Japan adapters have two flat pins that fit into Japan and US outlets.  Outlet sockets in Japan are not required to be polarized, whereas US appliance have polarized plugs.  In order for US appliances to fit into Japan outlets a polarize adapter is needed.

Adapter plugs allow electrical connections up to 240 volts. An adapter plug does NOT change the current or voltage (this requires a converter) unless your appliance is dual voltage. A non-grounded adapter may NOT be used with appliances that have grounded plugs; for these you will need a grounded adapter.  If your hair dryer, curling iron, electric razor is not dual voltage you will most likely need a converter to use your electric.  For more information see Going In Style's Adapter and Converter Finder.

Many of our customers find it handy to have multiple adaptors while traveling - either to run several appliances simultaneously or simply as a backup. If you think you will need additional adapters for your trip, you can also purchase individual adapters.

Why do I need a North American adapter?

Even though Japan uses North American sockets, the sockets are not required to be polarized. Since devices such as laptops have a polarized plug with one prong wider than the other, you will still need an adapter to use your plug in Japan.

Grounded Adapter Plugs

If you are traveling with a grounded United States dual/multi-voltage appliance or using a grounded Transformer you will need to use a grounded adaptor plug. A grounded United States plug has two flat blades and one round pin.

Non-Grounded Adapter Plugs

Going In Style offers non-grounded adapter plugs for use with your voltage converter, transformer, or dual/multi voltage appliance. A non-grounded United States plug has two flat blades.

Be sure to check each individual appliance to see if it is dual voltage.  You can watch Going In Style's video on how to check to see if your appliance is dual voltage.

See Going In Style's Converters and Transformers.

Computers and Apple Products

If you are traveling overseas with a Toshiba, HP, Lenovo, Asus, laptop or Apple device such as an iPad, chances are you won’t need a voltage converter. Most laptops are multi-voltage and will operate on voltages ranging from 100 to 240 volts. However, computers do need to make safe connections to foreign power systems and a surge protector is recommended and you will still need an adapter to use your plug.

You can learn more about adapters and transformers on Going In Style's Blog.

Learn more about traveling with apple products

Converter- Changing Current Voltage

Going in Style adapters allow electrical connections up to 240 volts. Adapter plugs DO NOT convert voltage and only change the configuration of the pins. When voltage conversion is needed, use an electricity converter. An electricity converter changes the voltage input into your appliance. The United States electrical appliances operate on a lower current of 110-120 volts AC (Alternating Current). Most of the world operates on 220-240 volts AC. Therefore converter units enable your electronic and non-electronic appliances to run on foreign electricity (220-240 volts) to match the voltage requirements of your 110-120 volt device. Failure to run your appliance with a converter could damage your appliance.

About Okinawa

Geography

Okinawa is located in Eastern Asia in the Pacific Ocean. Okinawa is an island southwest of Okinawa and northeast of Taiwan. The climate is suptropcal.

Currency

Currency in Okinawa is the Japanese Yen (JPY). Credit cards are widely at hotels, restaurants and shops. Foreign currency and travelers’ cheques can be exchanged at banks throughout Okinawa.

Staying Connected

Okinawa has an excellent domestic and international telephone system with a high level of modern technology and excellent service of every kind. Cell phone coverage is great. When travelling to Okinawa you will want to take an international or unlocked cell phone with a prepaid Okinawa SIM card. You can also contact your mobile service provider to set up an international calling plan. You will need an adapter to charge your phone. Most cell phone battery rechargers should be multi-voltage, therefore will not require a converter. If the charger says 100-240 volts, 50-60 cycles then your charger in multi-voltage.

Internet access is widely available in internet cafes, coffee shops and hotels. When traveling with your laptop or iPad you will need an adapter to charge your device.