Adapter needed in Japan?

Question

I understand that Japan uses the same Type A & B wall sockets (2 and 3 prong). But I am not sure if the volts/amps are at the same levels.

Are any converters needed for American electric devices in Japan?

Answer 1

Japanese electricity is 100V, versus the 110V~120V in North America. I have only ever seen a 3 prong plug in a wet environment in Japan, nearly all the sockets are 2 prong. They are also not polarized (one prong wider than the other), so if your devices have polarized plugs, you may want to pick up an adapter at a travel store, just in case. Another small difference is Hertz (AC cycles per second). Eastern Japan is 50Hz, while western Japan is 60Hz. American clocks will run slow in eastern Japan, but just fine in western Japan.
Also, the most amps you'll get out of a Japanese socket is 15 (1500 watts @ 100V). Here in North America, 20amp and even 30amp breakers are common, but Japanese houses and apartments just aren't wired that way.

That said, most American electronic devices should work in Japan, especially if they have a batteries and a transformer (black box on the power cord) for charging, such as notebook computers, PDAs, music players, cordless phones, electric shavers, etc. Most of these are made in Japan anyway, and their transformers/chargers often say 100V~240V on them.

Electric devices (as opposed to electronic) might be a problem. Anything that heats up, like a hair dryer, popcorn maker, toaster, etc, won't get as hot because it's lacking volts. Also, for anything with an AC motor in it (like the hair dryer, popcorn maker, cooling fans), the motor will not be happy, and may burn out. Hot air popcorn makers, especially, don't last long in Japan... shame. Major appliances also draw a lot of electricity, and would need a step-up (100V to 110V) transformer.
A step-up transformer is something like this http://www.stayonline.com/searchresult.aspx?categoryid=2024

This one is only 400w, though, so wouldn't be useful for any heating devices.

If you want to see what kind of electric devices are available in Japan, check out www.amazon.co.jp
(the 5th tab from the left is electronics)
Google will translate the page for you if you need it http://www.google.com/language_tools?hl=en

Hope that helps!

Answer 2

For an extended stay (years) one of the previous answers holds. In case you are thinking of a short stay (and assuming you are from the US) then basically don't worry about it(unless you have something that is 3 pronged). Bring your stuff and enjoy.

Answer 3

you could charge your iphone by skill of the USB cable out of your computing device or purchase an adapter and plug it into the wall. in case you prefer an adapter attempt traveling shops, the airport or maybe once you get to Japan.

Answer 4

yeap. they run at a slower voltage/htz/whatever. American clocks will NOT keep time and other electronic equipment will work harder for the same results. Burned out a computer that way.