Japan Plugs, Voltage and What to Pack: A Practical Checklist
Japan uses 100 volts and two flat-pin plugs, so many travelers need an adapter. What works, what does not, and a simple packing checklist for every season.
Nothing ruins the first night of a trip like a phone at 2% and a plug that does not fit. Here is what you need to know about electricity in Japan, plus a packing checklist.
At a glance
- Voltage: 100 V everywhere in Japan
- Frequency: 50 Hz in the east (Tokyo), 60 Hz in the west (Nagoya, Kyoto, Osaka)
- Plugs: two flat parallel pins, the same shape as in the US and Canada
- Phones, laptops and cameras: usually fine with just a plug adapter
Plugs: do you need an adapter?
Japan uses plugs with two flat parallel pins.
| You are from | Do you need a plug adapter? |
|---|---|
| USA, Canada, Mexico | Usually no (but see the tip below) |
| UK, Ireland, Hong Kong, Singapore | Yes |
| Europe | Yes |
| Australia, New Zealand | Yes |
| China | Often yes, depending on the plug |
Three-pin plugs from North America
Many Japanese sockets have only two holes, with no hole for a round grounding pin. If your laptop charger has a three-pin plug, bring a small 3-to-2 adapter.
Voltage: will your devices work?
Japan's electricity is 100 volts, lower than most of the world (220–240 V in Europe, the UK, Australia and much of Asia; 120 V in North America).
Check the label on your charger or device:
- "Input: 100–240V" → works in Japan with just a plug adapter. Almost all phone chargers, laptop chargers and camera battery chargers say this.
- A single voltage such as "230V" → needs a voltage converter (step-down or step-up transformer), or leave it at home.
Things that often cause trouble:
- Hair dryers and straighteners made for 220–240 V. They run weak, or not at all, on 100 V. Most hotels provide a hair dryer, so you can often leave yours at home.
- Electric kettles and travel irons that are single-voltage.
Dual-voltage hair dryers, irons and shavers work across Japan.
50 Hz or 60 Hz?
Eastern Japan (including Tokyo) uses 50 Hz and western Japan (including Nagoya, Kyoto and Osaka) uses 60 Hz. Modern chargers do not care. It only matters for some older appliances with motors or timers.
Forgot an adapter?
You can buy plug adapters and converters at big electronics stores such as Yodobashi Camera and Bic Camera, and in electronics districts like Akihabara (Tokyo) and Nipponbashi (Osaka). Convenience stores often sell phone cables and chargers too.
Where to charge on the go
- Shinkansen: newer trains have outlets at window seats.
- Cafés and some fast-food and family restaurant chains have outlets at some tables.
- A power bank is the easiest answer. Check your airline's rules on carrying power banks before you fly.
Packing checklist
Everyone
- Plug adapter (and a 3-to-2 pin adapter for North American laptops)
- Power bank and charging cables
- Comfortable walking shoes you can slip on and off easily (you remove shoes at temples, ryokan and some restaurants)
- Socks without holes, for the same reason
- A small towel or handkerchief (many public restrooms have no paper towels)
- A coin purse
- A small bag for your trash (public trash cans are rare)
By season
| Season | What to add |
|---|---|
| Spring (Mar–May) | Light layers. Mornings and evenings can be cool |
| Rainy season (from around May–June) | Compact umbrella or rain jacket |
| Summer (Jul–Aug) | Breathable clothes, hat, sunscreen, a water bottle. It is very hot and humid |
| Late summer (Aug–Sep) | Flexible plans: typhoons can disrupt travel |
| Autumn (Oct–Nov) | Layers. Pleasant days, chilly nights in the mountains |
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | Warm coat, especially for Hokkaido, Nikko, Hakone and the Japan Alps |
Medicine
- Bring your usual medicine in its original packaging, with a copy of your prescription.
- Some medicines that are legal at home are restricted or illegal in Japan. JNTO notes that cannabis is illegal in Japan even if prescribed in your home country. Check Japan's rules on bringing medicine before you fly.
Sources
Prices change
Prices, exchange rates and rules in this article were checked on the date shown above. They can change at any time, so please confirm on the official website before you book or buy.
