Voltage Converter in Tokyo

Hello,

I just arrived in Tokyo and brought a voltage converter with me, but for some reason it doesn't seem to be working which is a big problem for me...

Does anyone know where I can buy an American to Japanese voltage converter in Japan?

Does anyone know where I can buy an American to Japanese voltage converter in Japan?

What are you trying to use it for? Many modern US electronics don't need a voltage converter, so you may be able to forego one altogether. Otherwise, any good electronics store will carry what you need. There should be at least one around virtually every major station.

I'm trying to use it for an alarm clock (it's a very specific one with a vibrating function for people who are hearing impaired/deaf).

I did try it without the converter, but it doesn't seem to be working correctly unfortunately. Thanks for the information, though - I�fll take a look at some of the electronics stores.

a clock which works in AC electricity will be regulated by AC frequency. In USA, AC is 120V 60Hz. In Tokyo, AC is 100V 50Hz. I think your clock will be delayed in Tokyo. You may need frequency converter, which is not so popular in Japan.
if my idea is correct, you have no trouble in Kansai area(Kyoto,Osaka), because AC in Kansai area is 100V 60Hz.
if you need an alarm clock of vibration type, you may buy in large electric good stores, such as yodobashi camera and Bic camera.

As ken says, clocks are dependent on the electrical frequency, not voltage, which is why your clock isn't working even with the converter. You'll have to find a converter that also changes the frequency.

It will probably be easier and cheaper to look for a new clock in Japan. I'm not familiar with the vibrating type, but I imagine the large electrical stores like Bic Camera will have them. Frequency converters, on the other hand are specialist pieces of equipment, and also very expensive, so you would probably need to search the back streets of Akihabara to find one. Plus, it could be a bulky item to take back home with you.

A quick search on Amazon turns up this battery-powered vibrating travel alarm for just under 5,000 yen. If you can't order it yourself, you could print out the page and show it to staff in electrical stores.
http://www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B004KPOBG0