Can I use my United Kingdom plug in Japan?
A straight answer for United Kingdom devices on a Japan trip — plugs, voltage and frequency compared.
Adapter and a voltage check
Japan uses Type A and Type B sockets at 100 V / 50 Hz, so your Type G, Type D and Type M plug will not fit. You need a travel adapter, and any device that is not marked 100–240 V needs a converter.
Side by side
| United Kingdom | Japan | |
|---|---|---|
| Plug types | Type G, Type D and Type M | Type A and Type B |
| Voltage | 230 V | 100 V |
| Frequency | 50 Hz | 50 Hz |
| Socket standard | BS 1363, BS 546 | JIS C 8303 |
What the sockets look like
United Kingdom
Japan
The two countries sit in different voltage classes: United Kingdom supplies 230 V and Japan supplies 100 V. That matters more than the plug shape, because a device built for one voltage can fail immediately on the other. Anything marked 100–240 V is fine; anything that names a single voltage is not.
What to pack
- A travel adapter from Type G, Type D, Type M to Type A, Type B — the shapes are incompatible.
- A converter (not just an adapter) for any device that is not marked 100–240 V.
- A second adapter if you travel with a partner — they are cheap and easy to lose.
What to buy for this trip

EPICKA 75 W GaN universal travel adapter
One block that covers US, UK, EU and Australian sockets, with 75 W of USB-C charging — enough for a laptop without carrying its power brick.
- Plugs for US / UK / EU / AU sockets
- 3× USB-C (75 W total) + 2× USB-A
- Universal AC socket, fused, up to 2000 W
- About 250 g
It does not convert voltage. A 120 V appliance still gets 230 V in Europe, whatever adapter you use.
Best for: Phones, laptops, cameras, tablets and anything dual-voltage.
Check price on Amazon
TESSAN 230 W step-down voltage converter
Takes 220–240 V down to 110–120 V for single-voltage North American appliances, with three AC sockets and four USB ports so it doubles as a charging hub.
- 230 W continuous
- 220–240 V in, 110–120 V out
- 3 AC outlets + 4 USB ports
- EU / UK / AU / IT input plugs
Not for: Hairdryers, heaters and kettles, or devices under about 5 W such as electric shavers. Those need a bigger transformer or a dual-voltage device.
Best for: CPAP machines, fans, monitors, printers and small kitchen appliances.
Check price on AmazonAs an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Links below are affiliate links — they cost you nothing extra and never change what we recommend.
Both countries in detail
United Kingdom power plugs
Type G, Type D, Type M at 230 V / 50 Hz.
Japan power plugs
Type A, Type B at 100 V / 50 Hz.