Japan voltage UK compatibility is something travellers need to think carefully about. Japan uses 100V electricity — the lowest in the world — compared to the UK’s 230V. Understanding Japan voltage UK differences is essential because some appliances behave differently or not at all.
The good news about Japan voltage UK: phones, laptops, and cameras work fine. The tricky part: hair dryers, straighteners, and travel kettles may not.
Japan Voltage UK Comparison
Specification
Japan
UK
Voltage
100V
230V
Frequency
50Hz (East) / 60Hz (West)
50Hz
Plug type
Type A (two flat pins)
Type G (three rectangular pins)
Japan has two frequency zones:
- Eastern Japan (Tokyo, Yokohama): 50Hz
- Western Japan (Osaka, Kyoto): 60Hz
This frequency difference does not affect most tourist electronics. The IEC World Plugs reference confirms Japan uses 100V at Type A plugs.
What Works Without a Converter
Most modern electronics are “dual voltage” or “universal voltage,” rated for 100-240V. These work in Japan with just a plug adapter:
Works fine:
- Phone chargers (iPhone, Android, etc.)
- Laptop chargers (MacBook, Dell, Lenovo, etc.)
- Tablet chargers (iPad, etc.)
- Camera battery chargers
- Electric toothbrush chargers
- Kindle/e-reader chargers
- USB chargers and power banks
- Electric shavers (most modern ones)
How to check: Look at the label on your charger. If it says “100-240V” or “100V-240V,” it works worldwide including Japan.
What Does NOT Work
Single-voltage appliances rated for “220-240V only” will not work properly in Japan:
Usually does not work:
- UK hair dryers (unless dual-voltage)
- UK hair straighteners/curlers (unless dual-voltage)
- UK travel kettles (unless dual-voltage)
- UK steam irons
- Some older electronics
What Happens If You Plug Them In?
A 240V appliance plugged into 100V will not explode or catch fire. It simply receives less power:
- Hair dryers: Run at about 20% power. Barely warm, useless for drying.
- Straighteners: Heat very slowly if at all. Cannot reach proper temperature.
- Kettles: Take forever to boil or cannot boil at all.
You will not damage the appliance immediately, but it will not work as intended.
Do You Need a Voltage Converter?
For most UK travellers: No.
Your phone, laptop, and camera chargers are already dual-voltage. You only need a plug adapter.
You might need a converter if:
- You must use a UK hair dryer or straighteners
- You have a single-voltage travel kettle
- You are bringing specialist equipment
The Problem with Converters
Voltage converters for heating appliances are:
- Heavy (1-2kg)
- Expensive (£30-60+)
- Limited in wattage (many cap at 100W-200W, hair dryers need 1000W+)
For most people, it is easier to:
- Buy dual-voltage hair tools before travelling
- Use hotel-provided hair dryers
- Buy a cheap hair dryer in Japan if needed
High-wattage converters that handle hair dryers exist but are bulky and impractical for tourists.
Plug Adapter for Japan
Japan uses Type A plugs: two flat parallel pins, similar to US plugs.
UK Plug
Japan Socket
Type G (3 rectangular pins)
Type A (2 flat pins)
You need a UK-to-Japan (or UK-to-US) adapter. These cost £3-10. Amazon has UK to Japan adapters at reasonable prices.
Note: Many UK-to-US adapters work in Japan. The plugs are similar.
Some Japanese sockets are “polarised” (one slot wider than the other). Most adapters fit, but very old sockets may require an unpolarised adapter.
Practical Solutions
For Hair Dryers
Option 1: Use the hotel hair dryer. Most Japanese hotels provide them.
Option 2: Buy a dual-voltage travel hair dryer before your trip. Brands like BaByliss and Remington make them. Look for “100-240V” on the label.
Option 3: Buy a cheap hair dryer in Japan. Convenience stores and electronics shops sell basic dryers for ¥1,000-3,000 (£6-20).
For Hair Straighteners
Option 1: Buy dual-voltage straighteners. GHD straighteners are dual-voltage (check the label to confirm).
Option 2: Do without for your trip.
Option 3: Buy a Japanese straightener and leave it behind.
For Travel Kettles
Option 1: Buy a dual-voltage travel kettle (like the Lakeland set).
Option 2: Use convenience store hot water. Japanese konbini (7-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart) have free hot water for pot noodles.
Option 3: Most Japanese hotels provide electric kettles in the room.
What About USB Devices?
USB operates at 5V and is completely independent of wall voltage. If you have a USB charger that works in Japan (dual-voltage), all your USB devices work:
- Phones
- Tablets
- Power banks
- Earbuds
- Smartwatches
USB-C and USB-A devices do not care about local voltage.
Shopping for Electronics in Japan
Japan has excellent electronics shops. If you need something voltage-compatible:
- Yodobashi Camera: Major electronics chain, tourist-friendly
- Bic Camera: Same as above
- Don Quijote: Discount store, open late, sells travel adapters
- Convenience stores: Basic travel adapters and chargers
Prices are reasonable and quality is good. Staff often speak some English.
Japan Voltage FAQs
Will my iPhone charger work in Japan?
Yes. Apple chargers are dual-voltage (100-240V). You only need a plug adapter.
Will my MacBook charger work in Japan?
Yes. All MacBook chargers are dual-voltage. Use a plug adapter.
Will my GHD straighteners work in Japan?
Most GHD products are dual-voltage (check the label). If yours says “100-240V,” yes — with an adapter.
Will my UK travel kettle work in Japan?
Only if it is dual-voltage (110-240V). Most UK kettles are 220-240V only and will not work properly.
Can I use a voltage converter for my hair dryer?
Technically yes, but you need a high-wattage converter (1000W+). These are heavy and expensive. Easier to use a hotel dryer or buy locally.
Do Japanese hotels have kettles?
Yes, most hotels provide electric kettles. You probably do not need to bring one.
Summary
Device
Works in Japan?
What You Need
Phone charger
Yes
Plug adapter only
Laptop charger
Yes
Plug adapter only
Camera charger
Yes
Plug adapter only
Electric shaver
Usually yes
Plug adapter (check label)
Hair dryer
Usually no
Dual-voltage dryer or use hotel’s
Hair straightener
Check label
Dual-voltage or do without
Travel kettle
Usually no
Dual-voltage or use hotel’s
Bottom line: Bring a plug adapter. Your phone and laptop will work. For hair tools and kettles, check labels for dual-voltage or plan to use hotel-provided equipment.
