When it comes to your packing list, don’t sleep on hair care essentials. Sure, it might seem tempting to bring your trusty U.S. hair dryer, but Japan operates on 100 volts, while most American hair dryers are designed for 120 volts. While some savvy travelers opt for a dual-voltage hair dryer, the majority roll the dice with hotel-provided ones. But hotel hair dryers are a mixed bag at best.

Often, hotel dryers are underpowered, turning a quick dry into a long, frustrating ordeal. And if you’ve got fine, damaged, or low porosity hair, these standard-issue dryers won’t do you any favors. So it’s worth planning ahead to avoid relying on subpar tools that could leave your locks looking less than fabulous.

Do Japanese hotels have hair dryers?

Most Japanese hotels do provide hair dryers, but let’s get into the nitty-gritty. Hotels like The Park Hyatt Tokyo or Hotel Gracery Shinjuku often stock their rooms with decent-quality hair dryers, sometimes even from recognizable Japanese brands like Panasonic or Shiseido Beauty Appliances. These models might come with basic settings or, if you’re lucky, some advanced features like ionic technology for frizz control.

On the other hand, budget-friendly accommodations, such as business hotels or smaller inns, may offer only the bare minimum—a basic dryer with a single heat setting that’s better at warming your hands than drying your hair.

Not every hotel is consistent, and some travelers have reported walking into their room, only to find there’s no hair dryer at all. One traveler once mentioned how she ended up borrowing one from the front desk—only to be handed a relic from the ’90s that left her hair half-damp and fully frizzy.

Moral of the story? Always contact the hotel ahead of time to confirm if they provide a hair dryer and what kind. This is especially crucial if you’ve got high-maintenance hair or prefer to use specific features like adjustable heat or cool shot settings.

So do all hotels in Japan offer a hair dryer?

Most hotels in Japan do provide hair dryers, but it’s not an across-the-board guarantee. Like we said, if you’re staying at upscale spots like the Imperial Hotel Tokyo, you’ll almost always find a decent hair dryer waiting for you—sometimes even a fancy model with basic heat and cool settings. However, if you’re opting for more budget-friendly digs, such as a capsule hotel or smaller business hotel, the situation might get a bit more unpredictable.

Is a blow dryer provided by Japan powerful enough?

The hair dryers you’ll find in Japanese hotels often feel like a gentle breeze compared to the turbo-charged models you might be used to in the U.S. These dryers tend to lean on the more traditional side, offering basic heat and airflow settings. While they’ll eventually get the job done, don’t expect them to tackle thick or low porosity hair quickly—or without a little extra effort on your part.

Now, you can choose Laifen SE and SE Lite blow dryers. Not only do they dry your hair in record time, but they also protect it from heat damage. So, if you’re planning to travel and don’t want to sacrifice style for convenience, just pack a Laifen.

Do blow dryers in Japan have attachments like diffusers?

Sorry to say that most hotel blow dryers in Japan are minimalist to the core. They’re just designed for basic drying and rarely come with extras like diffusers or concentrator nozzles. If you’re rocking curly hair and rely on a diffuser to keep your curls defined and frizz-free, or if you like the precision of a concentrator for great blowouts, you might find yourself in a bit of a styling predicament.

What branded hair dryers in Japan are top-rated?

Panasonic is a household name, thanks to its Nanoe series, which injects tiny water particles into your hair to lock in moisture and reduce frizz. If you’re looking for something a bit different, Tescom offers the Beauty Collagen series, which claims to enhance hair elasticity and smoothness by infusing collagen and negative ions.

Now, let’s talk about a rising star: Laifen. Known for its ultra-modern design and cutting-edge tech, Laifen has made waves with models like the SE and SE Lite. These dryers combine high-speed airflow with ionic technology.

The best part? You don’t even need to hunt them down in local stores—just order directly from their online shop at jp.laifentech.com and have one ready to go before you even land in Japan.

5 things you should pack when traveling to Japan

With these essentials in tow, you’ll be set to feel Japan’s magic.

1. Power adapter with voltage awareness

Japan uses 100V outlets with Type A or B plugs, similar to the U.S., but the voltage difference can trip you up. If your gear isn’t dual voltage, you’ll want a converter to prevent any sparks—or tears—when your favorite gadget fizzles out.

2. Sturdy walking shoes

Japan is a walking wonderland. From exploring neon-lit streets in Tokyo to wandering through bamboo forests in Kyoto, you’ll rack up some serious steps. Leave the flimsy shoes at home and opt for something durable yet comfy.

3. Refillable water bottle

The tap water in Japan? Crisp and safe. With vending machines on every corner and water fountains in public spots, packing a reusable bottle keeps you hydrated and wallet-happy.

4. Pocket Wi-Fi or prepaid SIM

Lost in translation? Not with a pocket Wi-Fi or a local SIM card. These are lifesavers for navigating complex train systems, finding that tucked-away ramen joint, or flexing your travel stories on social media.

5. Travel-size toiletries and a hair dryer that works

While Japanese hotels usually offer toiletries, their blow dryers? Let’s just say they’re not winning any awards for power. If your hair requires more TLC, bring along a compact, dual-voltage dryer.

By and large

Most Japanese hotels have your back when it comes to hair dryers, but they’re not exactly packing salon-grade power. And if your hair is thick or just plain high-maintenance, you might find these hotel models struggling to keep up. And don’t forget, not every hotel provides one, especially in budget-friendly spots or traditional ryokans.