Travel Adapter Shopping: Japan Edition

If you're travelling to Japan, you may need to buy a travel adapter to be able to use your electrical devices. Japan is one of the only countries outside the Western Hemisphere to use Type A and B outlets, the same as in the US. Type A sockets are ungrounded and have two flat holes, while Type B sockets are grounded and have a third hole. If you're travelling from the US, you won't need an adapter for Type A sockets, but you will need one for Type B. You can buy travel adapters online from retailers like Amazon, or from specialist travel adapter and converter sellers like Going In Style.

Online: Amazon

Amazon offers a wide range of travel adapters suitable for use in Japan. Here is a selection of products available on Amazon.com.au, Amazon.co.uk, and Amazon.com:

Amazon.com.au

• Korjo Japan Travel Adaptor: AU/NZ to JP, USA, and Canada. 4.7 out of 5 stars. Over 700 bought in the past month. Free delivery by Amazon.
• LENCENT Universal Travel Adapter: International charger with 3 USB ports and Type-C PD fast charging. For over 200 countries, including Japan. 4.6 out of 5 stars. Over 2,300 bought in the past month. Free delivery by Amazon.
• Korjo JP USB Power Adaptor: 2X USB sockets and 1X AUS/NZ socket. For use in Japan. White colour. 4.7 out of 5 stars. Over 50 bought in the past month. Free delivery by Amazon.
• HEYMIX Universal Travel Adapter: International power adapter with USB-C. All-in-one travel plug for AUS to EU, UK, US, Japan, and more. 4.6 out of 5 stars. Over 300 bought in the past month. Free delivery by Amazon.

Amazon.co.uk

• TESSAN Universal Travel Adapter: Worldwide adapter with 2 USB-C and 2 USB-A ports. Universal plug adaptor for UK to the world. 4.7 out of 5 stars. Over 5,000 bought in the past month. Free delivery.
• Pipestation UK to US Plug Adaptor: Pack of 2. UK to US, Canada, Japan, and more. 4.5 out of 5 stars. Over 500 bought in the past month. Free delivery.
• AUNNO Universal Travel Adapter: International travel plug adapter with 1 USB-C and 2 USB ports. All-in-one worldwide plug adaptor. 4.5 out of 5 stars. Over 2,000 bought in the past month. Voucher available. Free delivery.
• Go Travel UK to Japan and USA Compact Travel Adaptor: 4.4 out of 5 stars. Over 50 bought in the past month. Free delivery.

Amazon.com

• US to Japan Plug Adapter: Japan power travel adapter with 2 outlets and 3 USB ports (2 USB-C). Type A plug adapter for USA to Japan, China, Canada, Mexico, and more. Over 1,000 bought in the past month. Exclusive Prime price. Free delivery.
• VINTAR US to Japan Plug Adapter: 2-prong to 3-prong outlet adapter with 2 AC outlets and 2 USB ports. Japan travel power adapter for USA to Japan, China, Canada, and more. Over 200 bought in the past month. Exclusive Prime price. Free delivery.
• TESSAN 2 Prong to 3 Prong Adapter: Multi-plug outlet extender with 4 outlets and 3 USB ports (1 USB-C). Type A travel plug converter for US to Japan, Canada, Mexico, and more. Over 500 bought in the past month. Free delivery.
• TESSAN US to Japan Plug Adapter: 2-prong to 3-prong outlet adapter with 2 AC outlets and 2 USB ports. Travel power converter plug adaptor for USA to Japan, Canada, Mexico, and more. Over 100 bought in the past month. Free delivery.

In-store: 7-11

If you're looking to buy a travel adapter in Japan, 7-11 is a great option. 7-11 is a convenience store chain with locations across the country, so you should be able to find one nearby.

Here's a step-by-step guide to buying a travel adapter at 7-11 in Japan:

• Locate a 7-11 store: You can use Google Maps or a similar mapping application to find the nearest 7-11 store.
• Enter the store and look for the electronics section: 7-11 stores typically have a dedicated section for electronics and accessories. This is where you will find the travel adapters.
• Compare the available options: 7-11 stores may carry different brands and types of travel adapters. Look for one that is suitable for your specific needs, such as the number of devices you need to charge and the type of plug you require.
• Check the price: Travel adapters at 7-11 may vary in price depending on the brand and features. Make sure to check the price before making your purchase.
• Make your purchase: Once you have found the right travel adapter, take it to the cashier to complete your purchase. You can pay using cash or a credit/debit card, depending on the payment options available at the store.

By following these steps, you should be able to easily purchase a travel adapter at a 7-11 store in Japan. Remember to check the voltage and plug requirements for your devices before purchasing an adapter to ensure compatibility.

In-store: hardware store

If you're looking to buy a travel adapter in Japan from a hardware store, Ace Hardware is a good option. They have a range of travel adapters available for purchase, including:

• Travel Smart Type A/B/C/E/F/G For Worldwide Adapter Plug In
• Travel Smart Type E For Worldwide Adapter Plug In
• Travel Smart Type A/B/C/E/F/G For Worldwide Two Outlet Converter Set
• Travel Smart Conair Type B For Worldwide Adapter Plug In
• Travel Smart Type A/B For Worldwide Adapter Plug In
• Travel Smart Type A/B/C/E/F/G For Worldwide Wattage Converter
• Travel Smart Type A/B/C/E/F/G For Worldwide Adapter Plug In
• Travel Smart Type A/B/C/E/F/G/I For Worldwide All-In-One Adapter
• Travel Smart Conair Type A/B/C/E/F/G/I For Worldwide Adapter Plug w/USB Port
• Travel Smart Type A/B For Continental Europe Adapter Plug w/USB Port
• Travel Smart Type A For Worldwide Adapter Plug w/USB Port
• Travelon Type E For Worldwide All-In-One Adapter
• ChargeHub Type A/C/F/G/I For Worldwide Adapter Plug In
• Travelon Type G For UK Grounded Adapter Plug

You can check the availability of these products and place an order on the Ace Hardware website. They offer free store pickup for selected items, as well as delivery services for qualifying items, which can be delivered to your doorstep by an Ace associate.

In-flight: airport

If you've forgotten to buy a travel adapter before your trip to Japan, or if you need a replacement adapter while at the airport, you can purchase one at the airport.

Most major airports have shops that sell travel adapters. These shops are usually located in the departure area, after security and passport control. This is convenient if you need to buy an adapter before your flight to Japan.

The shops at the airport may stock a range of travel adapters, including universal adapters that can be used in multiple countries. These universal adapters can be a good option if you're travelling to other countries besides Japan, or if you're unsure about the specific plug types in Japan.

However, buying a travel adapter at the airport may be more expensive than purchasing one online or from a specialist electronics store. If you have time before your trip, it's worth comparing prices and doing some research on the different types of adapters available.

When buying a travel adapter at the airport, make sure to check that it is compatible with the electrical outlets in Japan. Look for adapters that support Type A and Type B sockets, which are the most common types used in Japan. Type A has two flat parallel pins, while Type B adds a grounding pin to the Type A outlet.

Additionally, check the voltage and frequency requirements for Japan. Japan operates on a 100V supply voltage and 50/60Hz frequency, so ensure your devices are compatible or use a voltage converter if necessary.

By purchasing a travel adapter at the airport, you can ensure that you have the necessary equipment to charge your devices and stay connected during your trip to Japan.

In-store: convenience stores

Japan is known for its convenience stores, or "conbini", which can be found everywhere and are open 24 hours a day. These stores are incredibly useful for travellers, offering a wide range of products and services that can be hard to find elsewhere.

If you're looking for a travel adapter, you may be able to find one at one of the three most common convenience store chains in Japan: 7-Eleven, Family Mart, and Lawson. These stores sell various travel goods and electronics, including phone chargers, portable chargers, and even conversion plugs.

While the selection may vary by store, you're likely to find what you need at one of these convenient locations. They are especially helpful if you urgently need a travel adapter or any other travel essentials, as they are located all over Japan and are typically open 24 hours.

In addition to travel goods, these stores offer a range of other products and services that can be useful for travellers, such as toiletries, clothing, snacks, and even ticket-buying services for activities and events.

So, if you're in need of a travel adapter or any other last-minute essentials, be sure to check out the nearest 7-Eleven, Family Mart, or Lawson convenience store. With their wide range of products and services, these stores are sure to be a helpful ally during your travels in Japan.

Frequently asked questions