Is Japan's plug the same as in the US? Plugs and voltage compared
Yes for two-pin plugs. Official pages in Thailand and Beijing describe the flat two-pin plug as US and Japan style. A flat two-pin plug fits Japan's Type A outlets with no adapter. Japan runs on 100V and the United States on 110/120V.
Flat two-pin plugs fit
The United States and Japan side by side
The United States: 110/120V and 60Hz. Japan: 100V, 50Hz in the east and 60Hz in the west.
| Japan | United States | |
|---|---|---|
| Voltage | 100V JNTO | 110/120V Brand USA (Visit The USA) |
| Frequency | 50Hz east, 60Hz west JNTO | 60Hz U.S. Department of Energy |
| Plug | Type A, two flat pinsPanasonic lists Type A and B JNTO | Two flat parallel pins Tourism Authority of Thailand |
Who says what about electricity in the United States
| Source | What it states | Kind |
|---|---|---|
| U.S. Department of EnergyElectricity 101 | Voltage: 110-120V; frequency: 60Hz; plug: two or three prongs Source | Government |
| U.S. Department of EnergyUnited States Electricity Industry Primer | Frequency: 60Hz Source | Government |
| Brand USA (Visit The USA)Travel trade FAQ | Voltage: 110/120V Source | Tourism board |
What to pack in the United States for Japan
Flat two-pin plugs from the United States fit Japan's Type A outlets.
- Flat two-pin plugs: nothing extra for Japan's Type A outlets. Source: official pages in Thailand and China.
- A plug with a third, round pin needs a socket with the third hole. JNTO names Type A for Japan's outlets; Panasonic lists Type A and B.
- Each device from the United States: read INPUT. Japan's 100V has to be inside the range.
- The United States: 60Hz. Tokyo: 50Hz. Osaka: 60Hz. A 50/60Hz label covers all three.
Why the United States is grouped with two flat parallel pins: The Tourism Authority of Thailand writes “flat parallel prongs (like in the United States and Japan)”.
Why the United States is grouped with two flat parallel pins: The Beijing Municipal People's Government writes “Straight two-pin rectangular (US and Japan style)”.
Figure by japan-japan.com from JNTO: Plugs and Electricity.
What official pages in the United States say
4 statements from Brand USA (Visit The USA) and the U.S. Department of Energy.
Visitors from the United States in 2025
The United States ranked 4th among countries and regions, with 3,306,820 visitors to Japan in 2025 (JNTO, final figures).
- Visitors in 2025
- 3,306,820
- Rank
- 4th
- Share of all visitors
- 7.7%
- Change from 2024
- +21.4%
Frequently asked questions
Is Japan's plug the same as in the US?
Yes for two-pin plugs. Official pages in Thailand and Beijing describe the flat two-pin plug as US and Japan style. A flat two-pin plug fits Japan's Type A outlets with no adapter.
Is Japan's voltage the same as in the US?
No. Japan uses 100V (JNTO); the United States uses 110/120V, according to Brand USA (Visit The USA).
Do I need a voltage converter in Japan from the United States?
Not when INPUT on a device from the United States includes 100V. JNTO says devices that are not dual-voltage need one.
Related items
Official page: Brand USA (Visit The USA)
Sources for this page
- U.S. Department of Energy Electricity 101checked October 3, 2026
- U.S. Department of Energy United States Electricity Industry Primerchecked October 3, 2026
- Brand USA (Visit The USA) Travel trade FAQchecked October 3, 2026
- Tourism Authority of Thailand Plan your trip: electricity (2019)checked October 3, 2026
- Beijing Municipal People's Government FAQ: electricitychecked October 3, 2026
- Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) Plugs & Electricitychecked October 3, 2026
- Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) FAQ: basic informationchecked October 3, 2026
- Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) Visitor arrivals by nationality and month, 2025 final figureschecked October 3, 2026
- Panasonic Electricity in major countries and regions (Tourist Models)checked October 3, 2026
Compiled by Japan Japan !! · Updated October 3, 2026