Last reviewed · sourced from IEC TC 23 and national electricity standards
Your answer: United States → Japan
Plug adapter
Not needed
Both United States and Japan use Type A, B. Your plug fits the socket as-is.
Voltage converter
Not needed
Both countries are on the same low-voltage standard (120V in United States, 100V in Japan). Your devices work as-is.
United States uses
Type A
Type B
120V · 60Hz
→
Japan uses
Type A
Type B
100V · 50Hz
What this means for your trip
Travelling from United States to Japan? 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 (120V vs 100V, 60Hz vs 50Hz), so every charger that works at home works in Japan without modification. No voltage converter, no hunting for "100-240V" on the brick.
Frequently asked
Do I need a travel adapter for Japan from United States?
No. Both United States and Japan use Type A/B outlets, so your plug fits the socket as-is.
What type of plug does Japan use?
Japan uses Type A and Type B outlets at 100V, 50Hz. Two flat parallel pins. Common in North America, Central America, and Japan.
What's the voltage in Japan?
Japan runs on 100V at 50Hz. That's on the low-voltage standard, lower than United States's 120V 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 United States 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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