Which plug adaptor do I need when travelling from Japan to Okinawa Prefecture?

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Summary

The table below summarises the plug types, voltage and frequency of electrical current in both Japan and Okinawa Prefecture.

JapanOkinawa Prefecture
Plug TypesA, BA, B, I
Voltage100V100V
Frequency of electrical current50Hz, 60Hz60Hz

Plug Adaptors

In Japan there's more than one plug type in use.

What type of plug does your appliance have?

Your Appliance has Plug Type A

In Okinawa Prefecture there's more than one socket type in use. You may require more than one adaptor.

Socket Type A
(Japan) to Plug Type B
(Okinawa Prefecture)

Socket Type A
(Japan) to Plug Type I
(Okinawa Prefecture)

Okinawa Prefecture also uses Socket Type A, which is used in Japan. If using an appliance that has a Type A Plug in the Type A Sockets of Okinawa Prefecture, you will not need an adaptor.

Your Appliance has Plug Type B

In Okinawa Prefecture there's more than one socket type in use. You may require more than one adaptor.

Socket Type B
(Japan) to Plug Type A
(Okinawa Prefecture)

Socket Type B
(Japan) to Plug Type I
(Okinawa Prefecture)

Okinawa Prefecture also uses Socket Type B, which is used in Japan. If using an appliance that has a Type B Plug in the Type B Sockets of Okinawa Prefecture, you will not need an adaptor.

Considerations

Frequency of Electrical Current

As you are coming from Japan where more than one frequency exists, check that your appliances are compatible with the single frequency present in Okinawa Prefecture (60Hz).

Most equipment is not affected by differences in frequencies. Some exceptions are:

  • Electric clocks: Some electric clocks use the frequency of electrical current to measure time. If the clock is designed for one frequency, but used with another, time shifts could be experienced.
  • Appliances using motors: If there is a motor load associated with an appliance, the frequency governs the speed in revolutions of the motor. This could mean that the motor will spin faster, or slower than intended and could have a detrimental effect in the appliance's operation. This is of particular concern in power tools and other machinery that uses motors, so if you must use these, you should seek access to a frequency converter.

Good to know

Voltage

The voltage found in Japan and Okinawa Prefecture is exactly the same (100V). You will not need a transformer.

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