Fridge, Washer and Microwave for One in Japan: Sizes, 50/60Hz and Delivery
For one person, a fridge of about 100–150 litres, a washing machine of 5–6 kg and a basic microwave cover most needs. Eastern Japan uses 50Hz electricity and western Japan 60Hz; most new fridges and washers work on both, but check microwaves for ヘルツフリー or 50/60Hz共用. Measure your washer tray (防水パン) and doorway before ordering, and remember that disposing of an old fridge or washer requires a recycling fee.
50Hz or 60Hz?
Japan's power grid is split: roughly east of the Fuji River in Shizuoka and the Itoigawa area in Niigata — including Tokyo, Tohoku and Hokkaido — runs at 50Hz, and the west — including Nagoya, Osaka and Kyushu — runs at 60Hz. Most modern fridges and washers handle both. Older or very cheap microwaves may not, so look for ヘルツフリー or 50/60Hz共用 on the item page, especially if you might move.
Sizes for one person
- Fridge: 100–150 L for one person who cooks a little; 2ドア (two doors) gives you a separate freezer.
- Washing machine: 5–6 kg. Check the inner width of your washer tray (防水パン内寸) and the height of the tap.
- Microwave: a 17–18 L single-function model (単機能) is enough to reheat; オーブンレンジ also bakes.
Delivery and installation
Large appliances are usually delivered to your entrance (玄関渡し). Carrying them in and connecting the washer (設置) is often a paid option — choose it if you live upstairs without a lift or are unsure about the water connection.
Recycling fee when you leave
Under Japan's Home Appliance Recycling Law, fridges, washers, air conditioners and TVs cannot go out with normal rubbish. When you dispose of one, you pay a recycling fee plus collection, usually arranged through the shop you buy a replacement from or through your city. Factor this in if you plan to stay only a short time.
Picks with checked prices
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Two-door fridge (about 150 L)
【期間限定5%OFFクーポン 10/27 10時まで】 冷蔵庫 117L 小型 2ドア ひとり暮らし 一人暮らし コンパクト 右開き オフィス 単身 黒 ガンメ
¥26,980（XPRICE楽天市場店 · checked 2026-10-24）
Why this one: Big enough for one person who cooks a little, with a separate freezer.
Check on the item page: 2ドア = two doors (separate freezer). 容量 = capacity in litres. 右開き/左開き = which side the door opens. 設置 = installation option.
View on RakutenOther price levels: Budget ¥24,980Premium ¥39,980
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Washing machine (5 kg)
【期間限定5%OFFクーポン 10/27 10時まで】 洗濯機 7kg 全自動洗濯機 一人暮らし 1人暮らし コンパクト 引越し 縦型洗濯機 風乾燥 槽洗浄 凍
¥29,980（XPRICE楽天市場店 · checked 2026-10-24）
Why this one: Enough for one person's weekly laundry and fits most small washer trays.
Check on the item page: 全自動 = fully automatic. 5kg = load capacity. Check 本体サイズ (body size) against your 防水パン (washer tray).
View on RakutenOther price levels: Budget ¥18,980Premium ¥79,800
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Frequency-free microwave
≪5%OFFクーポン★24日20:00?27日09:59迄≫電子レンジ アイリスオーヤマ 17L 単機能 ヘルツフリー 調理 ターンテーブル レンジ 全国対応
¥9,980（便利生活 マイルーム · checked 2026-10-24）
Why this one: Works on both 50Hz and 60Hz, so it keeps working if you move across Japan.
Check on the item page: ヘルツフリー or 50/60Hz共用 = both frequencies. 単機能 = microwave only.
View on RakutenOther price levels: Budget ¥7,799Premium ¥16,800
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Electric kettle
【P5倍★24日20時〜】★楽天1位★ ケトル 800ml 0.8L 一人暮らし 二人暮らし 新生活 持ち運び コンパクト 小型 手軽 電気ケトル ポット 電気
¥3,780（DENDEN · checked 2026-10-24）
Why this one: Boils water for tea or instant meals faster and cheaper than the stove.
Check on the item page: 電気ケトル = electric kettle. 空焚き防止 = boil-dry protection. 0.8L is enough for one or two cups.
View on RakutenOther price levels: Budget ¥1,780Premium ¥8,980
FAQ
- Will my microwave work in Osaka if I bought it in Tokyo?
- Only if it supports both 50Hz and 60Hz. Look for ヘルツフリー or 50/60Hz共用 on the item page.
- How do I throw away an old fridge in Japan?
- Fridges and washers fall under the Home Appliance Recycling Law. You pay a recycling fee and arrange collection through a shop or your city; they cannot be put out as normal rubbish.