Plugs, voltage and electrical appliances in Japan

Check Japan's voltage and frequency, whether your electrical appliances will work, where to buy adapters and transformers, and information on power sockets on Shinkansen trains.

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  • Before you go
  • Plugs and voltage

Japan’s voltage differs from that in many other places. This page summarises only JNTO’s official guidance to help you determine whether your electrical appliances can be used directly.

Key points

  • Japan uses 100 volts (alternating current) nationwide.
  • There are two electrical frequencies: 50 hertz in eastern Japan and 60 hertz in western Japan (the official examples place Nagoya, Kyoto and Osaka in western Japan; Fukuoka is in Kyushu, which is in western Japan).
  • Some appliances, such as dual-voltage hairdryers, travel irons and electric shavers, work throughout Japan. Others may require a step-down transformer.
  • Plug adapters and transformers are easier to buy in cities.
  • Newer models of Shinkansen trains have power sockets beside window seats.

Voltage and frequency

Item Japan (official guidance)
Voltage 100 volts (alternating current) nationwide
Frequency 50 hertz in eastern Japan; 60 hertz in western Japan (including Nagoya, Kyoto and Osaka)
  • Whether a transformer is needed depends on the input voltage stated on your appliance. According to official guidance, some appliances work directly, while others need a step-down transformer to convert the voltage.

Where to buy plug adapters and transformers

According to official guidance:

  • Plug adapters and transformers are easier to find in cities.
  • Electronics districts: Akihabara in Tokyo and Nipponbashi in Osaka.
  • Large electronics retailers: Yodobashi Camera and Bic Camera.
  • For information about the shape of Japanese sockets, JNTO has a frequently asked questions section: see the official FAQ.

Charging while out and about

  • Newer Shinkansen trains have sockets beside window seats; ask staff when purchasing tickets if you want a window seat.
  • Some hamburger chains and family restaurants provide power sockets.

Frequently asked questions

Can you use your phone charger in Japan?

The official page does not list every type of appliance. A general approach is to check whether the charger’s stated input voltage range includes 100 volts (this is general advice, not official information).

What is the electrical frequency in Fukuoka?

Official guidance states that western Japan uses 60 hertz. Fukuoka is in western Japan.

Further reading

Sources