Plugs, sockets & voltage

Plugs in Japan: two flat pins, 100 volts

UK plugs and appliancesAdapter + check voltageChecked 22 October 2026

Japan uses flat two-pin Type A sockets at 100V, the lowest voltage anywhere. Most chargers are fine with an adapter. Three-pin (Type B) adapters often won't fit, as many sockets have no earth hole.

No adapter needed
Bring a UK adapter
Adapter + check voltage

RatingAdapter + check voltage

Socket typesA, B

Areas covered3 on this page

Eastern Japan (Tokyo) runs at 50Hz and western Japan (Osaka, Kyoto) at 60Hz, which matters only for old clocks and some motors. Convenience stores sell adapters and USB plugs, and many hotels have USB sockets by the bed.

What works and what doesn't

Phones, laptops, camerasBring a UK adapter
Fine with a two-pin Type A adapter.
Hair tools and kettlesAdapter + check voltage
230V appliances barely work on 100V. Hotels provide dryers.
Older homes and ryokanAdapter + check voltage
Often only two-pin sockets, with few of them. Bring an extension lead.

Sockets you'll find

Type AUS two-pin · 100-127V
Type BUS three-pin · 100-127V

Japan's 100V and your kit

Japan runs at 100V, the lowest in the world. Anything labelled '100-240V' works, which covers phones, laptops and camera chargers. Single-voltage UK hair dryers and straighteners won't heat properly. Ryokan and business hotels almost always provide a hair dryer, and Don Quijote and Bic Camera sell dual-voltage styling tools.

Socket tips

Most sockets are two-pin only (Type A). A three-pin US adapter may not fit, so buy a two-pin one.
Many hotels have USB ports by the bed, so a USB cable alone often does the job.
Convenience stores sell adapters and power banks if you forget one.
Bullet trains have sockets at window seats and on newer carriages at every seat.

Before you go

Choose a two-pin (Type A) adapter rather than three-pin.
Shinkansen trains have sockets at most seats.

Stay and do

Ready to book Japan? Compare places to stay and things to do.

Hotels in Tokyo Tours and tickets in Tokyo Get a travel eSIM

We may earn a commission if you book through these links, at no extra cost to you. It never affects our ratings.

See the plugs filter on the map Japan travel guide Search flights

Questions people ask

Will my UK laptop work in Japan?

Yes. Laptop chargers handle 100-240V. You just need a Type A adapter.

What plug does Japan use?

Type A, with two flat pins, at 100V. Some sockets also take three-pin Type B.

Will my hair dryer work in Japan?

A 230V UK hair dryer will barely work on Japan's 100V. Most hotels provide one.

← All plugs & adapters guides

Waymark summarises official UK government (FCDO) travel advice and other public sources to help you plan. It is not a substitute for that advice, which can change at short notice. Always read the latest FCDO page for your destination and check your insurance before you book. Content last checked 22 October 2026.