Travel essentials for Japan

Adapters, plugs, tap water, tipping and health basics.

Power & adapters

Type A, B adapter required

You need a Type A adapter. Japan's 100V is the lowest mains voltage in the world - modern phone and laptop chargers handle it fine, but Australian hair dryers, curling wands and shavers will run slowly or not at all.

100V, 50Hz in eastern Japan, 60Hz in western Japan

Tap water

Safe to drink

Tap water is safe and good quality everywhere in Japan. Public water fountains are common; bring a refillable bottle.

Staying connected

Outstanding, including in subways, on the shinkansen and in rural areas.

Japan is one of the best-value eSIM destinations - 10GB for 15 days is typically under AUD $15, versus $5-$10 per day for Australian roaming.

Compare Japan eSIMs

Getting around

Japan Rail Pass - 7 day national Partner

Only worth buying for multi-city trips. A single Tokyo-Kyoto return costs less than the pass.

Check the pass on Klook

Health risks

Earthquakes and typhoons (June-October)
Summer heat and humidity
Pollen season in spring

Emergency numbers in Japan

All emergencies	110 police / 119 fire and ambulance
Police	110
Ambulance	119
Fire	119
Australian consulate	Australian Embassy Tokyo - +81 3 5232 4111

Tipping and everyday costs

Not customary and can cause confusion or offence. Service is included. Some higher-end restaurants add a 10% service charge.

What screening will actually let you pack

Half of what goes in the bag is decided by someone else. What you can take on a plane sets out the Australian rules item by item - power banks, liquids, scissors, aerosols - and what has to be declared at the border on the way home.

Plan a trip to Japan Pick recharge, scenic, food or balanced and get a day-by-day itinerary, with Japan's entry rules and your checklist on the same page.

More Japan essentials

Japan visa and entry rules Passport, visa, arrival cards and customs rules for Australian passport holders. Flights to Japan Search fares from Australia, then sort the rest of the trip. Japan eSIM plans Instant data, no physical SIM required. Japan travel insurance Medical, cancellation and luggage cover for Australian travellers. Japan money and cards Cards, cash and FX fees for Australian travellers. Japan airport transfers Trains, buses, private transfers and taxis compared. Driving in Japan International Driving Permit rules and car hire for Australians. Things to do in Japan Attractions, tours and passes worth booking ahead.

Further reading: Power adapters by country: what Australians actually need to pack

How these comparisons are made

Plug types, voltages and frequencies come from the international electrotechnical standards data for each country, stated per destination with what that means for Australian appliances specifically - what needs an adapter, what needs a converter, and what should stay home. Read the full editorial policy.

Japan travel essentials FAQs

What power adapter do I need for Japan?

A Type A adapter. Japan runs on 100V - the lowest in the world - so phone and laptop chargers are fine but Australian hair dryers and styling tools often underperform or won't work.

Is tap water safe to drink in Japan?

Yes. Tap water is safe and high quality across Japan, so a refillable bottle will save you money.

We will send you the Japan guide as it grows - what to book before you go, which eSIM and travel card are worth it there, and what things actually cost in Australian dollars.