How to charge the mobile phone when staying in Japan

Instructions showing how to charge any mobile phone with a Japanese power outlet by using USB type B cable with a 3 pinned Type A power charger and charging any mobile phone using a 3 pinned Type B USB charger.

Japanese power outlet

Different combinations of voltages and standards can often be confusing when planning to travel to a different country especially for the first time traveller. With only a handful of different types of standards used in the world this guide shows exactly what to pick up in advance to charge your mobile phone in Japan. This page has been specifically written to stop you needing to worry if you'll be able to charge the mobile phone when Japan.This guide shows what you'll need to charge the mobile phone when travelling to Japan by using the standard Type B or A 100 volt 60Hz power outlets, please note that Type B plug outlets are used by most Japanese. If your mobile phone charges slowly or does not power up when travelling to Japan from another country then check that it is compatible with a 110 volt power supply. Typically electrical devices which originate from a different country which use a higher voltage (for example 240 volts) sometimes take longer to charge or won't turn on, check your device is dual voltage (usually marked with a 100-240 volt notation) otherwise you may need to use an additional power converter to ensure proper use.

These instructions are for a generic mobile phone and assume the phone has a standard micro USB port, Bluetooth connectivity and a headphone socket. For a specific mobile phone visit the Mobile phones page for a full list of makes and models.

Charging any mobile phone in Japan

Can the mobile phone be used in Japan?

You can connect any mobile phone to a Japanese power outlet by using a power convertor.

What is the best power charger for any mobile phone in Japan?

If travelling with more than your mobile phone and visiting more than one country the best travel charger for Japan is a multiple USB charger which includes swappable plugs such as a 4 port USB travel charger. Japanese use two different standards of wall outlets (B and A) and using a travel charger like this ensures that you are covered for type A. As these types of chargers come with interchangeable plugs and can handle from 100 volts to 240 volts it makes them ideal for multiple countries around the world simply by switching the included heads over. If your model of mobile phone can support Fast Charge then you'll benefit from quicker charging times with one of these types of USB travel adapters, along with additional support for certain power demanding devices. Unlike other chargers this means you can power multiple devices at once without needing to pack seperate power chargers on your trip to Japan. Because you are only bringing a single travel charger will keep the overall size and weight down, making it ideal to fold up in hand luggage as well as being on hand for charging your mobile phone at an airport or on a plane. Because of their space saving versatility these types of power chargers can be used back at home so when you’re not on holiday they can be used overnight charging multiple phones and tablets with only a single plug socket.

For those travelling often we recommend searching for a flexible power charger similar to this at an electronics retailer - the multipurpose travel adapter illustrated below is the 4 Port USB Wall Charger which has been tested successfully with multiple USB devices in numerous countries.

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 mobile phone, however for those also wishing to use their domestic plugs the following power converters provide larger but more versatile solutions. All three power strips offer surge protection which is crucial for travellers to regions with unreliable power supplies to prevent damage to any connected appliances from voltage spikes. These power adapters come with interchangeable type C, I and G plugs covering both Japan and over 150 countries around the world:

  • BESTEK Portable International Travel Voltage Converter - The BESTEK travel adaptor has 4 USB charging ports with 3 AC power outlets and is the most popular compact option for travellers originating from North America going to Japan.
  • ORICO Traveling Outlet Surge Protector Power Strip - Also 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 is a much cheaper alternative to the BESTEK with one less AC outlet for almost half price.
  • BESTEK International USB Travel Power Strip - This power strip has just 2 AC outlets but offers a generous 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 suitable for a wide range of travellers from around the world visiting Japan. [7] [AD]
What is the best power charger for any mobile phone in Japan?

How to use a Type A power charger for recharging your mobile phone from a Japanese power outlet

Instructions showing how to charge any mobile phone with a Japanese power outlet by using USB type B cable with a Type A power charger.

  1. To supply power to any mobile phone using a Japanese power outlet you'll need to use a Type A USB power plug adapter [3] and a USB 2.0 A Male to Micro B cable [4].
  2. Start the process by taking the Type A USB power plug adapter and plugging it in the power outlet. You can identify this wall supply by two thin slots adjacent to each other where the live and neutral plug outlet pins slide into.
  3. Then connect one end of the USB 2.0 A Male to Micro B cable into the bottom of the USB mains charger and the other end into the USB charging port on any mobile phone. These instructions assume your phone uses a Micro USB type B port. Please refer to the instructions supplied with your mobile to check this is correct and visit the Mobile phones page to see if your model is listed (note you can usually connect the cable supplied with your mobile phone for charging with any USB adapter).
  4. The USB charging port is normally located either on the side or bottom of the mobile phone.
  5. Turn on the Japanese power outlet.
  6. The battery indicator on your mobile phone should indicate that the phone is charging, refer to your phone`s instruction manual to find out how long it will take. [AD]
How to use a Type A power charger for recharging your mobile phone from a Japanese power outlet

Powering any mobile phone with a Japanese power outlet by using a 3 pinned Type B USB adapter

Instructions showing how to charge any mobile phone with a Japanese power outlet by using USB type B cable with a Type B power charger.

  1. In order to charge the mobile phone from a Japanese power outlet you will need a Type B USB power plug adapter [6] and a USB 2.0 A Male to Micro B cable [4].
  2. Begin by inserting the Type B USB power plug adapter in the Japanese power outlet. The plug outlet (called a Type B power outlet [5]) can be identified by the 2 slots parallel to each other where the two blades slide into with a hole below for the earthed pin.
  3. Then connect one end of the USB 2.0 A Male to Micro B cable into the bottom of the USB mains adapter and the other end into the USB charging port on any mobile phone. These instructions assume your phone uses a Micro USB type B port. Please refer to the instructions supplied with your mobile to check this is correct and visit the Mobile phones page to see if your model is listed (note you can usually connect the cable supplied with your mobile phone for charging with any USB adapter).
  4. The USB charging port is normally located either on the side or bottom of the mobile phone.
  5. Turn on the Japanese power outlet.
  6. The battery indicator on your mobile phone should indicate that the phone is charging, refer to your phone`s instruction manual to find out how long it will take. [AD]
Powering any mobile phone with a Japanese power outlet by using a 3 pinned Type B USB adapter

See also

  1. Japan - Japan National Tourism Organization Web Site
  2. iec.ch - Type A power outlet
  3. 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..
  4. USB 2.0 A Male to Micro B cable - Used to connect USB devices which have a USB Mini-B port to computers, power supplies and other devices.
  5. iec.ch - Type B power outlet
  6. 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..
  7. 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..