Plug outlets in Japan
If you’re travelling to Japan, you might be wondering if you can use your electrical appliances there.
Different countries have different plug outlets, and there are a surprising number of variations out there. So to make sure you pack the right adaptor, read on for a handy guide to plug outlets in Japan.
What plug types are used in Japan?
Japan has 2 associated plug types: type A and type B.
Type A
Type A has two flat parallel pins
Type B
Type B has three pins - two flat parallel pins and one rounded pin
Use Wise card while traveling abroad
Spend abroad with mid-market currency exchange rate. No markups, no sneaky transaction fees
What is the mains voltage in Japan?
The standard voltage in Japan is 100V at a frequency of 50Hz / 60Hz.
Do I need a power plug adaptor in Japan?
If the plug shape in Japan is different to your home country you might need to get a travel adapter. It’s always worth doing a little bit of research before your trip, or you could find yourself unable to charge your phone or use other appliances.
Do I need a power converter for Japan?
If you’re visiting Japan you might need a power converter as voltage differs from country to country.
Will I need a converter or a transformer?
To work out whether you’ll need a converter or transformer, it’s a good idea to check the appliance you’ll be plugging in for voltage information.
If you have dual voltage appliances, you won’t need a transformer. Most modern devices like phones and laptops come like this as standard. But it’s always smart to check the plug for specific voltage information.
It can be dangerous to use an appliance that is a different voltage from the power supply, so if unsure - don’t plug it in.
You should be extra careful with high voltage appliances, such as hair dryers for example.
Dual voltage rated appliance
An appliance that is dual voltage rated will typically display something like ‘INPUT: 110-240V’.
Single voltage rated appliance
A single voltage rated appliance will usually display just the voltage, such as 230v for example.
Where can I buy a travel adapter for my trip?
There are lots of places you can pick up a travel adapter in Japan, or wherever you’re heading.
Buying online at an ecommerce website like Amazon or eBay in advance is a good idea, as you can check the details and compatibility before you travel. It could be a smart idea to buy a universal adapter, then you’re covered wherever you go.
But you can usually find travel adapters for sale at most major airports too. Just make sure to check the exchange rate so you know you’re getting a good deal.
Cover all your international travel expenses with the Wise card
Whatever you need to buy during your trip, whether it’s a travel adapter, train ticket or an extra bottle of sunscreen, the Wise card has you covered.
You can spend like a local in 150+ countries, as this clever contactless card automatically converts currency at the mid-market exchange rate whenever you spend - for just a small conversion fee.
And for extra convenience, you can add your Wise card to your Google Wallet or Apple Wallet. Then you can travel even lighter and pay using just your phone, with no need to pack the physical card.
