How to charge your iPad from a power outlet in Japan

A page on how to recharge the iPad with a Japanese power outlet by using the 30 pin Apple connector with a 3 pinned Type A USB adapter and how to recharge the iPad using a three pin Type B USB adapter.

Japanese power outlet

Differing combinations of standards and plugs can often be confusing when planning to visit another country, especially for the first time traveller. If you're visiting Japan this page contains instructions showing you how to charge the iPad using their B or A type 100 volt 60Hz plug outlets, you'll discover most Japanese will normally use Type B sockets in their power outlets. Most power supplies will vary depending on which country you're taking a trip to therefore please read the WikiConnections travel power connections list for a full list showing regions. If your iPad does not power up or charges slowly when you are travelling to Japan from a different country 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 240 volts may take longer to charge or won't power up, so check that the device is dual-voltage (indicated by 100-240 volts) else you may need to use an additional converter to ensure proper use. This page details the original iPad first generation, visit the Apple category page for the latest range of Apple iPads. These instructions assume that you have installed Apple iOS 5 or greater on the iPad.

Charging the iPad in Japan

Can you use the iPad in Japan?

Yes, you can use the iPad in Japan.

What is the best travel adapter for recharging the iPad in Japan?

When you are travelling with more than your iPad then the best international 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 100 - 240 volts it makes them ideal for multiple countries in Europe, Asia, North America and Africa just by changing the supplied heads. If your iPad is compatible with Fast Charge (note not all USB devices will) then you'll benefit from much faster recharging times by using one of these power chargers and additional compatibility with more power hungry devices like tablets.

Unlike other chargers having a four port charger will also allow you to charge multiple devices at once without needing to pack seperate power chargers for your trip to Japan. Because you are only bringing 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 iPad 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 wall outlet.

We suggest buying a versatile travel adapter like this at an electronics retailer. The 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 iPad, however for those also wanting to use their domestic plugs these power strips provide larger but more versatile solutions. All three power strips offer surge protection which is useful when visiting counties with unreliable or unstable power supplies. These travel converters come with interchangeable type C, I and G plugs covering Continental Europe, North 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 best selling portable power converter for travellers originating from America visiting Japan using 3 pinned type B US 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 the US using type B plugs and gives practically the same set of features as the BESTEK with just 1 less AC outlet for almost half price.
  • BESTEK International USB Travel Power Strip - This power strip has just 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 ideal for a wide range of travellers from around the world visiting Japan. [8] [AD]
What is the best travel adapter for recharging the iPad in Japan?

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

A page on how to recharge the iPad with a Japanese power outlet by using the 30 pin Apple connector with a 3 pinned Type A USB adapter.

  1. To supply power to the iPad using the Japanese power outlet you'll need to use a Type A USB power plug adapter [4] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] (Apple will usually supply this cable with your iPad).
  2. Begin by inserting the Type A USB power plug adapter in the Japanese power outlet. You can recognise this wall supply by 2 thin slots adjacent to each other where the live and neutral plug outlet pins slide into.
  3. Then connect one end of the Apple cable into the power charger and the other end into the dock connector on the iPad. The iPad dock connector can be found at the bottom of the iPad.
  4. Turn on the Japanese power outlet.
  5. The battery icon which appears in the top right hand corner of the iPad will display a charging icon to indicate that the iPad is powering up, typically taking around one to four hours to recharge. [AD]
How to use a Type A power charger for recharging your iPad from a Japanese power outlet

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

Using a 30 pin Apple connector and a three pinned Type B USB adapter to charge the iPad from a Japanese power outlet.

  1. To power your iPad from the Japanese power outlet you'll need to use a Type B USB power plug adapter [7] and a USB to Apple 30 pin cable [5] - this cable is usually already supplied with your device.
  2. Begin by inserting the Type B USB power plug adapter into the Japanese power outlet. You can recognise this wall supply by 2 thin slots adjacent to each other where the short live and neutral plug outlet blades slide into with a single semicircle shaped hole below for the ground pin.
  3. Plug in 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 iPad. The iPad dock connector is found at the base of the iPad.
  4. Switch on the Japanese power outlet.
  5. The battery icon which you'll find in the top right corner of your tablet screen will display a charging icon to indicate that the iPad is recharging and takes between 1 - 4 hours to fully recharge to 100% capacity. [AD]
How to use a Type B power charger for recharging your iPad 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..