Charging the iPad 2 when staying in Japan

Using a 30 pin cable and a Type A USB adapter to power the iPad 2 with a Japanese power outlet and charging the iPad 2 using a 3 pin Type B USB plug.

Japanese power outlet

When packing for a holiday to Japan it's useful to know if you'll be able to charge your common electronics when you're there. However, by not knowing which power supply to expect you are likely to bring the wrong power charger, therefore leaving you needing to buy a potentially expensive adaptor on arrival which might not be compatible. Differing frequencies and standards can all be daunting when planning on staying in a different country, especially to the first time traveller. This step by step guide will show exactly how to supply power to the iPad 2 when travelling to Japan by using their standard types B or A 100 volt 60Hz plug outlets, please note Type B plug outlets are normally used by a majority of Japanese. If the iPad 2 charges slowly or does not power up when you are travelling to Japan from a different country then check that it is compatible with a 110 volt power supply. Normally electrical devices which come from a country which use a higher voltage such as 240 volts sometimes take longer to charge or won't power up, so check the iPad 2 is dual-voltage (you'll find these are normally marked with a 100-240 volt notation) else you may need to use an additional converter to ensure proper use. If you intend on staying at a Japanese destination like Tokyo or Yokohama we recommend referring to the Japan National Tourism Organization Web Site [1] for more details. These instructions assume you are running Apple iOS 7 or greater on the iPad 2.

Charging the iPad 2 in Japan

Can the iPad 2 be used in Japan?

Yes, you can connect the iPad 2 to a Japanese power outlet.

What is the best power adapter for recharging the iPad 2 in Japan?

If you are travelling with more than just your iPad 2 and visiting more than one country the best travel power adapter for Japan is a multiple USB port adapter which includes swappable plugs such as a 4 port USB travel charger. There are two different types of wall outlets in Japan (B and A) and using a travel adapter like this ensures that you are covered for type A.

As these chargers come with interchangeable plugs and handle from 100 volts - 240 volts will mean that you can travel to multiple countries in Europe, Asia, North America and Africa simply by switching the supplied plugs. If your iPad 2 is compatible with Fast Charge (not all USB devices do) then you'll benefit from faster recharging times with one of these USB power chargers, and compatibility with certain power demanding devices like tablets.

Unlike other adapters this means you can recharge multiple devices at once without needing to bring individual power adapters on your trip. Only packing a single international travel charger will keep the overall size down, making it perfect to store in hand baggage whilst travelling as well as being suitable for recharging your iPad 2 at an airport or on your flight. Because of their flexibility these types of power adapters can be used when back at home so when you’re not on holiday they can sit overnight charging multiple tablets and smartphones with just a single wall outlet.

If you travel to Japan we suggest buying this type of versatile travel charger at an electronics retailer. The travel charger illustrated is the 4 Port USB Wall Charger which has been tested successfully for powering multiple USB devices in numerous different countries 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 iPad 2, however for visitors also wanting to use their domestic plugs the following power strips provide larger but more versatile solutions. All three power adapters offer surge protection which is crucial when visiting regions with unstable power supplies to prevent damage to any connected appliances. These power converters come supplied 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 international travel adaptor has 4 USB charging ports with 3 AC power outlets and is the best selling compact power converter for travellers originating from North America going to Japan.
  • ORICO Traveling Outlet Surge Protector Power Strip - Likewise having 4 USB ports but only 2 AC power outlets the travel adapter from Orico is also aimed at travellers originating from the US using type B plugs and is a much more cost effective alternative to the BESTEK with just 1 less AC outlet for almost half the price.
  • BESTEK International USB Travel Power Strip - This power strip has 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 perfect for a wide range of travellers from around the world visiting Japan. [8] [AD]
What is the best power adapter for recharging the iPad 2 in Japan?

Charging the iPad 2 from a Japanese power outlet by using a two pinned Type A USB adapter

Using a 30-pin connector and a Type A USB charger to power the iPad 2 with a Japanese power outlet.

  1. In order to supply power to your iPad 2 from a Japanese power outlet you will need to use a Type A USB power plug adapter [4] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] - Apple typically supply the cable with the iPad 2.
  2. Firstly you'll need to plug the Type A USB power plug adapter in the power outlet. This ungrounded wall outlet, technically called the Type A power outlet [3], can be recognised by the 2 adjacent slots next to each other for live and neutral.
  3. Connect one end of the cord into the bottom of the power adapter and the other end into the dock connector on the iPad 2. The iPad 2 dock connector can be found at the base of the iPad 2.
  4. Turn on the Japanese power outlet.
  5. The battery icon which appears in the top right corner of your iPad 2 will display a charge icon to indicate that the iPad 2 is charging, typically taking roughly 60-240 minutes to fully recharge. [AD]
Charging the iPad 2 from a Japanese power outlet by using a two pinned Type A USB adapter

How to use a Type B power charger for charging your iPad 2 from a Japanese power outlet

Using a USB 30 pin cable and a Type B power adapter to power your iPad 2 with a Japanese power outlet.

  1. In order to power the iPad 2 from a Japanese power outlet you will need to use a Type B USB power plug adapter [7] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5], the cable is normally already supplied with your iPad 2 by Apple.
  2. Firstly you'll need to insert the Type B USB power plug adapter in the power supply. You can recognise this wall outlet by the two thin slots for live and neutral blades with a hole below for the earthed pin.
  3. Plug in one end of the 30 pin cable into the USB mains charger and the other end into the dock connector on the iPad 2. The iPad 2 dock connector can be found at the base of the iPad 2.
  4. Switch on the Japanese power outlet.
  5. The battery icon which you'll find in the top right hand corner of your iPad will display a charge icon to indicate that the tablet is recharging which should take around 60 to 240 minutes to completely recharge. [AD]
How to use a Type B power charger for charging your iPad 2 from a Japanese power outlet

See also

  1. Japan - Japan National Tourism Organization Web Site
  2. Apple - official iPad 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..