I am going to Japan in November 2026. I have travel appliances (hair dryer, iron, curling iron) that have voltage for both 120v and 220v. I turn the knob to voltage needed, use proper adapter and plug into outlet. My camera adjusts automatically. I just plug it in electric outlet to recharge. I am concerned because Japan uses 100V. What do I do? I don't want to ruin appliances or camera. Thank you.
Posted by
Freedonia
19544 posts
You'll be fine. I use the same things I do in the US and it's not a problem. Just keep things at the same setting as you would at home. The plugs are the same. No adapter needed.
Posted by
Virginia, USA
6860 posts
Your camera will be fine; most electronics support 100 to 240.
I would suggest that you leave the hair dryer at home. Every hotel will have a hair dryer.
I just used my U.S. flat iron in Japan and it worked fine. My understanding is that you can use U.S. flat irons and curling irons with no problem; don’t get as hot at the lower voltage.
If your curling iron has a polarized plug (one prong wider than the other), you may need an adapter where the two prongs are the same size. Most hotels took the polarized plug but I needed an adapter at one of my hotels.
Posted by
Ontario, Canada
7740 posts
Does your dual voltage appliance say 120-220 v? Typically they are 100-240v. At any rate, a north american appliance will safely function in Japan. It may not get as hot , and anything with a motor may run slower. Rechargeable batteries may take longer to recharge. Note that wall outlets in Japan do not typically accept a 3 pronged plug.
Posted by
New Jersey, USA
111 posts
The North American appliances will run fine. I did it for years.
The one issue is the plug type. As far as I know, Japan still uses USA type A plugs that are not polarized. Think old school two flat blades that are both the same size and shape.
It is easy enough to pick up adapters in a hardware store.
Posted by
OP
58 posts
If I am understanding this correctly, on the appliances that say 120v and 220, I should just leave them at 120V. For the items that adjust automatically, I should leave them alone and just plug them into outlet.
Thank you everyone for responding.
Posted by
Edmonds, WA 🌨 ☂
13871 posts
I have travel appliances (hair dryer, iron, curling iron)
If the "iron" you refer to is a clothes iron, I would leave that home. I would expect the hotel room to have one, and if not, the front desk could probably lend one to you.