How to charge your iPad Mini from a power outlet in Japan

Instructions on how to power your iPad Mini from a Japanese power outlet using the Lightning Apple connector and a 2 pinned Type A USB charger and charging the iPad Mini using a Type B power plug.

Japanese power outlet

If you are organizing a vacation to Japan it's helpful to know if you can charge any vital gadgets such as cell phones and cameras that you are bringing along with you. However without knowing which plug socket is used you are more likely to bring the wrong power adaptor, thereby leaving you needing to purchase a potentially overpriced charger when you arrive. Varying different combinations of voltages and plug types can all be daunting when planning to travel to a different country especially for the first time traveller. With only a handful of different types of standards being used throughout the world this article tells you exactly what you'll need in advance to power your iPad Mini in Japan. This guide has been specifically written to prevent you worrying if you'll be able to charge the iPad Mini when you're travelling abroad.The following step by step instructions tells you exactly how to power the iPad Mini when you're in Japan by using their B or A type 100 volt 60Hz plug outlets, please note that Type B plug outlets are used by most Japanese. Power sources are different depending on which area you visiting therefore please read the Wiki Connections world power supplies list where you'll find a complete list of regions and countries. If your iPad Mini doesn't power up or recharges slowly when you are visiting Japan from a different country check that it is compatible with a 110 volt power supply. Normally electrical devices which originate from a country which use a higher voltage such as 220 volts may take longer to charge or won't turn on, check your device is dual voltage (normally marked with a 100-240 volt notation) otherwise you may need to use an additional power transformer to ensure proper use. If you plan to stay in a place like Tokyo or Tseung Kwan O refer to the Japan National Tourism Organization Web Site [1] for further details prior to the location. These instructions assume you are running Apple iOS 7 or greater on the iPad Mini.

Charging the iPad Mini in Japan

Can the iPad Mini be used in Japan?

You can connect the iPad Mini to a Japanese power outlet.

What is the best power charger for the iPad Mini in Japan?

If you are travelling with more than just your iPad Mini or visiting multiple countries then the best international travel charger for Japan is a multiple USB charger which includes compatible plugs such as a 4 port USB travel charger. Japanese use two different types of plug sockets (types B and A) and bringing this will ensure that you are covered for type A. Because these chargers are supplied with interchangeable plugs and can handle from 100 volts - 240 volts it makes them ideal for multiple countries in Europe, Asia, North America and Africa just by changing the supplied plugs. If your iPad Mini supports Fast Charge then you'll benefit from quicker charging times with one of these types of USB travel adapters plus support for more power hungry devices like tablets.

Unlike other travel chargers having a four port charger means you can power multiple devices simultaneously without needing to buy multiple travel adapters or using up additional power outlets. By only bringing a single travel charger will keep the overall size and weight down, making it ideal to store in hand baggage. Due to their space saving versatility these types of power chargers can be used when you return home so when you’re not on holiday they can sit under your bedside table charging multiple tablets and smartphones and using just a single plug socket.

For those travelling regularly we recommend searching for this type of versatile power charger online. The power adapter illustrated below is the 4 Port USB Wall Charger which has been tested successfully with multiple USB devices in numerous countries with perfect reliably.

Alternative travel adapter for Japan

The 4 port USB travel charger is the most compact option for travellers from any country wanting to recharge devices via USB, but for visitors also wanting to use their domestic plugs the following power adapters provide larger but more versatile solutions. All 3 power adapters 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 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 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 going to Japan.
  • ORICO Traveling Outlet Surge Protector Power Strip - Also 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 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. [8] [AD]
What is the best power charger for the iPad Mini in Japan?

Powering the iPad Mini with a Japanese power outlet by using a 2 pinned Type A USB adapter

Instructions on how to power your iPad Mini from a Japanese power outlet using the Lightning Apple connector and a 2 pinned Type A USB charger.

  1. If you want to supply power to the iPad Mini using a Japanese power outlet you'll need to use a Type A USB power plug adapter [4] and a USB to Apple Lightning cable [5], Apple will normally include the cable when you first purchase the iPad Mini.
  2. Start the process by inserting the Type A USB power plug adapter in the Japanese power outlet. The power supply, sometimes called a Type A power outlet [3], can be identified by 2 slots next to each other where the twin plug outlet pins go.
  3. Connect the USB end of the USB Apple Lightning cord into the USB mains adapter and the other end into the Lightning connector on the iPad Mini. The iPad Mini lightning connector can be found at the base of the iPad Mini.
  4. Switch on the Japanese power outlet.
  5. The battery icon which you'll find in the top right corner of your iPad will display a charging icon to indicate that the iPad Mini is charging which takes around 60-240 minutes to recharge. [AD]
Powering the iPad Mini with a Japanese power outlet by using a 2 pinned Type A USB adapter

Powering the iPad Mini with a Japanese power outlet by using a 3 pinned Type B USB adapter

Instructions showing how to charge the iPad Mini with a Japanese power outlet with an Apple Lightning cable and a Type B power adapter.

  1. In order to power the iPad Mini using a Japanese power outlet you will need to use a Type B USB power plug adapter [7] and a USB to Apple Lightning cable [5], normally supplied with the iPad Mini by Apple.
  2. Insert the Type B USB power plug adapter in the Japanese power outlet. The plug outlet, sometimes called a Type B power outlet [6], is recognised by two thin slots parallel to each other with a single semicircle shaped hole below for the ground pin.
  3. Connect one end of the USB to Apple Lightning cable into the bottom of the power charger and the other end into the Lightning connector on the iPad Mini. The iPad Mini lightning connector is situated at the bottom of the iPad Mini.
  4. Switch on the Japanese power outlet.
  5. The battery icon that appears in the top right hand corner of the iPad screen will display a charge icon to indicate that the tablet is charging and takes between 1-4 hours to fully recharge. [AD]
Powering the iPad Mini 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 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 Lightning cable - The Apple Lightning cable is a charging and syncing cable for more recent Apple devices and connects compatible iPhones and iPads to a USB port.
  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..