Travel Adapter for Japan
& Japanese Plug Types
Japan Plug Types & Outlets
Including: Okinawa
- Voltage
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100 V
- Frequency
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50 Hz / 60 Hz
Japan uses plug types A and B with matching outlets. Voltage: 100 V, Frequency: 50 Hz / 60 Hz.
Your American (type A/B) plugs will fit the Japanese outlets.
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Adapter Required?
(See recommended adapters) - No
USA to Japan Plug Adapters
Our Adapter Recommendation
You do not need any plug adapters.
Need some ideas for your trip? We found a helpful guide for planning a trip to Japan that you might be able to get some useful information from, including local info, tips and ideas of interesting places to visit & things to do.
Japan Electrical Supply
Japan uses plug types A and B with matching outlets.
The electrical supply voltage is 100 V and the frequency is 50 Hz / 60 Hz.
Japan - Traveler Notes
Eastern Japan 50 Hz (Tokyo, Kawasaki, Sapporo, Yokohama, and Sendai); Western Japan 60 Hz (Okinawa, Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe, Nagoya, Hiroshima). Older buildings have non-polarized sockets, in which case American polarized plugs (one prong wider than the other) would not fit. Many buildings do not have the ground pin. Sockets and switches fit in American-sized standard boxes.
Voltage Converters
Please be aware that whilst a power adapter will allow you to physically insert a US plug into a Japanese outlet it will not change the voltage or frequency of the local mains supply.
Voltage - The Japanese mains supply is 100 V, which is slightly below the US normal range of 120 V +/- 5%. The difference is small though and many appliances will still operate normally, but you should check the voltage requirements of sensitive or critical equipment. For appliances where the voltage is not compatible you may need a transformer or voltage converter to operate your appliance.
Frequency - Japan operates with both 50 Hz and 60 Hz supplies, compared with 60 Hz in the US. Most modern travel electronics are designed to work at either frequency and will be marked 50/60 Hz. Where the local supply is 60 Hz US devices will be frequency compatible. On a 50 Hz supply, some appliances containing motors, clocks and other frequency-sensitive equipment may not operate correctly. Check the frequency rating on your device before use; if it is marked 50/60 Hz, it is suitable for either frequency. If you are unsure, particularly with specialist or medical equipment, check with the manufacturer.
Most modern travel gadgets, chargers and laptops are dual voltage and will work worldwide; check the appliance or power supply for an input such as 100-240 V, 50/60 Hz.
If you have equipment that is not compatible with the Japanese supply voltage, check our transformers page for further information and available options for transformers and power converters that you can use in Japan. Voltage converters and transformers only change the voltage, not the frequency, of the supply. Changing the frequency requires specialist frequency-conversion equipment, which is not normally practical for travelers.
If you need to take items like hair dryers / straighteners that draw high current then see our hair straighteners page for information on how it can affect your choice of travel adapter.
Japan Plug Type Specifications
Plug Type A
NEMA 1-15 class II ungrounded, rated at 15A. Commonly found in Central and North America.
The plug has 2 flat blades 1.5mm thick, 15.9 - 18.3 mm long and spaced 12.7mm apart. The neutral blade is 7.9mm wide whilst the live is 6.3mm wide, meaning the plug is polarized and can only be inserted into the outlet one way around. Some Japanese plugs have 2 equal width blades, making them unpolarized. Ungrounded type A outlets have not been permitted in new buildings across the USA and Canada for many years but they can still be found in older buildings.
Plug Type B
NEMA 5-15 class I grounded, rated at 15A. Commonly found in Central and North America.
The plug has 2 flat blades 1.5mm thick, 15.9 - 18.3 mm long and 6.3mm wide spaced 12.7mm apart. There is also a 4.8mm round or U shaped ground pin which is 3.2mm longer than the 2 blades in order to ensure that the appliance is grounded before the live electrical connection is made. The ground pin is offset from the 2 blades by 11.9mm.
The blades are uninsulated, making them dangerous as a partially pulled out plug can remain connected but the blades are exposed and could be touched, particularly by the fingers of a small child.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Travel Adapters for Japan
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Japan uses the same type A and B plugs as the US.
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Japan uses the same type A and B outlets as the US.
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American travelers do not need a plug adapter. Some US appliances may require a voltage converter.
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The mains supply in Japan is 100 V, which is slightly below the US normal range of 120 V +/- 5%. The difference is small and many appliances will still operate normally, but you should check the voltage requirements of sensitive or critical equipment. Many travel gadgets are dual voltage and will work worldwide; check the appliance or power supply for an input such as 100-240 V, 50/60 Hz.
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As American travelers don't need a plug adapter you should be able to use your normal charging equipment.