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UK to Japan plug adapter: what you need for 100V

No. VisitBritain describes three rectangular pins for the United Kingdom. Japan's outlets take Type A plugs with two flat pins (JNTO), so bring a plug adapter to Type A. Japan runs on 100V and the United Kingdom on 230V.

Updated

230Vin the United Kingdom
50Hzin the United Kingdom
535,004visitors from the United Kingdom in 2025

Plug adapter needed

The United Kingdom and Japan side by side

The United Kingdom: 230V and 50Hz. Japan: 100V, 50Hz in the east and 60Hz in the west.

Voltage, frequency and plug in Japan and the United Kingdom (official pages, checked 2026-10-03)
JapanUnited Kingdom
Voltage100V JNTO230VAlso written: 220/240V (VisitBritain) UK Government (legislation.gov.uk)
Frequency50Hz east, 60Hz west JNTO50Hz UK Government (legislation.gov.uk)
PlugType A, two flat pinsPanasonic lists Type A and B JNTOThree rectangular pins (Type G) VisitBritain

Official pages for the United Kingdom do not all give the same figure: 220/240V (VisitBritain). This page uses 230V, the value from UK Government (legislation.gov.uk).

Who says what about electricity in the United Kingdom

Official sources for voltage, frequency and plug in the United Kingdom, and what each one states
SourceWhat it statesKind
UK Government (legislation.gov.uk)Electricity Safety, Quality and Continuity Regulations 2002, reg. 27Voltage: 230V; frequency: 50Hz SourceGovernment
VisitBritainUseful informationVoltage: 220/240V; frequency: 50Hz; plug: Type G SourceTourism board
VisitScotlandScotland FAQsVoltage: 230V; plug: Type G SourceTourism board

What to pack in the United Kingdom for Japan

Three rectangular pins from the United Kingdom need a Type A adapter in Japan.

  • Three rectangular pins: a plug adapter to Type A. Source: VisitBritain.
  • Each device from the United Kingdom: read INPUT. 100-240V covers Japan's 100V; 230V alone needs a voltage converter (JNTO).
  • The United Kingdom: 50Hz. Tokyo: 50Hz. Osaka: 60Hz. A 50/60Hz label covers all three.

Flow chart for travellers from the United Kingdom: does the plug have two flat pins, and does INPUT include 100V? If not, bring a plug adapter or a voltage converter.

Figure by japan-japan.com from JNTO: Plugs and Electricity.

What official pages in the United Kingdom say

3 statements from VisitBritain, VisitScotland and the UK Government (legislation.gov.uk).

VisitBritainThe voltage in Britain is 220/240 AC, 50Hz and electrical plugs (plug type G) have three rectangular pins and take fuses of 3, 5, and 13 amps.Useful information
VisitScotlandScotland uses Type G plugs with a standard UK 230V electricity supply.Scotland FAQs
UK Government (legislation.gov.uk)the frequency declared pursuant to paragraph (1) shall be 50 hertz and the voltage declared in respect of a low voltage supply shall be 230 volts between the phase and neutral conductors at the supply terminals.Electricity Safety, Quality and Continuity Regulations 2002, reg. 27

Visitors from the United Kingdom in 2025

The United Kingdom ranked 14th among countries and regions, with 535,004 visitors to Japan in 2025 (JNTO, final figures).

Visitors in 2025
535,004
Rank
14th
Share of all visitors
1.3%
Change from 2024
+22.4%

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a plug adapter in Japan from the United Kingdom?

No. VisitBritain describes three rectangular pins for the United Kingdom. Japan's outlets take Type A plugs with two flat pins (JNTO), so bring a plug adapter to Type A.

Is Japan's voltage the same as UK's?

No. Japan uses 100V (JNTO); the United Kingdom uses 230V, according to the UK Government (legislation.gov.uk).

Do I need a voltage converter in Japan from the United Kingdom?

Only for devices rated for 230V alone that are not dual-voltage (JNTO). A charger from the United Kingdom marked 100-240V needs none.

Related items

Official page: VisitBritain

Sources for this page

Back to Plugs and voltage

Compiled by Japan Japan !! · Updated October 3, 2026