You are not from the United States 🇺🇸? Click here to change country.

In Japan, the plug types used are A and B. The voltage is 100 V with a frequency of 50Hz. On the other hand, in the United States, the plug types used are A and B. The voltage in the United States is 120 V with a frequency of 60Hz.

Type A Socket Type A Plug

Type A

Type B Socket Type B Plug

Type B

✅ Your devices from the United States of type A and B will be valid and will work without an adapter.

What are the plugs like in Japan?

In Japan, the predominant plug types are A and B. If you are coming from the United States, then your devices are of type A or B.

In this sense, you will not have any problems with your electronic devices, as the plugs in Japan are compatible with the devices from the United States.

Special considerations

In Japan, the eastern region (including Tokyo, Kawasaki, Sapporo, Yokohama, and Sendai) operates at 50 Hz, while the western part (covering Okinawa, Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe, Nagoya, Hiroshima) uses 60 Hz. Older homes often have outlets without polarized plugs (both prongs of the same width), and many homes lack a ground connection. All outlets can be fitted into US-style wall boxes.

Do I need a voltage and frequency converter to travel to Japan?

It is important to know that in Japan the electrical voltage is 100 V, with a frequency of 50Hz. In the United States, the electrical voltage is 120 V and the frequency is 60Hz.

For this reason, you will not need a voltage converter to use your devices from the United States in Japan.

Table of Contents

Frequently Asked Questions

Below we will answer some of the most common questions asked by travelers going to Japan.

Can I charge my iPhone or Android mobile device in Japan?

If you are travelling from the United States to Japan, you will be able to charge your iPhone or Android mobile device without any problems. Nowadays, these devices are designed to work with wide ranges of voltage and frequency. Additionally, since both countries use compatible plug types, you will not need an adapter in Japan to charge your iPhone or Android.

Can I plug in my laptop charger in Japan?

If you are travelling from the United States to Japan, you will be able to charge your laptop without any problems. Nowadays, laptops are designed to work with wide ranges of voltage and frequency. Additionally, since both countries use compatible plug types, you will not need an adapter in Japan to charge your laptop.

Can I use my hair dryer or straightener in Japan?

Yes, with respect to voltage and frequency, you will be able to use devices such as your hair dryer or hair straightener in Japan without any problems.

What happens if I connect a 120 V device to a 100 V socket without an adapter?

Fortunately, most devices can operate with a small voltage difference. Therefore, you will not have any problem connecting a 120 V device to a 100 V socket in Japan without a voltage adapter. The worst that can happen is that the device will heat up slightly.

What happens if I connect a 60Hz device to a 50Hz socket without an adapter?

When connecting a 60Hz device to a 50Hz socket in Japan without a frequency adapter, the worst that can happen is that the device may run at a slower speed than expected. Nowadays, most devices are prepared for these small frequency differences, but in older devices, the difference may be more noticeable.

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