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

Using the 30 pin Apple connector and a 2 pinned Type A USB adapter to recharge your iPhone 4S from a Japanese power outlet and charging the iPhone 4S using a 3 pinned Type B USB charger.

Japanese power outlet

If you are packing for a vacation it can often be helpful to know if you'll be able to use all your important electrical devices like mobiles or laptop computers that you are bringing along. However without knowing which power socket is used in Japan you could end up either bringing too many spare adaptors or bring the wrong charger, meaning having to buy or borrow a suitable charger when you're there. Varying different combinations of region codes and plugs can often be daunting when planning on staying in another country, especially if you've never visited before. This guide shows how to power the iPhone 4S when staying in Japan using their B or A type 100 volt 60Hz plug outlets, you'll discover most Japanese will normally use the Type B sockets in their power outlets. If your iPhone 4S charges slowly or does not power up when travelling to Japan from another country please check that it is compatible with a 110 volt power supply. Normally devices which originate from another country which use a higher voltage (for example 240 volts) sometimes take longer to charge or won't turn on, check that the iPhone 4S is a dual voltage device (normally marked with 100-240 volts) else you may need to use an additional converter to ensure proper use. If you plan on travelling to tourist destinations such as Tokyo or Yokohama we also recommend reading the Japan National Tourism Organization Web Site [1] for more indepth details prior to the location. These instructions assume you are running Apple iOS 7 or greater on the iPhone 4S.

Charging the iPhone 4S in Japan

Can the iPhone 4S be used in Japan?

You can connect the iPhone 4S to a Japanese power outlet.

What is the best power charger for the iPhone 4S in Japan?

If travelling to multiple countries the best travel charger for Japan to buy is a multiple USB port adapter which includes compatible plugs such as a 4 port USB travel charger. Japanese use two different types of plug sockets (B and A) and bringing this will ensure that you are covered for type A.

As these types of chargers are supplied with interchangeable pins and handle 100 - 240 volts will mean that you can travel to over 100 countries in North America, Europe, Asia and Africa just by switching the included plugs. If your iPhone 4S supports Fast Charge (please note that not all USB devices do) then you'll benefit from much quicker charging times with one of these power chargers, along with additional compatibility with more power hungry devices. Unlike other chargers this will also allow you to charge multiple devices at once without needing to pack seperate power adapters on your trip to Japan. Because you are only packing a single lightweight USB travel charger will also keep the overall size and weight down, making it ideal to store in hand baggage as well as being convenient for recharging your iPhone 4S at the airport or on the plane. Due to their flexibility these types of adapters can be used when back at home not just abroad so when you’re not travelling they can sit under your bedside table charging multiple phones, tablets and speakers without using up an additional power outlet.

We suggest buying this type of flexible travel adapter at an electronics retailer. The power adapter illustrated below is the 4 Port USB Wall Charger which has been tested successfully for recharging multiple USB devices in numerous different 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 iPhone 4S, 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 visitors of regions with unreliable power supplies to prevent damage to any connected appliances from voltage spikes. These power converters come 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 converter has 4 USB charging ports with 3 AC power outlets and is the most popular compact power adapter for travellers originating from 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 Orico travel adapter is also aimed at travellers originating from North America using type B plugs and gives the same functionality as the BESTEK with just 1 less AC outlet at almost half the 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 most travellers from around the world visiting Japan. [8] [AD]
What is the best power charger for the iPhone 4S in Japan?

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

Using the Apple 30 pin cable with a 2 pinned Type A USB charger to power your iPhone 4S from a Japanese power outlet.

  1. If you want to power the iPhone 4S using a Japanese power outlet you will need a Type A USB power plug adapter [4] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] (the cable is usually already supplied with the device).
  2. First insert the Type A USB power plug adapter into the wall outlet. This power outlet (technically known as a Type A power outlet [3]) can be identified by two thin adjacent slots next to each other where the live and neutral plug outlet pins slide into.
  3. Plug in one end of the USB cord into the bottom of the USB mains adapter and the other end into the dock connector on the iPhone 4S. The iPhone 4S dock connector can be found at bottom of the iPhone 4S.
  4. Switch on the Japanese power outlet.
  5. The battery icon that appears in the top right hand corner of the cellphone screen will display a charge icon to indicate that the phone is powering up, typically taking roughly 60-240 minutes to recharge. [AD]
Powering the iPhone 4S with a Japanese power outlet by using a 2 pinned Type A USB adapter

Powering the iPhone 4S with a Japanese power outlet by using a 3 pinned Type B USB adapter

Instructions showing how to charge the iPhone 4S with a Japanese power outlet with an Apple 30 pin cable with a Type B power charger.

  1. In order to charge your iPhone 4S using a Japanese power outlet you will need a Type B USB power plug adapter [7] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5], Apple should usually supply this cable with your iPhone 4S.
  2. Begin the process by taking the Type B USB power plug adapter and plugging it into the power outlet. This wall supply, sometimes known as the Type B power outlet [6], is identified by two thin slots adjacent to each other with a single hole below for the ground pin.
  3. Connect one end of the USB to Apple 30 pin cable into the bottom of the USB power charger and the other end into the dock connector on the iPhone 4S. The iPhone 4S dock connector can be found at bottom of the iPhone 4S.
  4. Switch on the Japanese power outlet.
  5. The battery icon which you'll find in the top right corner of your phone screen will display a charge icon to indicate that the iPhone is recharging and takes between 1-4 hours to fully recharge to 100% capacity. [AD]
Powering the iPhone 4S 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. 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..