Last reviewed · sourced from IEC TC 23 and national electricity standards
Your answer: Japan → United States
Plug adapter
Not needed
Both Japan and United States use Type A, B. Your plug fits the socket as-is.
Voltage converter
Not needed
Both countries are on the same low-voltage standard (100V in Japan, 120V in United States). Your devices work as-is.
Japan uses
Type A
Type B
100V · 50Hz
→
United States uses
Type A
Type B
120V · 60Hz
What this means for your trip
Travelling from Japan to United States? Easy trip, electrically speaking — you don't need a plug adapter or a voltage converter. Both countries use the same outlet shape and the same voltage standard, so every charger, phone, and laptop you'd normally pack works the moment you land.
Both countries run on Type A/B outlets. You don't need a shape adapter at all — just plug in the way you do at home.
Voltage is the same on both ends (100V vs 120V, 50Hz vs 60Hz), so every charger that works at home works in United States without modification. No voltage converter, no hunting for "100-240V" on the brick.
Frequently asked
Do I need a travel adapter for United States from Japan?
No. Both Japan and United States use Type A/B outlets, so your plug fits the socket as-is.
What type of plug does United States use?
United States uses Type A and Type B outlets at 120V, 60Hz. Two flat parallel pins. Common in North America, Central America, and Japan.
What's the voltage in United States?
United States runs on 120V at 60Hz. That's on the low-voltage standard, higher than Japan's 100V supply. Most modern phones, laptops, tablets, and camera chargers are dual-voltage (check for "100-240V" on the brick) and work on either. Single-voltage devices like hair dryers, curling irons, and travel kettles will not — bring a dual-voltage travel version or a voltage converter.
Are Japan chargers dual-voltage?
Most — but not all. Check the charger brick for a line that reads something like "INPUT: 100-240V, 50/60Hz." If you see that, the charger works on either voltage standard and you only need a plug adapter. If it lists just "120V" (or just "230V"), it's single-voltage and can't be plugged straight into the other side without a voltage converter.
Gear we'd pack for this trip
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