Charging the Kindle Fire when planning a trip to Japan

Instructions showing how to recharge a Kindle Fire from a Japanese power outlet with Type B micro USB connector and a 3 pin Type A power adapter and recharging a Kindle Fire using a 3 pin Type B power charger.

Japanese power outlet

If planning a vacation it's useful to know if you can power your essential electrical devices such as mobile phones and cameras when you reach your hotel. By not knowing which power socket is used you could pack the wrong power charger, leaving you having to purchase a potentially expensive charger when you need to recharge which might not be compatible and cause problems with your Kindle Fire. Various combinations of frequencies and standards can all be daunting when planning to stay in a foreign country especially for the first time traveller. This guide has been written to stop you having to worry if you'll be able to charge the Kindle Fire when you're going abroad.When you are planning a holiday to Japan this page contains useful instructions showing charging the Kindle Fire by using their standard B or A type Japanese 100 volt 60Hz power outlets, please note Type B plug outlets will be normally used by a majority of Japanese. If your Kindle Fire slowly recharges or doesn't turn on when travelling to Japan from a different country then check that it is compatible with a 110 volt power supply. Electrical devices which originate from a different country which use a higher voltage such as 240 volts can take longer to charge or won't power up, check that your Kindle Fire is dual voltage (you'll find these are normally marked with 100-240 volts) else you may need to use an additional power transformer to ensure proper use. If you intend to stay in a tourist destination such as Tokyo or Tsuen Wan we also suggest reading the Japan National Tourism Organization Web Site [1] for more details.

The following instructions show you how to connect the Japanese power outlet to your Kindle Fire. This page assumes that you have installed the most recent version of the Fire OS operating system for the Kindle tablet, but if not we recommend installing the most recent Kindle Fire firmware update which makes sure you have the most up-to-date set of features for your Kindle Fire. For further information visit Amazon for the Kindle Fire device support [2] .

Charging a Kindle Fire in Japan

Can you use a Kindle Fire in Japan?

You can use a Kindle Fire in Japan by using a power adaptor.

What is the best power adapter for a Kindle Fire in Japan?

When travelling with more than just your Kindle Fire and visiting more than one country the best international travel adapter for Japan is a multiple USB port charger which includes compatible plugs like a 4 port USB travel charger. There are two different types of power outlets that Japanese use (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 handle from 100 to 240 volts will mean you can travel to multiple countries around the world just by switching the supplied plugs over. If your type of Kindle Fire supports Fast Charge (please note not all USB devices will) then you'll benefit from faster charging times with one of these types of travel chargers, and additional support for more power demanding devices like tablets. Unlike other travel chargers this will allow you to power more than one device at once without needing to bring seperate travel chargers. By only bringing a single international travel charger will also keep the size and weight down, making it perfect to store in hand luggage while travelling. Because of their versatility these types of travel chargers can be used when you return home so when you’re not travelling they can sit overnight charging multiple smartphones and tablets with just a single power outlet.

For those travelling to Japan we suggest searching for this type of flexible travel charger online; the travel charger illustrated here is the 4 Port USB Wall Charger which has been successfully tested for powering multiple USB devices in numerous different countries around the world with perfect reliably.

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 Kindle Fire, but for those also wanting to use their domestic plugs the following power converters provide larger but more versatile solutions. All 3 power strips offer surge protection which can be crucial when visiting regions with unreliable or unstable power grids to prevent damage to any connected appliances. These travel adapters are supplied with interchangeable type C, I and G plugs covering Continental 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 power adapter for travellers originating from North America visiting 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. This gives practically the same functionality as 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 ideal for a majority of travellers from around the world visiting Japan. [8] [AD]
What is the best power adapter for a Kindle Fire in Japan?

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

Instructions showing how to recharge a Kindle Fire from a Japanese power outlet with Type B micro USB connector and a 3 pin Type A power adapter.

  1. In order to supply power to the Kindle Fire using the Japanese power outlet you will need to use a Type A USB power plug adapter [4] and a USB 2.0 A Male to Micro B cable [5].
  2. Begin the process by plugging the Type A USB power plug adapter into the Japanese power outlet. You can recognise this power supply by the two slots adjacent to each other for live and neutral.
  3. Plug in one end of the Type B USB Micro cable into the bottom of the USB charger and the other end into the USB charging port on a Kindle Fire.
  4. Switch on the Japanese power outlet.
  5. The battery icon which appears in the top corner of the Kindle screen will display a charging icon which indicates that the tablet is charging.
  6. It will take between roughly 4 hours to 12 hours to fully charge, however this is likely to be longer depending on the model of tablet you are using, the strength of the power and if you are using the tablet during the charging process. For further information please read the Kindle Fire device support [2] for more details on battery life and the recharging procedure. [AD]
How to use a Type A power charger for recharging your Kindle Fire from a Japanese power outlet

Powering a Kindle Fire with a Japanese power outlet by using a 3 pinned Type B USB adapter

Using USB Micro type B cord with a Type B USB charger to charge your Kindle Fire with a Japanese power outlet.

  1. To charge a Kindle Fire from a Japanese power outlet you'll need a Type B USB power plug adapter [7] and a USB 2.0 A Male to Micro B cable [5].
  2. Start by taking the Type B USB power plug adapter and plugging it in the wall supply. You can recognise this plug supply by the two slots adjacent to each other with a semicircle hole below for the earth pin.
  3. Then connect the USB end of the USB 2.0 A Male to Micro B cable into the USB charger and the other end into the USB charging port on a Kindle Fire.
  4. Switch on the Japanese power outlet.
  5. The battery icon which appears in the top corner of the Fire will display a lightning bolt icon to indicate that your device is charging.
  6. It takes between approximately 4 hours to 12 hours to completely recharge to full capacity but this may take longer depending on the type of Kindle Fire you have, the charger strength and if you are using the Kindle during charging. Please read the Kindle Fire device support [2] for more details on the recharging procedure. [AD]
Powering a Kindle Fire 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. Amazon - Kindle Fire device support
  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 2.0 A Male to Micro B cable - Used to connect USB devices which have a USB Mini-B port to computers, power supplies and other devices.
  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..