Japan Power Outlets & Plugs: Same as US/Canada (Type A)

Good News: You Probably Don't Need an Adapter

If you're coming from the US or Canada, here's a pleasant surprise: Japan uses the same Type A flat two-prong plugs as North America. Your phone charger, laptop, and most electronics will plug right in without any adapter. That's one less thing to buy and pack. You'll also want to sort out your Wi-Fi and eSIM before you arrive.

The Technical Details

• Plug type: Type A (two flat prongs) — identical to US/Canada
• Voltage: 100V (vs 120V in the US, 220-240V in Europe/UK/Australia)
• Frequency: 50Hz in eastern Japan (Tokyo), 60Hz in western Japan (Osaka, Kyoto)

Do You Need a Voltage Converter?

Almost certainly not. Most modern electronics — phones, laptops, tablets, cameras, electric toothbrushes — have universal power supplies that accept 100-240V automatically. Check the fine print on your charger; if it says "Input: 100-240V," you're good.

The only devices that might have issues are:

• Hair dryers and straighteners — older models may be single-voltage (check before using!)
• Electric shavers — some older models are single-voltage
• Heated curling irons — may work but heat up slower on 100V

If your device is 120V-only (common for US hair tools), it'll still work in Japan at 100V — just slightly less powerful. It won't damage the device. But do NOT plug a 220-240V European device directly into a Japanese outlet with just a plug adapter — it won't get enough power.

Coming from Europe, UK, or Australia?

You will need a plug adapter (Type A). These are cheap ($3-5) and available at:

• Airport shops in Japan
• Electronics stores (Bic Camera, Yodobashi)
• 100-yen shops (Daiso, Seria, Can Do) — literally $0.70 for an adapter
• Many hotels lend adapters at the front desk for free

Grounded (Three-Prong) Plugs

One catch: most Japanese outlets are ungrounded two-prong. If your laptop charger has a three-prong (grounded) plug, you'll need a simple three-to-two prong adapter, or just use the two-prong cable that came with your laptop. Most laptop power bricks come with a detachable two-prong cable for exactly this reason.

Charging on the Go

Japan is great for keeping devices charged:

• Shinkansen (bullet trains) have power outlets at every seat
• Many cafés have outlets (look for コンセント/konsento signs)
• Convenience stores sell portable battery packs from ¥1,000-3,000 (see our budget tips for more konbini hacks)
• Rental battery services like ChargeSPOT let you rent portable chargers from stations throughout the city

One less expense to worry about! For the full picture on Japan trip costs, check our complete guide.