Japan Plug Types: Everything You Need to Know

Japan is unique in many ways, and its electricity is no exception.

Did you know that it operates on a voltage of 100V? This is distinct from most other countries. 

For example, most European countries run on 230V. In the Middle East, voltage can range from 220V to 240V. Meanwhile, in the United States, the standard is 120V.

If you’re traveling to Japan, it’s important to know this voltage difference and ensure you have the right plug type to avoid any issues with your electronic devices.

What Type of Plug is Used in Japan?

Japan uses Type A as the standard plug, while Type B is occasionally found in some locations.

Type A has two flat parallel prongs. You can find Type A outlets on Shinkansen trains, in hotels, and at charging stations in airports.

Type B is similar but includes a round grounding pin. It is rare because most small appliances in Japan are double-insulated and don’t require grounding. 

Double insulated means that an electrical device has two layers of insulation to protect users from electric shock, eliminating the need for a grounding wire.

For convenience, it’s best to have a Type A plug to ensure you can charge your devices anywhere.

Where to Buy Adapters for Japan?

Need a Japan-compatible plug adapter? Here’s where to buy one before your trip.

BESTEK Japan Travel Plug Adapter

This compact travel plug adapter is perfect for charging dual-voltage devices such as cell phones, laptops, and cameras. It features a 3-in-1 input that supports standard flat-pin plugs, providing a simple alternative to bulky universal outlets.

Measuring just 1.37 x 1.37 x 0.98 inches with a 10A/250V max load, it is safe, lightweight, and compatible with Japan and several other countries, including China, Canada, Thailand, and Vietnam. 

Where to buy: Amazon

Price: $12.99

Ceptics World-Way 6 Travel Adapter Kit

Ceptics includes six interchangeable plug attachments (Type A, B, C, E/F, G, and I), making it useful beyond Japan for future trips.

The adapter comes with two USB ports (one QC 3.0), a built-in USB-C cable, and two universal outlets, allowing you to charge up to five devices at once. Voltage indicator LEDs show whether the socket is supplying 110V or 220V, helping you avoid incorrect voltage use. It also includes built-in surge protection to safeguard your electronics.

Compact and designed for travel, it measures just 2.75″ x 3.75″ x 1.5″ and weighs under 5 oz. It also includes a travel pouch for easy packing. 

Where to buy: Ceptics website

Price: $34.99

Apple World Travel Adapter Kit

If you’re deep in the Apple ecosystem, the World Travel Adapter Kit is a great choice for staying powered up while traveling. It includes seven AC plugs, each labeled with the regions they are compatible with, and is designed for iPhones, iPads, MacBooks, and other Apple devices, working seamlessly with USB-C, MagSafe, and Portable Power Adapters. 

Aside from Japan, this kit also supports outlets in North America, China, the UK, Continental Europe, Korea, Australia, Hong Kong, and Brazil, making it a reliable option for frequent travelers.

Where to buy: Apple website

Price: $29

One Beat Travel Plug Adapter

This multi-plug outlet extender is a great choice for keeping all your devices charged in Japan. It converts 2-prong to 3-prong outlets and includes two USB-A ports and one USB-C port, allowing you to charge up to six devices at once with a max capacity of 2500W (250V/10A). 

Made from fireproof material rated to withstand temperatures up to 1382℉, it’s a safe and travel-friendly option for use in hotels, Airbnbs, and other indoor spaces.

Where to buy: Amazon

Price: $20.98

TESSAN 35W Universal Travel Adapter 

This international travel adapter covers over 200 countries, including Japan, the USA, the UK, Germany, France, China, and Australia, making it ideal for worldwide travel or business trips. It features six charging options in one device, with one universal AC outlet and five USB ports (including a 35W USB-C port for fast charging), allowing you to charge multiple devices simultaneously. 

Compact and lightweight at just 0.34 lb, it easily fits in your pocket, suitcase, or backpack, making it a convenient travel essential. Designed with safety in mind, it includes double fuse protection, but it only supports 100V to 250V wide voltage devices, so high-power appliances like hair dryers require voltage compatibility.

Where to buy: Tessan website

Price: $24.99

Japan Plug Type: Which Adapter Is Right for You?

Choosing the right plug adapter for Japan depends on your travel style and charging needs. Whether you need something simple, versatile, or Apple-friendly, here are the top three recommendations based on different traveler preferences.

Best for Minimalists – BESTEK Japan Travel Plug Adapter

A great choice if you only need a basic plug adapter without extra features. It’s compact, budget-friendly, and works with dual-voltage devices.

• Pros: Small and lightweight, no unnecessary bulk, affordable
• Cons: No USB ports or surge protection, limited to one device at a time

Best for Multi-Device Charging – Ceptics World-Way 6 Travel Adapter Kit

Ideal for those traveling with multiple devices, this adapter includes USB and USB-C ports and can power up to five devices at once. It also offers plug attachments for other countries, making it a smart investment for frequent travelers.

• Pros: Multiple charging options, built-in surge protection, versatile for future trips
• Cons: Bulkier than a standard plug adapter, more expensive

Best for Apple Users – Apple World Travel Adapter Kit

Perfect for Apple users who want a seamless charging experience for their MacBooks, iPhones, and iPads. It includes multiple plug types for international use, making it a reliable long-term solution.

• Pros: Designed specifically for Apple devices, includes multiple plug types for future trips
• Cons: No USB ports, higher price compared to standard adapters

Each of these adapters ensures hassle-free charging in Japan, so pick the one that best suits your travel needs.

Do I Need a Voltage Converter in Japan?

It depends on whether your device supports 100V. 

If your device is dual voltage (e.g., 100-240V), you do not need a voltage converter — just a plug adapter. However, if your appliance is single voltage and operates at a higher voltage (e.g., 120V in the U.S. or 220-240V in Europe), you will need a voltage converter or transformer to use it safely.

Otherwise, your device may malfunction or suffer damage. Always check your device’s voltage rating before plugging it in.

Safety Tips for Using a Japan Plug Type Adapter

Using the right adapter is important, but safe usage matters just as much to protect your devices and avoid electrical issues. Keep these safety tips in mind when plugging in your electronics in Japan:

• Check your device’s voltage: If it doesn’t support 100-240V, use a voltage converter to prevent damage.
• Avoid overloading outlets: Using a multi-device adapter? Ensure the total wattage doesn’t exceed the adapter’s capacity.
• Unplug devices when not in use: Japanese power outlets don’t have built-in switches, so unplugging reduces fire risks.
• Buy a quality adapter: Cheap adapters may lack safety features like surge protection or heat resistance.

Most Common Plug Types

Power plug types vary globally, and using the wrong adapter can damage your devices or leave you unable to charge them. Here are some of the most common types:

• Type A & B – Used in Japan, the USA, Canada, and Mexico (A: 2-prong, B: 3-prong grounded)
• Type C, E, and F – Common in Europe (France plug types, Spain plug types), South America, and parts of Asia (2 round prongs)
• Type G – Found in the UK, Ireland, Singapore, and Hong Kong (3 rectangular prongs)
• Type I – Used in Australia, New Zealand, and China (2 or 3 flat prongs in a V-shape)
• Type D & M – Used in India and South Africa (3 round prongs, different sizes)

Explore the below infographic to see all the different plug types used across the world.

Japan Plug Type FAQ

Vukasin Petrovic

Vukasin Petrovic is a seasoned content specialist and writer with expertise in digital marketing, on-page search engine optimization, and inbound lead generation. With a background in English and a Master's degree in Creative Writing, he excels in creating engaging content that drives business results.