Charging your iPad Mini 4 from a power outlet in Japan

Instructions showing you how to recharge your iPad Mini 4 with a Japanese power outlet using the USB Lightning Apple cable and a Type A USB charger and powering the iPad Mini 4 using a Type B USB plug.

Japanese power outlet

Varying different region codes and voltages can all be daunting when planning on visiting another country if you've never visited before. With only a handful of different types of plug sockets used in the world this article shows exactly what you'll need to pick up in advance to power your iPad Mini 4 . These instructions have been specifically written to prevent you worrying if you'll be able to charge the iPad Mini 4 abroad.When you are visiting Japan these instructions show charging the iPad Mini 4 by using their standard Type B or A 100 volt 60Hz wall outlets, most Japanese will use the Type B plug outlets. Power sockets vary depending on which region you are travelling to so we suggest reading the travel power supplies page for a complete list of regions and countries. If the iPad Mini 4 does not power up or charges slowly when visiting Japan from a different country then check that it is compatible with a 110 volt power supply. Devices which originated from another country which use a higher voltage such as 240 volts either take longer to charge or won't turn on, so check the device is dual voltage (usually indicated by 100-240 volts) otherwise you may need to use an additional transformer to ensure proper use. These instructions assume that you have installed Apple iOS 9 or greater on the iPad Mini 4.

Charging the iPad Mini 4 in Japan

Can the iPad Mini 4 be used in Japan?

Yes, you can connect the iPad Mini 4 to a Japanese power outlet.

What is the best power adapter for the iPad Mini 4 in Japan?

When travelling to more than one country or bringing more than just your iPad Mini 4 then the best travel charger for Japan to buy is a multiple USB port charger which includes compatible plugs like a 4 port USB travel charger. Japanese use two different types of power outlets (types B and A) and bringing this ensures that you are covered for type A.

Because these types of chargers are supplied with interchangeable plugs and can handle 100 volts - 240 volts it makes them ideal for over 100 countries around the world just by switching the supplied plugs over. If your iPad Mini 4 can support Fast Charge (not all USB devices will) then you'll benefit from faster charging times by using one of these USB travel chargers, plus additional support for more power hungry devices.

Unlike other adapters this will allow you to charge multiple devices at the same time without needing to pack multiple power adapters or occupying additional wall outlets. Because you are only needing a single USB travel charger will keep the size and weight down, making it perfect to store in hand luggage and on hand for recharging your iPad Mini 4 at an airport or on the flight. Due to their space saving flexibility these types of travel chargers can be used when back at home so when you’re not travelling they can sit under your bedside table charging multiple tablets and smartphones with just a single wall outlet.

We recommend buying this type of versatile travel charger at your preferred electronics retailer. The multipurpose power adapter illustrated here is the 4 Port USB Wall Charger which has been successfully tested for powering multiple USB devices in numerous countries around the world with good reliably.

Alternative travel adapter for Japan

The 4 port USB travel charger is the most compact option for travellers from any country who only have USB devices such as the iPad Mini 4, however for visitors also wishing to use their domestic plugs these power adapters provide larger but more versatile solutions. All three power converters offer surge protection which can be useful when visiting regions with unreliable or unstable power grids. These power converters come with interchangeable type C, I and G plugs which cover Europe, America, Australia, United Kingdom, Japan, China 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 most popular portable option for travellers originating from America going to Japan.
  • ORICO Traveling Outlet Surge Protector Power Strip - Similarly having 4 USB ports but only 2 AC power outlets the Orico is also aimed at travellers from the US using type B plugs and is a cheaper alternative to the BESTEK with only 1 less AC outlet for almost half the 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 suitable for a majority of travellers from around the world visiting Japan. [8] [AD]
What is the best power adapter for the iPad Mini 4 in Japan?

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

Instructions showing you how to recharge your iPad Mini 4 with a Japanese power outlet using the USB Lightning Apple cable and a Type A USB charger.

  1. To power your iPad Mini 4 using the Japanese power outlet you will need to use a Type A USB power plug adapter [4] and a USB to Apple Lightning cable [5] (the cable is typically already included with the device by Apple).
  2. Begin the process by plugging the Type A USB power plug adapter into the wall supply. This ungrounded plug supply (technically called the Type A power outlet [3]) can be recognised by 2 thin adjacent slots for live and neutral pins.
  3. Then connect the USB end of the USB to Apple Lightning cable into the mains power charger and the other end into the Lightning connector on the iPad Mini 4. The iPad Mini 4 lightning connector can be found at the bottom of the iPad Mini 4.
  4. Switch on the Japanese power outlet.
  5. The battery icon that you'll find in the top right hand corner of your iPad Mini 4 screen will display a charging icon to indicate that the iPad is powering up and takes around one to five and a half hours to fully recharge to full capacity. [AD]
Powering the iPad Mini 4 with a Japanese power outlet by using a 2 pinned Type A USB adapter

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

Using a USB Lightning Apple cable and a 3 pin Type B USB charger to charge your iPad Mini 4 with a Japanese power outlet.

  1. If you want to power the iPad Mini 4 using the Japanese power outlet you will need to use a Type B USB power plug adapter [7] and a USB to Apple Lightning cable [5] (the USB cable is normally already included with the device).
  2. Begin the process by taking the Type B USB power plug adapter and inserting it in the wall supply. You can identify the power supply by the two slots adjacent to each other for live and neutral blades with a hole below for the slightly long grounded pin.
  3. Connect the USB end of the Lightning cable into the bottom of the USB power adapter and the other end into the Lightning connector on the iPad Mini 4. The iPad Mini 4 lightning connector is situated at the base of the iPad Mini 4.
  4. Switch on the Japanese power outlet.
  5. The battery icon which appears in the top right corner of the tablet will display a charge icon to indicate that the iPad is recharging, typically taking between one-five and a half hours to recharge. [AD]
Powering the iPad Mini 4 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 - iPad Mini 4 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..