How to charge the iPhone 4 from a power outlet in Japan

A step by step guide showing you how to charge the iPhone 4 from a Japanese power outlet with a USB 30 pin cable and a three pin Type A USB adapter and how to recharge the iPhone 4 using a three pinned Type B USB plug.

Japanese power outlet

If you are organizing a vacation to Japan it can be useful to know in advance if you'll be able to use all your vital electronics like mobile phones and tablets that you are bringing along with you. Without knowing which power supply is used in Japan you are likely to bring the wrong power adaptor, leaving you needing to buy a suitable adaptor on arrival which might not be compatible. Varying different combinations of frequencies and standards can often be daunting when planning on staying in a new country to the first time traveller. This guide was specifically written to prevent you worrying if you'll be able to charge your iPhone 4 when you're in Japan.These instructions will show you exactly how to charge your iPhone 4 when you're in Japan by using their Type B or A Japanese 100 volt 60Hz wall outlets, a majority of Japanese will typically use the Type B sockets in their power outlets. If the iPhone 4 does not power up or charges slowly when travelling to Japan from another country please check that it is compatible with a 110 volt power supply. Devices which come from a different country which use a higher voltage such as 220 volts may take longer to charge or won't power up, check your iPhone 4 is a dual voltage device (usually marked with 100-240 volts) else you may need to use an additional converter to ensure proper use. These instructions assume you are running Apple iOS 7 or greater on the iPhone 4.

Charging the iPhone 4 in Japan

Can you use the iPhone 4 in Japan?

Yes, you can use the iPhone 4 in Japan by using a power convertor.

What is the best travel adapter for the iPhone 4 in Japan?

If travelling with more than just your iPhone 4 the best travel adapter for Japan to buy is a multiple USB port charger which includes swappable plugs like a 4 port USB travel charger. There are two different standards of power outlets that Japanese use (types B and A) and using a power charger like this ensures that you are covered for type A.

As these types of chargers come with interchangeable pins and handle 100 volts to 240 volts it makes them ideal for multiple countries in Europe, Asia, North America and Africa just by changing the included plugs. If your model of iPhone 4 can support Fast Charge (not all USB devices will) then you'll benefit from much faster charging times with one of these USB travel adapters plus compatibility with more power hungry devices. Unlike other adapters having a 4 port adapter means you can power multiple devices simultaneously without needing to bring multiple travel chargers for your trip. Only packing a single travel charger will keep the overall size and weight down, making it perfect to store in hand luggage whilst travelling. Due to their versatility these types of power chargers can be used when you return home so when you’re not travelling they can sit overnight charging multiple tablets, smartphones and speakers without needing an additional plug socket.

For those travelling on a regular basis we recommend buying a versatile travel charger similar to this online. The power charger illustrated below is the 4 Port USB Wall Charger which has been tested successfully with multiple USB devices in numerous different countries around the world with good reliably.

Alternative travel adapter for Japan

The 4 port USB travel charger is the most compact option for travellers from around the world who only have USB devices such as the iPhone 4, however for visitors also wanting to use their domestic plugs these power converters provide larger but more versatile solutions. All 3 power adapters offer surge protection which is crucial for travellers to counties with unreliable or unstable power supplies. These travel adapters come supplied with interchangeable type C, I and G plugs covering Europe, America, Australia, United Kingdom, Japan, China and over 150 destinations:

  • BESTEK Portable International Travel Voltage Converter - The BESTEK international travel adaptor has 4 USB charging ports with 3 AC power outlets and is the best selling portable option for travellers originating from North America visiting Japan using type B American plug sockets.
  • ORICO Traveling Outlet Surge Protector Power Strip - Similarly having 4 USB ports but only 2 AC power outlets the travel adapter from Orico is also aimed at travellers from America using type B plugs. This offers the same functionality as the BESTEK with only one less AC outlet for almost half price.
  • BESTEK International USB Travel Power Strip - This power strip has 2 AC outlets but offers 5 USB charging ports. This versatile power strip is compatible with both American plugs and popular plug types A, D,E/F, G, H, I, L and N making it perfect for a majority of travellers from around the world visiting Japan. [8] [AD]
What is the best travel adapter for the iPhone 4 in Japan?

Powering the iPhone 4 with a Japanese power outlet by using a 2 pinned Type A USB adapter

A step by step guide showing you how to charge the iPhone 4 from a Japanese power outlet with a USB 30 pin cable and a three pin Type A USB adapter.

  1. If you want to supply power to the iPhone 4 using the Japanese power outlet you'll need to buy a Type A USB power plug adapter [4] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] - Apple should typically include the USB cable when you first purchase your iPhone 4.
  2. Begin the process by plugging the Type A USB power plug adapter in the Japanese power outlet. You can identify this plug outlet by the 2 slots adjacent to each other where the twin blades sit.
  3. Connect one end of the USB cord into the bottom of the mains USB charger and the other end into the dock connector on the iPhone 4. The iPhone 4 dock connector is found at bottom of the iPhone 4.
  4. Turn on the Japanese power outlet.
  5. The battery icon which appears in the top right hand corner of the mobile screen will display a charge icon to indicate that the iPhone is recharging and takes roughly 60-240 minutes to recharge to 100% capacity. [AD]
Powering the iPhone 4 with a Japanese power outlet by using a 2 pinned Type A USB adapter

Charging the iPhone 4 from a Japanese power outlet by using a 3 pinned Type B USB adapter

A step-by-step guide showing how to charge your iPhone 4 from a Japanese power outlet using a USB 30 pin cable and a three pin Type B USB adapter.

  1. To supply power to your iPhone 4 from the Japanese power outlet you'll need to buy a Type B USB power plug adapter [7] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] - Apple should typically include the cable with your iPhone 4.
  2. Start the process by inserting the Type B USB power plug adapter in the power supply. You can identify this plug outlet by the 2 slots parallel to each other with a single hole below for the long earthed pin.
  3. Plug in one end of the USB to Apple 30 pin cable into the bottom of the mains power charger and the other end into the dock connector on the iPhone 4. The iPhone 4 dock connector is found at bottom of the iPhone 4.
  4. Turn on the Japanese power outlet.
  5. The battery icon that appears in the top right hand corner of the phone screen will display a charge icon to indicate that the iPhone 4 is recharging which typically takes around 60-240 minutes to completely recharge to 100% capacity. [AD]
Charging the iPhone 4 from a Japanese power outlet by using a 3 pinned Type B USB adapter

See also

  1. Japan - Japan National Tourism Organization Web Site
  2. Apple - official iPhone user guide
  3. iec.ch - Type A power outlet
  4. Type A USB power plug adapter - With its two-blade, ungrounded design, the Type A USB power plug adapter offers a straightforward way to convert electrical outlets in countries like the United States and Canada into USB ports for easy device charging..
  5. USB to Apple 30 pin cable - This connects compatible iPhones, iPods and iPads to a USB port for charging, syncing and playing music.
  6. iec.ch - Type B power outlet
  7. Type B USB power plug adapter - A Type B USB power plug adapter conforms to the NEMA 5-15 specifications, featuring 2 parallel flat blades and an extended grounding pin. Rated at 15A and 125 volts, suitable for use in the United States and Canada for converting domestic outlets to USB..
  8. 4 Port USB Wall Charger - A 4-port USB wall charger is an electrical device that provides simultaneous charging for up to four USB-compatible devices. It often includes interchangeable international plug adapters for global use..