Plug types by country / Japan
Plug Type and Voltage in Japan
Japan uses Type A and Type B sockets. The standard voltage is 100V and the frequency is 50Hz/60Hz.
Most Japanese sockets are two-pin Type A without a grounding hole, so three-pin Type B plugs often will not fit, and some polarized plugs (one blade wider than the other) can be a tight fit. Eastern Japan, including Tokyo, runs at 50Hz; western Japan, including Osaka and Kyoto, runs at 60Hz.
Sockets in Japan
Type A: two flat parallel pins, ungrounded. Also used in North and Central America and Japan.
Type B: two flat parallel pins plus a round grounding pin, grounded. Also used in North and Central America.
Will your plug fit in Japan?
| Travelling from | Plug adapter | Voltage |
|---|---|---|
| United States (A, B) | No adapter needed | Same range |
| United Kingdom (G) | Adapter needed | Converter for 230V-only devices |
| Germany (C, F) | Adapter needed | Converter for 230V-only devices |
| France (C, E) | Adapter needed | Converter for 230V-only devices |
| Italy (C, F, L) | Adapter needed | Converter for 230V-only devices |
| Switzerland (C, J) | Adapter needed | Converter for 230V-only devices |
| Australia (I) | Adapter needed | Converter for 230V-only devices |
| China (A, C, I) | Adapter for some plugs | Converter for 220V-only devices |
| India (C, D, M) | Adapter needed | Converter for 230V-only devices |
| Brazil (C, N) | Adapter needed | Same range |
| South Africa (C, D, M, N) | Adapter needed | Converter for 230V-only devices |
| Israel (C, H) | Adapter needed | Converter for 230V-only devices |
| Denmark (C, E, F, K) | Adapter needed | Converter for 230V-only devices |
Countries with the same sockets as Japan
These countries also use Type A and Type B sockets, so plugs that fit in Japan fit there too.
Frequently asked questions
What plug type is used in Japan?
Japan uses Type A and Type B sockets. Type A has two flat parallel pins. Type B has two flat parallel pins plus a round grounding pin.
What is the voltage in Japan?
The standard voltage in Japan is 100V at 50Hz/60Hz. Devices from 220-240V countries need to be rated for 100-240V or used with a step-up converter.
Can I use a US plug in Japan?
Yes, it fits. United States uses Type A and Type B plugs and Japan has Type A and Type B sockets.
Can I use a UK plug in Japan?
No, you need an adapter. United Kingdom uses Type G plugs and Japan has Type A and Type B sockets. The voltage also differs (230V vs 100V), so check that your devices are rated 100-240V.