Do I need a voltage converter for my hair dryer?

Yes. Japanese outlets are 100V. Most American hair dryers will run very slowly or overheat/break. It is cheaper and safer to use the hair dryer provided by your hotel.

Will my laptop work in Japan?

Yes, almost all modern laptops handle 100V-240V, so they will work perfectly fine with a simple plug adapter.

Are Japanese outlets grounded?

Most are not. They are two-prong, non-polarized outlets. If your device requires a third grounding pin, use a 3-to-2 prong adapter.

How to Pack Electronics for a Trip to Japan

Japan uses Type A plugs with 100V electricity, so you likely need a simple non-grounded adapter for two-prong cords and a voltage converter only for high-wattage hair tools. Pack a portable power bank because you will use your phone for maps and transit apps all day, draining your battery quickly.

Check your voltage. Most modern phones, cameras, and laptops are dual-voltage (100V-240V). Check the fine print on your power brick; if it says 'Input: 100-240V', you don't need a converter, just a plug adapter.
Buy the right adapter. Japan uses Type A (two flat parallel pins). If you have three-prong plugs (Type B), buy a simple 3-to-2 prong adapter. Avoid bulky universal adapters; they often fall out of Japanese wall sockets which are notoriously loose.
Ditch the power strip. If you are bringing multiple devices, bring a compact travel power strip or a multi-port USB-C GaN charger. Japanese hotel rooms often have very few accessible outlets.
Secure your power bank. Lithium-ion batteries MUST be in your carry-on, never checked luggage. Keep your power bank under 20,000mAh to comply with airline regulations.

Do I need a voltage converter for my hair dryer?: Yes. Japanese outlets are 100V. Most American hair dryers will run very slowly or overheat/break. It is cheaper and safer to use the hair dryer provided by your hotel.
Will my laptop work in Japan?: Yes, almost all modern laptops handle 100V-240V, so they will work perfectly fine with a simple plug adapter.
Are Japanese outlets grounded?: Most are not. They are two-prong, non-polarized outlets. If your device requires a third grounding pin, use a 3-to-2 prong adapter.