Plugs & Electricity
Learn about Japan’s different plugs, voltage, and frequencies
The voltage used throughout Japan is uniformly 100 volts, A.C. There are two kinds of frequencies in use—50 Hertz in eastern Japan and 60 Hertz in western Japan (including Nagoya, Kyoto and Osaka). Certain types of electrical appliances such as dual-voltage hair dryers, travel irons and shavers should work wherever you are in Japan. However, in other cases, a step-down transformer is required to convert the voltage.
In urban areas, it is relatively easy to find devices such as conversion plugs and transformers. They are sold in electronics quarters such as Tokyo's Akihabara 
and Osaka's Nipponbashi, or at major home appliance mass retailers such as Yodobashi Camera or Bic Camera.
If you need to charge your appliances on the go, new shinkansen models have outlets next to the window seats. If you would like such a seat, please ask the staff when you purchase your ticket. Some hamburger chains and family restaurants have outlets available.
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