How to Use American Appliances in Japan

While Japan and America have slightly different electrical voltage standards, it is possible to use American appliances in Japan with few to no problems. The American standard voltage is 110 volts with 60 cycles; the Japanese standard voltage is 100 volts with 50 cycles in Tokyo and regions to the northeast, and 60 cycles in areas southwest of Tokyo such as Kyoto, Osaka and Nagoya. Also, all Japanese electrical outlets have only two plug holes, so three-prong plugs will not work in them.

Things You'll Need

• Three-to-two-prong converters

Instructions

1. Buy a three-prong-to-two-prong converter for any three-prong plugs you may have to use.

2. Plug the American appliance into the Japanese outlet using the three-prong-to-two-prong converter if necessary. Plug the three-prong-to-two-prong converter into the Japanese plug, then plug the 3-prong plug into the converter. Turn on the converter if it has an on and off switch.

3. Turn on the appliance and use as you normally would.

Tips & Warnings

• American appliances may run slowly on Japanese voltage.

• Purchase a clock in Japan for the correct time, as an American clock will run too slowly to keep the proper time.

References

• Travel Guard: Japan Travel Planning & Travel Tips
• Japan Road Tours: Frequently Asked Questions About Japan Roads Tours