How do I use my clothes iron in Japan?

Japanese power outlet

Summary

First check your clothes iron can work in Japan:

  • If your clothes iron can run using 100 volts or can support dual voltage (how to tell) then you'll only need to use the right power adapter for Japan listed below if the plug on your clothes iron will not fit in the outlet.

If not then either:

  • Use a dual voltage travel iron [2] - you might still need an appropriate power adapter for Japan but these cheap lightweight accessories are designed specifically for travel.
  • Use a power converter (or voltage transformer) - this enables you to use your existing clothes iron and other applicances with a 100 volt Japanese power outlet, however this is noticeably bulkier, heavier and more expensive than a dedicated travel clothes iron. A power converter changes the voltage but won't change the actual shape of the plug on your clothes iron to fit in the wall outlet used in Japan, therefore please check that your voltage transformer comes with an appropriate power adapter for Japan otherwise you will need to purchase a seperate power adapter. Also worth noting that your own existing clothes iron might not be suited for travelling and you risk damage in your luggage. [7] [AD]
Warning: If your clothes iron won't handle 100 volts used in Japan you run a risk of an electrical fire hazard, a blown fuse or damage to your clothes iron. Prior to using your clothes iron in Japan please check the instruction manual to ensure safe operation.

Using a clothes iron in Japan

Will my clothes iron work in Japan?

It depends on if your clothes iron can handle the 100 volts which are used in Japan:

Can I use my US clothes iron in Japan?

The instructions on this page assume that you're an America reader visiting Japan and will provide advice on using your US clothes iron with a Japanese power outlet.

Japan power outlets and plug sockets

What is the mains voltage in Japan?

The normal voltage used in Japan is 100 volts.

What electrical frequency is used in Japan?

The frequency used in a Japanese power outlet is 60 Hz. [8]

Which plug adapter will you need to use a clothes iron in Japan?

Type A and B power outlets

Which plug adapter will you need to use a clothes iron in Japan?

There are two different types of power outlets used in Japan, types B and A with the primary power outlets being type B:

  • Plug Type A - You can recognise the wall socket by two adjacent slots next to each other where the live and neutral plug socket blades go.
  • Plug Type B - You can recognise the wall socket by the two thin slots parallel to each other where the short twin blades go with a single semicircular shaped hole below for the longer grounded pin.

A recommended power adapter to bring to use a 100 volt clothes iron in Japan is a Type B plug adapter; read the step-by-step guide below for full details of how to use a clothes iron in Japan with a plug adapter. Please be aware that unless you that have a dual voltage clothes iron you will need to confirm if you also need to bring a power converter.  [4] [9] [AD]

Plug adapters for Japan

Dual voltage travel irons

Is my clothes iron dual voltage?

One method to tell if your clothes iron supports a dual voltage outlet is to check for either a sticker or numbers printed on the plug, handle or the base of your clothes iron. This location will depend on the make and model of your clothes iron and should also be written in the instruction manual or on the box. Some dual voltage models will change automatically, however other models will feature a switch which allows you to change between different voltage ranges.

  • Single voltage might say a specific number - such as 110V. If this number matches the 100 volts used in Japan then you should be able to use your clothes iron with a Japanese power outlet.
  • Single voltage might also have a small voltage range with a dash to accomodate small voltage fluctuations - such as 100-120V. If the 100 volts used in a Japanese power outlet falls within the range shown on your clothes iron then you should be able to use it in Japan.
  • Dual voltage will say a large range separated with a slash - such as 100/240V. Your clothes iron will be capable of being used in Japan or any other country if these numbers are shown.

Travelling to Japan with a clothes iron

Can a clothes iron go in carry on luggage to Japan?

According to the TSA guidelines for clothes irons there is no restriction on carrying a mains powered clothes iron in your carry on luggage through airport security in the US. The TSA also recommends that you should check that the airline that is taking you to Japan will allow a clothes iron onboard and that it will fit in the overhead bin or underneath the seat of the airplane. The TSA also advices wrapping wires tightly around electric items such as clothes irons. If you do intend to pack a fragile or expensive clothes iron in your hand held luggage then it is advisable to use hard carry on luggage as this offers the greatest protection against knocks and drops during transit.   [10] [11] [AD]

Power converters for Japan

What is the difference between a power converter and a plug adapter?

Voltage converter

What is the difference between a power converter and a plug adapter?

An expensive and heavy power converter will convert the voltage of 100 volts from a Japanese power outlet to work with a non-100 volt clothes iron, whereas a smaller and more lightweight power adapter (or plug adapter) changes the shape of the plug on your clothes iron to slot into a power outlet found in Japan. [7] [AD]

Do I need a voltage converter to use my clothes iron in Japan?

The correct voltage transformer (or power converter) allows a clothes iron using a different voltage to work with the 100 volt power outlet used in Japan. A power converter is more suitable for travellers wishing to bring their existing domestic clothes iron, however it could be more expensive to buy a power converter than it is to buy a dedicated dual voltage travel iron [2]. In addition, a travel clothes iron can be significantly lighter and smaller than a power converter making a travel clothes iron more suitable for packing in luggage. [7] [AD]

How to use a clothes iron in Japan using a type B power adapter

Instructions showing how to use a clothes iron in Japan with a Type B power adapter.

  1. Check that the iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or works with a 100 volt power outlet but if it doesn't then don't proceed as you may blow a fuse, damage your iron or create an electrical fire hazard. Some travel irons will typically have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating the iron ensure you have set it to accept 100 volts - consult the manufacturers instructions to find out where this switch is.
  2. If the shape of the power outlet which is used in Japan isn't the same shape as the plug on your clothes iron you'll need to buy a Type B plug adapter [4]. This Type B plug adapter will adapt plugs on appliances from other countries into an electrical outlet used in Japan by changing the shape of the plug, but the adapter doesn't change the frequency or voltage of your clothes iron to work with a 100 volt outlet.
  3. First you'll need to insert the Type B plug adapter in the power outlet. The plug supply, technically known as a Type B power outlet [3], can be identified by the 2 thin slots for live and neutral blades with a hole below for the slightly long earth pin.
  4. Then plug in your clothes iron into the Type B plug adapter.
  5. Turn on the Japanese power outlet.
  6. You can now turn on your iron for use in Japan. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Japan using a type B power adapter

How to use a clothes iron in Japan using a type A power adapter

A guide on how to use your clothes iron in Japan with a 2 bladed Type A power adapter.

  1. Check that the iron is either a dual voltage travel iron [2] or is compatible with a 100 volt power outlet but if it doesn't then do not proceed as you might damage your iron, blow a fuse or create an electrical fire hazard. Some travel irons will typically have a switch to toggle between voltages, before operating the iron ensure the switch is set to accept 100 volts for use in Japan - consult the manufacturers instructions to find out how to do this.
  2. Please check that you don't already own a clothes iron with a Type A plug - if it does then you won't need a power adapter (but you will still need to check that your clothes iron can work with a 100 volt power supply). If the type of power outlet which is used in Japan isn't the same shape as the plug on your clothes iron you'll need to buy a Type A plug adapter [6]. This Type A plug adapter will adapt plugs on appliances from other countries for use in an electrical outlet used in Japan by changing the shape of the plug, but the adapter doesn't change the frequency or voltage of your clothes iron to work with a 100 volt outlet.
  3. Begin the process by taking the Type A plug adapter and plugging it into the power outlet. The power supply, technically known as a Type A power outlet [5], can be identified by the 2 thin slots for live and neutral blades.
  4. Then plug in your clothes iron into the Type A plug adapter.
  5. Switch on the Japanese power outlet.
  6. Your iron is now ready for use in Japan. [AD]
How to use a clothes iron in Japan using a type A power adapter

See also

  1. Japan - Japan National Tourism Organization Web Site
  2. Amazon - dual voltage travel iron
  3. iec.ch - Type B power outlet
  4. Type B plug adapter - A Type B adapter, rated at 15 A and 125 V, featuring two parallel flat blades and a longer grounding pin, in compliance with NEMA 5-15 specifications. Suitable for travel to the US plug types and Canadian plugs..
  5. iec.ch - Type A power outlet
  6. Type A plug adapter - A two-blade, ungrounded electrical plug adapter for US plug types, Canadian power outlets, Thailand sockets, Mexico plug types, and select Asian power outlets..
  7. Power converter - Heavy-duty power converters are designed to convert voltage levels between different electrical standards, shifting between 110V/120V and 220V/240V with both 50Hz and 60Hz, often incorporating safety features such as fuse protection and circuit breakers..
  8. Wikipedia - WikiPedia - Mains electricity by country -
  9. iec.ch - IEC World Plugs by location -
  10. tsa.gov - TSA guidelines for clothes irons -
  11. Hard carry on luggage - Example of hard cases, suitcases and luggage suitable for airline carry on.