Japan Power Plugs, Wall Sockets & Electrical Outlets
In Japan, power plugs and sockets (electrical outlets) of Type A (NEMA 1-15, two flat parallel pins, ungrounded) and Type B (NEMA 5-15, two flat parallel pins plus round grounding pin, grounded) are used. Wall sockets run at 100V and 50/60Hz. Check if you need a travel adapter, electrical adapter or voltage converter before travelling to Japan.
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Japan uses:
Japan Travel Adapter Guide
The Japan power plug system relies on two North American-style connectors: Type A and Type B. Travelers arriving from countries with different plug shapes will need a travel adaptor to fit Japanese electrical outlets, since neither the flat two-pin nor the grounded three-pin configuration matches plugs used in Europe, the UK, Australia, or most of Asia outside of North America.
Voltage and Frequency in Japan
Japan runs on a 100V electrical supply, which is lower than the 220-240V standard found in much of Europe, Africa, and Australia. Interestingly, Japan is split between two frequencies: eastern regions including Tokyo use 50Hz, while western regions including Osaka use 60Hz. Visitors bringing dual-voltage electronics such as phone chargers and laptops typically won't have issues, but single-voltage appliances designed for 220-240V systems may not function correctly or could be damaged without a voltage converter.
Grounding and the Earth Pin
Japan uses both ungrounded Type A plugs and grounded Type B plugs. Type A plugs feature two flat parallel pins and no grounding pin, making them suitable for small, low-power devices like phone chargers and lamps. Type B plugs add a rounded grounding pin alongside the two flat blades, providing extra safety for larger appliances, computers, and power tools where a ground connection helps prevent electrical shock.
Plug Sockets, Voltage & Adapters in Japan
Japanese electrical outlets are designed to accept Type A plugs directly, and Type B outlets are backward compatible with Type A plugs as well. This means most travelers only need a simple adaptor to change the physical plug shape rather than worry about grounding compatibility, since Type B outlets happily accept both plug types.
- Type A: two flat parallel pins, ungrounded, rated 15A at 100-127V
- Type B: two flat parallel pins plus a round grounding pin, rated 15A at 100-127V
- Both plug types are common throughout Japan, alongside the USA, Canada, Mexico, Taiwan, and Caribbean nations
- Type B outlets accept both Type A and Type B plugs, but Type B plugs cannot fit into Type A-only sockets
Frequently Asked Questions
If your home country uses Type A or Type B plugs, such as the USA or Canada, you likely won't need an adapter at all. Otherwise, you'll need a travel adaptor to convert your plug shape to fit Japan's Type A or Type B electrical outlets.
Japan uses a 100V electrical supply, which is lower than voltage systems in much of Europe and Australia. The frequency is split regionally, with 50Hz used in eastern Japan and 60Hz used in western Japan.
Japan uses both Type A and Type B plugs. Type A features two flat parallel pins and is ungrounded, while Type B adds a round grounding pin for extra safety with larger appliances.
Pack a travel adaptor if your devices use a plug shape other than Type A or Type B, since these are the only two plug types found in Japan. If you're bringing appliances rated for 220-240V, you should also pack a voltage converter, as Japan's 100V supply may not be sufficient for them to operate correctly.
