Travel adapter for Japan
Travel is exciting, no doubt about it! Most people love travelling and seeing new places. But in the excitement sometimes things are forgotten, such as travel adapters.
With so much reliance on electronic devices these days, it is essential to plan for them when travelling. Arriving at your destination with a flat battery on your phone and not being able to charge it is going to cause stress!
How can you check in on Facebook or take all those holiday snaps when your batteries are flat?
So the need to investigate charging requirements and travel adapters in Japan is clear.
Voltage in Japan
The electrical voltage (V) in Japan is 100 volts, which is unique. In North America, the voltage is 120V while in Europe and much of the rest of the World it is 240V.
The frequency of the electrical current is different across Japan. In Eastern Japan it is 50 Hertz, while Western Japan operates on 60 Hertz. Since the USA operates on 60 Hertz and Europe mostly on 50 Hertz there is little difference and most equipment will operate correctly. The only exception may be devices that incorporate clocks.
If your appliances are suitable for multi-voltage, then they should be okay in Japan. Many modern devices will operate on voltages between 110V and 240V.
Older devices that are designed for a single voltage are different. If it is a 120V device, then it will most likely work okay, as the difference is not significant. However, devices only designed for 240V are extremely unlikely to work.
Having an adapter that can support multiple voltages is definitely advised for Japan, particularly for people travelling from countries where the standard voltage is 240V.
Plug design in Japan
The plug design in Japan is similar to that of the USA, with 2 flat pins. One significant difference to note is that while American plugs are polarized, most Japanese versions are not.
What is a polarized plug I hear you ask! A polarized plug has a pin arrangement to ensure safe connection to the electrical system. On 2 pin plugs, the pins are different sizes. On a 3 pin plug, the pins are arranged so that it can only be inserted into the socket one way.
The reasoning behind polarization is to prevent an electrical shock, particularly through electrical items that have metal parts.
Do you need an adapter for Japan?
If your items have any plug other than a flat 2 pin style, then yes you definitely need an adapter when visiting Japan.
The other thing to consider is the voltage. If you have equipment designed for 110/120V then they should be okay, except for high power items such as hair-dryers. Compatibility is not guaranteed though, so be prepared with a backup plan!
If your electrical items are 240V only, then you will need both a plug adaptor and a power adaptor. Check the label on your items, as many modern devices can operate with voltages from 110V to 240V quite happily.
Lastly, you will need an adapter to be able to charge devices that need a USB connection. The Multi Country Adapter in blue, offers 4 USB connectors and will fit the Japanese sockets. Polarization is not a problem as both pins are the same size and the adapter is made of plastic.
We have a great range of travel adapters suitable for Japan, at great prices.
