ExploPlugs and voltage · Asia
Plug type and voltage in Japan
Japan uses plug types A and B at 100 V and 50 or 60 Hz.
The short answer
Mains power in Japan is 100 V at 50 or 60 Hz. Phone and laptop chargers usually accept 100 to 240 V, so they only need the right plug. Hair dryers, kettles and other single-voltage appliances need a matching voltage or a converter.
Do you need an adapter for Japan?
It depends where you live. Here is how the plugs and voltage compare from the biggest travel markets.
| Travelling from | Their plugs | Plug | Voltage |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | Type A, B · 120 V | No adapter needed | Same range |
| Canada | Type A, B · 120 V | No adapter needed | Same range |
| United Kingdom | Type G · 230 V | Adapter needed | Different |
| Germany | Type C, F · 230 V | Adapter needed | Different |
| Australia | Type I · 230 V | Adapter needed | Different |
| India | Type C, D, M · 230 V | Adapter needed | Different |
| China | Type A, C, I · 220 V | Some plugs fit | Different |
| Brazil | Type C, N · 127 or 220 V | Adapter needed | Same range |
| South Africa | Type D, M, N · 230 V | Adapter needed | Different |
| United Arab Emirates | Type G · 230 V | Adapter needed | Different |
| Mexico | Type A, B · 120 V | No adapter needed | Same range |
A plug "fits" when it goes into the socket without an adapter. Shapes in one family work together, like a two-pin type C plug in a type E or F socket. Earthed devices can lose their earth connection.
Countries with similar plugs
These nearby countries share at least one plug type with Japan.
Questions
What plug type does Japan use?
Japan uses types A and B: type A is two flat pins, type B is two flat pins and a round earth pin.
What voltage is Japan?
100 V at 50 or 60 Hz.
Do I need an adapter for Japan from the United States?
No: plugs from the United States fit the sockets in Japan. The voltage is in the same range, so single-voltage devices are fine too.
Do I need an adapter for Japan from the UK?
Yes: the UK uses type G, Japan uses types A and B. A type G to local adapter is cheap and easy to find.
Can I use my phone or laptop charger in Japan?
Most modern phone, laptop and camera chargers accept 100 to 240 V, so they work on 100 V and only need the right plug. Check the small print on the charger. Hair dryers, kettles and shavers are often single-voltage: check them first.
How reliable is this?
The plug data is hand-curated from the Explo app and is a good first answer. Hotels often have universal sockets, and older buildings can differ: confirm before you fly.
Keep exploring
Practical · 4 min readTravel plug types explained: A to O and what you needPlug shape and voltage are two different problems. Learn the main plug types, where they are used, and when a simple adapter is enough.
Practical · 4 min readInternational trip checklist: what to sort before you goA practical checklist for international travel: passport, entry rules, health, money, phone, power and documents, on a timeline from three months out.
Practical · 3 min readYour first international trip: what to know before you goA calm, practical guide for first-time international travellers: passport, entry rules, money, phone, packing and the small things that go wrong.- Free toolPlug and voltage finderWhich adapter you need, and whether you need a converter.
- Country guidesCountry guidesBest months, weather, holidays and plugs for every country.
- Free toolPassport validity checkerIs your passport valid for long enough for this trip?
Pack for Japan with Explo
Explo is a free app: light up the countries you have visited, save the ones you dream about, and check visa rules, weather and holidays before you go.
Get ExploPlug and voltage data is hand-curated from the Explo app. Confirm before you fly.