Japan Power Outlets and Voltage Guide

Plug Type and Voltage

Plug type: Type A — two flat parallel prongs. Same as USA/Canada. No adapter needed for American devices.
Voltage: 100V, 50Hz (East Japan) / 60Hz (West Japan) — lower than most countries.

Do You Need an Adapter?

From USA/Canada: No adapter needed — plug types are identical.
From UK/Australia/NZ: Need a Type A adapter plug. No voltage converter if your devices are dual-voltage (100–240V — check the power brick).
From Europe: Need a Type A adapter. Most modern electronics (phones, laptops, cameras) are dual-voltage — check the brick before packing a converter.

Checking Voltage Compatibility

Look at your device’s power brick for “INPUT: 100–240V”. If it says this, it’s dual-voltage and works anywhere with just a plug adapter. Single-voltage devices (100–120V only) may work on Japan’s 100V but European 220V devices NEED a converter.

USB Charging

USB ports increasingly available in hotel rooms and on shinkansen trains. A compact multi-port USB charger eliminates outlet worries.

Where to Buy Adapters

Airport shops, Yodobashi Camera, BIC Camera, and convenience stores. Cheap and widely available if you forgot yours.