Do you need a travel adapter the US to Japan?

You may not need an adapter

At least one of your the US plug types fits sockets in Japan. An adapter is still worth carrying as backup.

Sockets in Japan

Type AType B

Voltage

120 V → 100 V

✓ Voltage is the same (100 V) in both, so a plug adapter is all you need - no converter.

Great news for American travellers: Japan uses the same flat Type A/B plugs as the US, so your chargers go straight into the wall with no adapter. The only quirk is voltage, Japan runs on 100V vs your 120V, but that small gap is harmless.

Will your devices work in Japan?

📱

Phone charger

Fine - voltage matches

✓ OK

💻

Laptop charger

Fine - voltage matches

✓ OK

📷

Camera charger

Fine - voltage matches

✓ OK

🨥

Electric toothbrush

Fine - voltage matches

✓ OK

💨

Hair dryer / straightener

Fine - voltage matches

✓ OK

What to pack

No adapter needed, the plugs are identical to the US.
The 100V vs 120V difference is harmless for your dual-voltage electronics.
A US hair dryer will work but may run slightly weaker at 100V.
Some older Japanese sockets are 2-prong only, so a grounded 3-prong US plug may occasionally need a cheap Type A adapter.

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Frequently asked questions

Do Americans need an adapter in Japan?

No, Japan uses the same Type A/B plugs as the US.

Is Japan's 100V a problem for US devices?

No, it's slightly lower than US 120V and harmless.

What plug does Japan use?

Types A and B, at 100V / 50-60Hz.

Do you need a travel adapter the US to Japan?

You may not need an adapter

What to pack

Frequently asked questions

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