# How do I choose a rice cooker in Japan? Which brand and model should I buy?

> If you'll use it in a 220V country, a 220V overseas model (海外向け) works as is; a 100V domestic model will burn out if plugged straight into 220V and needs a step-down transformer. As of October 2026, choose in three steps: capacity first (5.5 go for 3–5 people; 1 go ≈ 180ml of uncooked rice), then heating type (microcomputer < IH < pressure IH, rising in price and texture), and finally pick an overseas model from Zojirushi, Tiger, Panasonic or another brand within your budget.

- Page: https://bestjapanbuy.com/en/q/rice-cooker-buying-guide/
- Updated: 2026-10-24

## Step 1: Check the voltage version

Look for “海外向け,” “海外仕様” or “220V” on the box and rating label. Overseas models usually have Chinese or English controls and SE-type round-pin plugs (you may need a plug adapter; see [Do I need a plug adapter?](/en/q/plug-adapter-china/)). Domestic models marked “AC100V” are for 100V only; in 220V countries they need a coil-type step-down transformer with 100V output; see [Japanese rice cookers with a transformer](/en/q/rice-cooker-transformer/). For the differences, see [Overseas vs. domestic models](/en/q/overseas-vs-domestic/). Check whether a model works in your country in our [compatibility table](/en/tools/compat/).

## Step 2: Capacity

| Capacity | Good for | Notes |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 3 go | 1–2 people | Small and easy to carry |
| 5.5 go | 3–5 people | Most common; can be carried on board |
| 10 go (1 liter) | 5+ people | Heavy; checking it is recommended |

“Go” (合) is a Japanese unit for rice; 1 go is about 180ml of uncooked rice.

## Step 3: Heating type

| Type | Japanese | Features |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Microcomputer (bottom heating) | マイコン | Cheap and light; average texture |
| IH | IH | Induction heats the whole inner pot for more even cooking |
| Pressure IH | 圧力IH | Pressure raises the boiling point for softer, chewier rice; most expensive |

The inner pot material (multi-layer iron, clay-pot coating, charcoal and so on) also affects texture and weight. Each brand makes its own claims, and there's no single standard for which is best.

## Main brands

- **Zojirushi (象印マホービン)**: Many overseas models; well known among visitors.
- **Tiger (タイガー魔法瓶)**: Known for its clay-pot inner pots; also has overseas models.
- **Panasonic (パナソニック)**: Mature pressure IH technology; overseas models are sold at some stores.
- **Toshiba (東芝), Hitachi, Mitsubishi Electric (三菱電機)**: Wide range of domestic models but few overseas models, so confirm the voltage before buying.

For specific models, specs and Japan prices, see the [rice cooker category page](/en/c/rice-cooker/), or use the buying guide tool to filter by budget.

## Before you buy

1. **Is it sold in your country?** Many overseas models are also sold outside Japan. If the price difference is small, buying locally gets you local warranty support. See [Is it worth buying a rice cooker in Japan?](/en/q/rice-cooker-worth-buying/).
2. **How to carry it**: See [Checking appliances as baggage](/en/q/checked-baggage-appliance/).
3. **Warranty**: See [Warranties on Japanese appliances](/en/q/warranty-japan-appliance/).
4. **Tax-free**: You qualify when you spend 5,000 yen or more (before tax) at the same store on the same day. See [The complete guide to the new tax-free rules](/en/q/tax-free-2026/).

## Sources

- [Zojirushi official site (overseas models)](https://www.zojirushi.co.jp/global/)
- [Zojirushi official site: rice cookers](https://www.zojirushi.co.jp/syohin/rice/)
- [Tiger official site: rice cookers](https://www.tiger.jp/product/rice.html)
- [Panasonic official site](https://panasonic.jp/)

> Data from BestJapanBuy (bestjapanbuy.com). Please credit and link to the page when using it. Prices are for reference only; check in store.
> Translated with AI; the Chinese version is authoritative.