Do I need to buy a voltage converter?

Check your device's power adapter. If it says 100-240V, you don't need a converter—just a Type A plug adapter. If it only says 110-120V (common on older hair dryers or shavers), buy a voltage converter. Modern phones, tablets, and laptops are almost always dual-voltage.

Is pocket WiFi or a SIM card better for families?

Pocket WiFi is better for families because everyone connects to one device ($5-8/day). You can rent it at the airport before landing. A SIM card is cheaper per device but means buying 3-4 separate plans. Pocket WiFi also works in subways where regular data doesn't.

How many portable batteries do I actually need?

One per family member minimum. If you have a kid who plays games constantly, consider two for them. For a family of four, buy four batteries. They're under $20 each and you'll use every one.

Can I use my US phone plan in Tokyo?

Only if your carrier has international roaming, which costs $10-15/day. A pocket WiFi rental for $5-8/day is cheaper. Alternatively, buy a prepaid Japanese SIM card at the airport for around $30 and get 30GB of data. Most families do pocket WiFi for simplicity.

What happens if I forget an adapter?

Don't forget—Tokyo airport has them, but you'll pay ¥2,000 ($15) for a basic Type A adapter. Convenience stores (7-Eleven, FamilyMart) are everywhere and also overpriced. Better to buy at home for $5-8.

Do hotel rooms have USB outlets?

Older hotels (built before 2015) rarely do. Newer business hotels usually have one or two USB ports on the desk. Assume your hotel has zero and bring a multi-port power strip anyway. You'll be grateful.

How to Pack Electronics for a Family Trip to Tokyo

Pack a power adapter (Type A plugs), a voltage converter if your devices don't support 100V, phone chargers with USB-C and Lightning options, and a portable battery. Tokyo's outlets are standard but limited in hotel rooms, so bring a multi-port power strip. Keep all cables organized in a small pouch.

Get the right adapters before you leave. Buy a Type A power adapter (two flat parallel pins) before your trip—they're cheaper at home than in Tokyo. Japan uses 100V at 50Hz in Tokyo. Check each device: phones, tablets, and modern laptops usually say 100-240V and work fine. Older devices (hair dryers, shavers) may need a voltage converter if they're not dual-voltage. One adapter per device is safer than relying on daisy-chaining.
Bring redundant charging cables. Pack two USB-C cables, one Lightning cable if you have iPhones, and one micro-USB cable (kids' devices often use this). Cables break or get lost. A 6-foot cable is worth the extra weight because Tokyo hotel outlets are often behind furniture or far from beds. Label them with tape so kids don't mix them up.
Pack a multi-port power strip. Bring a compact power strip with 3-4 outlets and USB ports. Hotel rooms in Tokyo typically have 1-2 outlets total, and they're often in inconvenient spots. A small strip (about 4 inches long) fits in carry-on luggage and solves the entire family charging problem at once. Verify it supports 100V before purchase.
Include a portable battery for each family member. Buy small portable batteries (10,000 mAh or less to stay under carry-on limits) for phones and tablets. You'll spend 8+ hours walking Tokyo neighborhoods—phones drain fast. Kids get bored without devices. One battery per person means no negotiating who charges first. They're under $20 each and worth every dollar.
Organize cables in a dedicated pouch. Use a small cable organizer pouch or ziplock bag to keep all adapters, cables, and the power strip together. Don't scatter them in different luggage. Label items clearly: 'Mom's phone,' 'iPad charger,' etc. When you arrive, set up the charging station in your room immediately so everyone knows where cables are.
Download offline maps and apps before departure. Google Maps offline mode requires setup at home and doesn't work perfectly in Japan—use Maps.me or Offline Maps instead and download Tokyo areas before you land. Download Suica/Pasmo transit info and any translation apps. Kids' tablets should have downloaded shows or games because free WiFi is spotty outside major hotels and train stations.
Check device compatibility with Japanese networks. Confirm your phones support Japanese bands (most modern phones do). Buy a prepaid SIM card at the airport or rent a pocket WiFi device beforehand. A shared pocket WiFi ($5-8 per day) is often cheaper than individual SIM cards for a family and means everyone stays connected without hunting for WiFi.
Protect devices in carry-on. Pack electronics in a padded tech bag or small backpack for the flight. Tokyo's humidity is 50-70% year-round—pack silica gel packets with electronics if traveling in summer. Cameras and phones are targets for theft in crowded trains; keep them in zipped pockets, not dangling bags.

Do I need to buy a voltage converter?: Check your device's power adapter. If it says 100-240V, you don't need a converter—just a Type A plug adapter. If it only says 110-120V (common on older hair dryers or shavers), buy a voltage converter. Modern phones, tablets, and laptops are almost always dual-voltage.
Is pocket WiFi or a SIM card better for families?: Pocket WiFi is better for families because everyone connects to one device ($5-8/day). You can rent it at the airport before landing. A SIM card is cheaper per device but means buying 3-4 separate plans. Pocket WiFi also works in subways where regular data doesn't.
How many portable batteries do I actually need?: One per family member minimum. If you have a kid who plays games constantly, consider two for them. For a family of four, buy four batteries. They're under $20 each and you'll use every one.
Can I use my US phone plan in Tokyo?: Only if your carrier has international roaming, which costs $10-15/day. A pocket WiFi rental for $5-8/day is cheaper. Alternatively, buy a prepaid Japanese SIM card at the airport for around $30 and get 30GB of data. Most families do pocket WiFi for simplicity.
What happens if I forget an adapter?: Don't forget—Tokyo airport has them, but you'll pay ¥2,000 ($15) for a basic Type A adapter. Convenience stores (7-Eleven, FamilyMart) are everywhere and also overpriced. Better to buy at home for $5-8.
Do hotel rooms have USB outlets?: Older hotels (built before 2015) rarely do. Newer business hotels usually have one or two USB ports on the desk. Assume your hotel has zero and bring a multi-port power strip anyway. You'll be grateful.