Electronics and Communications

Electronics – The voltage in Japan is 100 volts. Electrical sockets will take a plug with two flat prongs only. The prongs on the plug are parallel to each other. Canadian and US electric powered items can usually be plugged directly into a Japanese outlet if they have a two-pronged plug but they may run slightly slower than they do at home. If you are bringing any items that have a 3 pronged plug with two flat prongs and one round grounding prong, these will require a plug converter. Electronics from other countries will likely require a plug converter and a voltage transformer, unless they have a power lead or batter that can accept a wide range of voltages.

Mobile phones/Smartphones – We recommend you check with your cellphone provider if data or telephone services are available as an add on to your service. Certain service providers, such as GoogleFi can be used in Japan. GSM and 3G phones will not work in Japan but phones that are compatible with the Japanese mobile phone network may work for both phone calls and data on international roaming. Please check rates with your service provider before travelling as the costs of phone calls and international roaming can add up very quickly even with only limited use. Many travellers that anticipate using their phone frequently during their travels will rent a Japanese cellphone. There are a number of providers with branches at major international airports in Japan. It is best to pre-book a rental cellphone to ensure one is available. Many of these providers will also rent personal WiFi hotspot devices which allow you to access the internet using multiple devices at once. Travellers with unlocked cell phones may be able to purchase a data only SIM.

Certain airports have these available for purchase via vending machine. Away from the airport these can often be purchased at large electronics stores such as Bic Camera or Yodobashi Camera. SIM cards for tourists for short-term usage are available in a variety of sizes, data amounts, and duration. Free WiFi is not as common in Japan as it is in other countries and while coverage is improving, it is patchy. For consistent access you may wish to purchase a traveller’s SIM card, particularly when traveling outside cities. Many hotels offer free WiFi in Japan but smaller Japanese inns may not have WiFi access, or may have WiFi access only in public areas and not in guest rooms.