What Plug Type Does Japan Use?

By Best Pick Guide Editorial Team · Updated October 23, 2026

If you're flying to Japan from the US, the plug question is easier than for most countries. But "easier" isn't "the same." Here's what you'll find in Japanese walls, and what to pack.

Type A: the one you'll see most

Japan uses Type A plugs and sockets: two flat, parallel prongs. That's the same shape as the two-prong plugs in the US and Canada. Your phone charger, which likely has two flat prongs, will usually fit a Japanese outlet as is.

Type B: the three-prong version

Type B adds a round ground pin below the two flat prongs, just like a US three-prong plug. Japan has Type B outlets too, but they're far less common. You may find them in kitchens, bathrooms or newer buildings, but many hotel rooms only have two-prong outlets by the bed and desk.

That's the main problem for US travelers: a three-prong plug won't fit a two-prong outlet. Laptop chargers, some camera chargers and power strips often have that third pin.

The polarized plug catch

Look at a US two-prong plug. Often one prong is a little wider than the other. That's a polarized plug. US outlets have one wider slot to match.

Many Japanese outlets have two slots of the same size, so a polarized plug may not go in. It doesn't happen with every outlet, but it's worth planning for. Some Japan adapters, like the Ceptics Type A adapter, say they accept polarized plugs and turn them into a plain two-prong plug for the wall.

Don't cut or bend the ground pin

It's tempting to snap off the third pin or bend the wide prong. Don't. The pin is there for safety, and a damaged plug can be a hazard. A small adapter costs little and fixes the fit properly.

What adapter do you need?

You don't need a universal or European adapter for Japan. Look for a US to Japan or Type A adapter that:

• Accepts three-prong US plugs on the front and has a two-prong Type A plug on the back
• Adds outlets, since a small hotel room may have few free sockets
• Adds USB-C and USB-A ports, so phones and watches can charge without their wall bricks
• Stays small, without a cord, if you'll carry it every day

A multi-outlet adapter like the HANYCONY 8-in-1 turns one two-prong socket into four three-prong US outlets plus USB ports.

Plug type is not voltage

Fitting the socket is only half the question. Japan runs at about 100 volts, a little lower than the US's 120 volts. Most phone, tablet, laptop and camera chargers say "100-240V" on the label and work fine. High-power heating gear, like hair dryers, is a separate topic. See our guide: do you need a voltage converter for Japan?

Quick answers

For five adapters compared, see our travel adapter for Japan comparison.