Japan uses 100V electricity (the lowest standard voltage in the world) with two-flat-pin Type A outlets. Eastern Japan (Tokyo, Sapporo, Sendai) runs at 50 Hz; Western Japan (Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, Fukuoka, Okinawa) runs at 60 Hz. Select your home country and devices to check whether you need a plug adapter, voltage converter, or should leave high-wattage hair tools at home.
How to read the fine print on your charger
- Look for "INPUT: 100–240V ~ 50/60Hz": almost every modern phone charger, MacBook/laptop brick, camera battery charger, Nintendo Switch, and CPAP machine is universal dual-voltage and works safely across all of Japan (both 50 Hz Tokyo and 60 Hz Osaka) with only a simple physical plug adapter if your pins aren't Type A.
- The 3-prong grounding pin catch for US/Canadian travelers: most Japanese wall outlets have two flat slots (Type A) with no third round grounding hole. If your laptop brick or CPAP cord has a 3-prong plug (Type B), pack a $3 "3-prong to 2-prong" cheater adapter.
- Why 230V hair dryers & straighteners fail in Japan: plugging a 230V European/UK/Australian hair dryer into Japan's 100V wall socket gives it less than half the power—it will barely blow lukewarm air. And nearly 100% of Japanese hotels and ryokan provide a 100V hair dryer in the room!
Japan Electrical Outlet, Voltage & Device Compatibility Table
| Home Region | Home Plug & Voltage | Adapter Needed for Japan (Type A, 100V)? | Dual-Voltage Chargers (100–240V) | Single-Voltage Hair Dryers / Irons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US, Canada, Mexico & Taiwan | Type A / B (120V, 60 Hz) | 2-pin Type A plugs fit directly; pack a 3-prong to 2-prong adapter for grounded laptop cords | Work 100% safely across Tokyo (50 Hz) & Osaka (60 Hz) | 120V hair tools run slightly cooler (~70% power); use the hotel's built-in 100V hair dryer instead |
| UK, Ireland, Singapore & Hong Kong | Type G (230V, 50 Hz) | Yes — Type G to Type A plug adapter required | Phones, laptops, cameras & CPAPs labeled 100–240V work safely | 230V-only hair dryers/curlers will barely warm up on 100V — leave at home or bring a dual-voltage travel iron |
| Continental Europe & South Korea | Type C / E / F (230V, 50/60 Hz) | Yes — Type C/F to Type A plug adapter required | All 100–240V USB-C bricks & camera chargers work with just a plug adapter | 230V-only hair tools will not heat properly on 100V — use hotel hair dryers |
| Australia, New Zealand & China | Type I (220–230V, 50 Hz) | Yes — Type I to Type A plug adapter required | All 100–240V electronics work safely with a physical pin adapter | Leave 230V single-voltage heating appliances at home |
Frequently asked questions
What plug type and electrical voltage does Japan use?
Japan uses ungrounded 2-flat-prong Type A outlets (identical in shape to standard North American 2-prong plugs) and a 100V electrical supply—the lowest household voltage in the world—operating at 50 Hz in eastern Japan (Tokyo, Yokohama, Tohoku, Hokkaido) and 60 Hz in western Japan (Nagoya, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, Kyushu, Okinawa).
Do my iPhone, MacBook, camera charger, and CPAP machine work in Japan without a voltage converter?
Yes—check the fine print on your charger brick: if it says 'INPUT: 100–240V ~ 50/60Hz,' it is dual-voltage and works safely across all of Japan with only a passive plug adapter (or directly if it has a 2-prong US plug). If your laptop or CPAP cord has a 3-prong grounded US plug, bring a cheap 3-prong-to-2-prong grounding adapter.
Why does my 120V US or 230V European hair dryer or flat iron run weak in Japan?
High-wattage heating appliances rated only for 120V (US/Canada) run at roughly 70% heating power on Japan's 100V grid, while single-voltage 220–240V (UK/Europe/Australia) hair dryers and straighteners will barely heat up at all. Fortunately, virtually 100% of Japanese hotels, business hotels, and ryokan provide a 1,200W Panasonic/Koizumi hair dryer in every guest room.
Do Japanese hotels and Shinkansen trains have USB ports next to the bed and seats?
Modern Japanese business hotels built or renovated after 2018 usually have USB-A/USB-C ports and 100V Type A outlets on the headboard, and N700S/E5/E7 Shinkansen trains have a 100V outlet at every window seat (or every seat on newer trainsets). Carrying a compact 65W GaN multi-port USB-C wall charger lets you charge your phone, watch, and power bank from a single wall socket.