Do Australian plugs work in Japan?

No — Japan uses Type A (two flat pins) at 100V, so you’ll need travel adapters. Most phone, laptop and camera chargers are dual-voltage and work fine with just an adapter.

Will my hair dryer work in Japan?

Only if it’s dual-voltage (look for “100–240V” on the label). Many Australian hair tools are 240V-only and won’t perform well or safely on Japan’s 100V — use the hotel’s or buy an inexpensive local one.

A white shinkansen bullet train passing along an embankment below the snow-capped cone of Mount Fuji.

Power, plugs and chargers in Japan: staying connected as a family

What Australian families need to know about Japanese power — plug type and voltage, what needs an adapter, and keeping everyone’s devices charged on the go.

By Small Steps Japan EditorialReviewed by Small Steps Japan Editorial Standards4 min readIndependently researched

Keeping a family’s phones, cameras and devices charged is easy in Japan with one small bit of prep. Australian plugs don’t fit Japanese sockets, so you’ll need adapters — but most modern chargers handle the voltage difference fine.

The essentials

Japan uses Type A plugs (two flat pins) at 100V, 50/60Hz.
Australian Type I plugs don’t fit, so bring travel adapters — one per charging device, or a couple plus a power board.
Most phone, tablet, laptop and camera chargers are dual-voltage (check for “100–240V” on the plug) and work with just an adapter.

Watch the high-wattage items

Hair dryers, straighteners and some grooming tools may not be dual-voltage. Running a 240V-only appliance on 100V may underperform, and the reverse can be dangerous — check the label, and consider buying a cheap local one or using the hotel’s.

Charging a whole family on the go

Bring a small power board or multi-port USB charger so one adapter powers several devices.
Pack a portable battery pack for long sightseeing days — handy when everyone’s navigating and photographing.
Hotels sometimes have limited sockets; a compact power board keeps the peace at night.

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Common questions

Do Australian plugs work in Japan?: No — Japan uses Type A (two flat pins) at 100V, so you’ll need travel adapters. Most phone, laptop and camera chargers are dual-voltage and work fine with just an adapter.
Will my hair dryer work in Japan?: Only if it’s dual-voltage (look for “100–240V” on the label). Many Australian hair tools are 240V-only and won’t perform well or safely on Japan’s 100V — use the hotel’s or buy an inexpensive local one.

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