You’ve packed your phone, chargers, and laptop for your big trip to Japan and suddenly you’ve been hit with a daunting thought – what do Japanese outlets look like and do I need an electrical adapter? Hopefully, a quick Google search will have led you straight to this page, so we can be the ones to deliver the good news. When comparing Japanese outlets vs US outlets, the two are almost identical. While the voltage in Japan is 100 Volt, lower than that of North American plugs at 110 Volt and central Europe and surrounding countries at 230 Volt, for the most part, they are compatible and work just fine.
Japanese power outlets come in several varieties but are most often non-polarized with two pins. Additionally, plugs can be grounded with three or two pins. Some electronics from North America will work in Japan without the use of an adapter, however, for some electronics, it is recommended to use one. Hairdryers, curling irons, straightening irons, and other heated devices tend to overheat or not work properly unless used in conjunction with an adapter in the electrical outlets in Japan. Additionally, many hotels offer special equipment such as blowdryers that are specifically adapted for visitors to use.
For those traveling outside of major cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, an adapter may be useful. Additionally, for some electronically heated devices, an adapter is recommended when traveling in Japan.
