Japan’s electricity is different from most of the world, and it can quietly ruin a hair dryer. The short version: Japan runs on 100V, which is lower than Europe, most of Asia and Africa (220 to 240V) and also lower than North America (120V). Whether your device is fine depends on one line on its label.
The basics
- Voltage: 100V.
- Plugs: Type A, two flat parallel pins. This is the same basic design used in the United States and Canada, per the Japan National Tourism Organization. Many outlets in Japan do not take a grounded three-pin plug.
- Frequency: it depends on the region. Eastern Japan, including Tokyo and Yokohama, uses 50Hz. Western Japan, including Osaka and Kyoto, uses 60Hz.
Will your hair dryer work?
Read the label on the device or plug. What matters is the input range:
- “100-240V” (dual voltage): it will work in Japan with a plug adapter. Most modern travel hair dryers, chargers, razors and curling irons are dual voltage, but always check.
- “220-240V” only: the device is not designed for 100V. It may not work properly, or may heat poorly. You would need a voltage converter (transformer), and many high-power hair dryers draw more than a small converter can handle.
- “110-120V” only (North American devices): usually OK on Japan’s 100V for simple devices, but performance can be a little weaker.
Phone, laptop and camera chargers are almost always 100-240V, so they only need the right plug shape.
What to do
- Check the label of every device you plan to bring.
- If it is 220-240V only, leave it at home. Many hotels offer a hair dryer, so ask before you pack, and a cheap dual-voltage one is an easy purchase.
- Bring a Type A adapter if your plugs are a different shape. A multi-port USB charger reduces how many adapters you need.
- Do not use a plug-only adapter for a 220V device. An adapter changes the plug shape, not the voltage.
Before you fly
Sort out the rest of the practical items at the same time: an eSIM so your phone works on arrival, travel insurance and flights to Tokyo. For more, see our Japan travel guide.
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