Power adaptor / Voltage

[Innocence]

Hello all!

Wondering if anyone can help with what power plugs look like in the walls, and what the voltage is?

Thank you very much! :souka:

[JimmySeal]

The sockets look just like North American two-prong ones (one hole bigger than the other), so like the one attached to this post.
Three prong ones are almost unheard-of, though adapters are common. The voltage is usually 100v RMS (not 120).

[DoctorP]

It is important to note that depending on where you go in Japan, the Frequency (Hz) could be either 50Hz or 60Hz!

[Sukotto]

I looked this stuff up one time. I hope this helps.


International sockets
http://www.elect-spec.com/uadapter.htm#socket

but those sockets won't do without the proper juice:

Voltage converters
http://www.elect-spec.com/voltage_converter.htm

[Han Chan]

If you need an adapter they are easy to find in any large electronics shop like Bic Camera or Yodobashi. Quite reasonable too - so it would not make much sence to buy an adapter before going to Japan, unless you need your eletric gear to work from day one!

[Innocence]

ok!
thank you all very much for your prompt replies!! :p

[rvs007]

Hi everyone,

I have a related question. My wife has an old stereo system that she bought from Japan. We would like to use it in North America. I would assume the stereo runs on 100V voltage. And North America runs on 110-120V.

Can we simply plug the stereo in or should we get some sort of voltage converter? We've tried looking for one here in Canada and the ones I'm able to find converts 110 to 220V and vice versa. No one has heard of going from 100 to 110-120V. Does one exist and if so, can we buy one in Japan? We are visiting the country late this year so we can pick one up if they are available there.

[DoctorP]

You need a step down transformer that goes from 115 to 100V. They are sold in Japan, but not sure how easily you could find one in the US. I have one...just for emergencies, but I have rarely used it.

I used my wife's radio in the US for many years with no damage, but that doesn't mean that yours won't become useless the first time you try it!

[plumeriagirl]

Check out my blog site "happinessisjapan" under the travel link...there I have more info on plugs and voltage in Japan along with a place to purchase converters if you like! Good luck!