Japan’s Electrical Outlets (Plug type)
Japan uses outlet type A at voltage of 100V and frequency of 50Hz/60Hz. Eastern Japan (Tokyo, Hokkaido and Tohoku) is 50 Hz, and Western Japan (Nagoya, Kyoto, Osaka, HIroshima, Shikoku and Kyushu) is 60 Hz. The plug shape is same as the US, but voltage is lower (100V)
For PCs and other electronic devices, if the device says “Input: 100-240V 0.45A 50-60Hz” you can use them directly. (with adaptor if you need one.)
If you are from the US, you can use your electric appliances but can be slower or weaker because of the lower voltage.
If you are from Europe, Africa and other Asian countries, you will need adaptor. Nowadays, some hotels have USB charger in the room. Larger hotels may have some adaptors but availability is limited. In that case, you might want to buy adaptor yourself at electric applaiance shops. If you want charge your phone in Shinkansen, you might want an adoptor, too.
Where to find adaptors?
It would be better to take your plug (or take photo of the plug) to show which type is your plug at the store. It generally costs 400-800 yen at major electric shops in downtown (such as Bic Camera, Yodobashi Camera, Labi Yamada) or Discount shops like Don Quijote (Donki) Some convenience stores such as 7/11, Lawson and Family mart in the central town may also carry it. (maybe not a lot to choose from-probably more choice in large electric shops in big cities.) If you are going to smaller cities, it may be difficult to find one. So it is better to find them in Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka or at the airport.
Ask “Adaptor to change to Japanese outlet” or show this sentense→(海外コンセントを日本のコンセントに変換するプラグを探しています）
Where can you charge your phone downtown?
If you are out exploring and need to charge your phone, easiest place would be cafes. Such chain cafes in downtown like Starbucks（スターバックス）, Renoir (ルノアール), Doutor（ドトール）Excelsior Cafe（エクセルシオールカフェ）, Komeda (コメダ珈琲）, Ueshima Coffee (上島珈琲店）, Coffee kan（珈琲館）, PRONTO（プロント）, HOSHINO COFFEE（星野珈琲店）Cafe Veloce（カフェ・ヴェローチェ）, BECK’S COFFEE （ベックスコーヒー）or Cafe de Crie（カフェドクリエ）often have electrical outlets to charge but not all the seats have outlets. So look for seats first or ask “Can I charge (phone)? =Juden deki masuka?（充電できますか？）” when you enter the cafe. Many of the cafes also have WIFI.
Renting Powerbank downtown
If you are on the go, you can also rent a powerbank at ChargeSPOT. (Click EN on top to change it to English) In downtown areas, you will find rental stations in many convenience stores or stations. You can check the map using the App. You can borrow at one ChargeSPOT and return in different ChargeSPOT where there are vacancy at the SPOT. If you are in downtown area, you will find in many places. Price is 330 yen for 1 hour and goes up every hour. You can also do ChargeSPOT Pass if you know you will rent it more than 1 hour at a time. It is a monthly subscription (start from 1st of the month until the end of the month) and minimum monthly fee is 390 yen. The price for one rental will be 390 yen. Also it will be capped at 1950 yen a month, so if you know you will be renting many times, this would be more economical.
Comments