Fiches et prises électriques du Japon – Type A/B, adaptateur nécessaire ?
The country of Japan is where the latest technology merges with the ancient philosophy. However, visitors may be surprised to learn some aspects of the electrical system adopted in this country. Even though Japanese people use the same A and B types of plugs that are utilized in the USA, there are certain distinctive features. The voltage = only 100V and the frequency = either of two (in east Japan, it is 50Hz and in west Japan, it is 60Hz). In this guide, you will find all necessary information about the plugs, sockets, voltage, and frequency systems in Japan. Moreover, we are going to answer some popular questions you most probably ask right now.
Japan Electric Socket Type
The Type A wall socket is the standard type in Japan. Its main characteristic is that it has two flat pins but lacks a grounding system. On the contrary, the Type B socket exists but is much more rarely found. The Type A socket is widely used in private homes, hotels, and public buildings.
Key points about Japanese sockets:
- Type A – two flat parallel pins, ungrounded. This is the default.
- Type B There are two flat pins and a round grounding pin.
- Polarisation – Japanese Type A outlets are generally unpolarized (both openings are equal) allowing a plug to be inserted with either position facing up. This is not the case in US outlets where one opening is wider than the other.
- Shutters – The majority of sockets lack safety shutters, meaning they are not as child-proof as modern European or UK sockets.
When using a three-prong appliance (Type B plug), you must use a Type A converter (which simply transforms the three-prong plug into a two-prong one) since Type B sockets are rare. Alternatively, you could buy a simple grounding adapter, which attaches to the screw of the socket, but for most tourists it is enough to use only a plug adapter.
Japan Plug Type
Les plug types used in Japan are:
- Prise Type A – two flat parallel pins, no earth pin. This is the standard for almost all devices.
- Prise Type B – same as A but with a round earth pin. Rarely used in practice, except for some heavy appliances.
In case your device’s plug is of the US type (A or B), it should fit into the power outlet in Japan, but there will be a slight difference in voltage (100V, compared to 120V). Most devices can function well with this difference, but it is wise to double-check the label. If your device has a UK or European plug, you will have to either get an adapter of type A or have a universal adapter that has either of the US/Japanese plugs.
Astuce pro : Japanese sockets are the same as US Type A sockets in design, however, they differ in voltage; Japanese sockets provide190 V instead of 120V. Thus, many American gadgets, especially the chargers, support the voltage required by Japanese sockets. Nevertheless, some gadgets operated at exactly 120V may have trouble using Japanese sockets properly; they can work at a slower rate on those outlets.
Voltage and Frequency in Japan
Japan functions at a standard voltage of 100 volts, which is the lowest when compared to other major industrial nations. This voltage is lesser than US voltage of 120 volts, and much lower than the European 230 volts standard.
Les frequency is divided by region:
- Eastern Japan (including Tokyo, Yokohama, Tohoku) – 50 Hz
- Western Japan (including Osaka, Kyoto, Hiroshima, Fukuoka) – 60 Hz
This frequency difference seldom impacts contemporary gadgets (which use switching power supplies), but it can impact motors in devices such as electric clocks, record players, or hair clippers. Most travelers do not need to worry, as chargers and laptop adapters are generally compatible worldwide.
Those who are from a country that utilizes 230V will need a converter that steps up the voltage in order to use appliances that do not support dual voltage. Most electronic devices such as laptops and phones are dual voltage and work fine as long as it is stated on the label.
Do I Need a Travel Adapter for Japan?
It depends on your origin and your device. The table below gives a quick overview for common traveller regions.
| Votre pays / région | Votre type de prise | Need Adapter for Japan? | Compatibilité de tension |
|---|---|---|---|
| USA / Canada | Type A/B (120V) | ❌ No – plugs fit (Type A) / ⚠️ Type B needs adapter to A | ⚠️ 120V vs 100V – most devices tolerate, but check label |
| Mexique | Type A/B (127V) | ❌ No – plugs fit (A) / ⚠️ B needs adapter | ⚠️ 127V vs 100V – check device tolerance |
| United Kingdom / Ireland | Type G (230V) | ✅ Yes – need Type A adapter | ⚠️ 230V vs 100V – need step‑down converter for non‑dual‑voltage |
| Europe (la plupart des pays) | Type C/E/F (230V) | ✅ Yes – need Type A adapter | ⚠️ 230V vs 100V – need converter for non‑dual‑voltage |
| Australie / Nouvelle-Zélande | Type I (230V) | ✅ Yes – need Type A adapter | ⚠️ 230V vs 100V – need converter for non‑dual‑voltage |
| Chine | Type A, C, I (220V) | ✅ Yes – need Type A adapter (if using C/I) | ⚠️ 220V vs 100V – need converter for non‑dual‑voltage |
| Inde | Type D/M (230V) | ✅ Yes – need Type A adapter | ⚠️ 230V vs 100V – need converter for non‑dual‑voltage |
| Afrique du Sud | Type M (230V) | ✅ Yes – need Type A adapter | ⚠️ 230V vs 100V – need converter for non‑dual‑voltage |
| Brésil | Type N (127V / 220V) | ✅ Yes – need Type A adapter | ⚠️ 127V / 220V vs 100V – check voltage; 127V devices may work, 220V need converter |
Key takeaway: Using a US/Canadian plug (Type A) is a possibility if you have an adapter for Type B (three-prong plug) or a Type A socket. Anyone with another plug type will need a Type A plug adapter. Voltage-wise, if any of your devices are dual-voltage (100-240V), the adapter should work. If your devices are 120V only, they should also work fine at 100V (but slightly less power). In contrast, devices with 230V require a step-down converter.
A universal adapter with U.S./Japan-compatible connections is a good purchase, especially for travelers who are going to North America as well.
Questions fréquemment posées (FAQ)
Are Japan and US outlets the same?
Physically, yes – they both use Type A (two‑flat‑pin) sockets. Nonetheless, there are distinctions: Japanese sockets are typically unpolarized (none of the poles is thicker), and grounding is absent (B connectors are seldom used). In addition, Japan has a voltage of 100 V while the US has a voltage of 120 V. Therefore, you can insert a plug from the US into a socket in Japan, but since the voltage is lower, most devices will still work.
Which plug adapter do I need for Japan?
In order to use the device, it requires a type A plug (which is characterized by having two flat parallel pins). If the device happens to have a 3-prong plug (which belongs to type B), then a type A adaptor will be necessary that converts the 3-prong plug to a 2-prong adapter; this type of adapter is often referred to as a grounding adapter. Most universally compatible adaptors come with this type of conversion. If your device is using a European, UK, or Australian plug, it will still require the type A adapter in order to be used.
Can I use a US iPhone charger in Japan?
Yes, absolutely. Apple’s USB power adapters can be used in Japan because they are rated for 100-240V and are compatible with 50 and 60 Hz. The connection (Type A) works with the electrical sockets in Japan. There is no need for an adapter since you just plug it into the socket without any further requirements.
Do I need to bring an outlet adapter to Japan?
It depends on your devices. If the plugs of all your devices are of the American type A with their two prongs, plug pins into the wall socket, and the devices ran on dual voltage (such as smartphones, tablets, or laptops), then no adapter is needed- you can proceed without the adapter.
If the plug is of type B (three-pronged), just an adapter made to ground it is needed. If the plug is of a different type (European, British, etc.), then it is necessary to have an adapter of type A. A small universal adapter with American plugs on it is a useful and inexpensive item to carry while traveling.
Can I use my European hair dryer in Japan?
In Europe, hair dryers use 230V. Using one in a 100V outlet produces very little heat and airflow, if any at all. Moreover, the plug will not fit without an adapter. So, in order to use a European hair dryer, one needs to first bring it from 100V to 230V. Due to high wattage of the device, the converters are usually oversized and costly. For this reason, most people traveling to Japan buy themselves an inexpensive Japanese version of hair dryer.
Are power strips common in Japanese hotels?
Not necessarily so. Numerous hotels have limited electrical plugs, very occasionally just one or two close to the desk. Therefore, it is advisable to take along a compact power strip with a type A plug, or a multi-port USB charger, thus enabling you to charge several devices at once.
Travel Tips for Using Electronics in Japan
- Vérifiez les étiquettes de tension – Even if the plug is compatible, the voltage is also important. While most chargers are able to support multiple voltages, some devices, such as hair styling tools, only function at a specific voltage.
- Apportez une batterie externe – Japan is a fantastic destination for photography as well as navigation. Therefore, you will have to use your smartphone extensively. Having a power bank while you are there is quite necessary.
- Hotel outlets – In some traditional inns (ryokan), an old-fashioned electrical socket may be found. A multi-port charger or travel power strip will take care of that.
- Frequency difference – If you bring any item that has a synchronous motor in it, like a record player, then you should be careful that the difference of 50 and 60 Hz may impact the working of device. Nevertheless, for most tourists, this does not make a big difference.
- USB ports – Many contemporary hotels located in metropolitan areas install USB-A ports, although they are not guaranteed. It is advisable to take along your own charger with you.
- Be cautious with 100V – Appliances rated at 120V in the US work with a 100V supply, and they will not sustain any harm; however, there may be drop in efficiency.
Summary
The electric system in Japan uses Type A sockets with a voltage of 100V/50Hz (in the East) or 60Hz (in the West). Travelers from the USA and Canada can connect their devices without the use of any adapters – they only need to have the Type A plug. However, keep in mind that there is a difference in the voltage. People travelling from other countries need to make use of a Type A plug adapter in addition to a voltage converter. Luckily, the majority of new electronics function properly in Japan.
Safe travels and happy charging!