How to charge a Samsung Galaxy S4 when visiting Japan

Using micro USB Type B cable and a three pinned Type A power charger to charge a Samsung Galaxy S4 from a Japanese power outlet and how to power a Samsung Galaxy S4 using a three pinned Type B power charger.

Japanese power outlet

If you are packing for a vacation to Japan it's useful to know in advance if you'll be able to power any indispensable devices such as mobiles and tablets when you're there. By not knowing which power socket is used in Japan you are more likely to bring the wrong charger, therefore needing to purchase a suitable power adaptor when you need to recharge that could be incompatible. Differing standards and voltages can often cause confusion when planning to travel to another country especially to the first time traveller. These instructions have been written to stop you worrying if you'll be able to charge your Samsung Galaxy S4 abroad.This page contains a guide which shows exactly how to supply power to the Samsung Galaxy S4 when staying in Japan by using their types B or A 100 volt 60Hz power outlets, a majority of Japanese will typically use Type B wall outlets. If your Samsung Galaxy S4 charges slowly or does not power up when you are travelling to Japan from a different country please check that it is compatible with a 110 volt power supply. Typically devices which originate from another country which use a higher voltage such as 220 volts may take longer to charge or won't turn on, check that the device is dual voltage (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 somewhere like Tokyo or Yokohama we suggest reading the Japan National Tourism Organization Web Site [1] for more indepth information on travelling to the location.

We recommend referring to the Samsung Galaxy S4 instruction manual [2] for more information on the operation of the mobile phone and visit the Galaxy page for more phones by Samsung which will connect to the Japanese power outlet.

Charging a Samsung Galaxy S4 in Japan

Can the Samsung Galaxy S4 be used in Japan?

Yes, you can use a Samsung Galaxy S4 in Japan.

What is the best power charger for recharging a Samsung Galaxy S4 in Japan?

When travelling with more than just your Samsung Galaxy S4 the best travel power adapter for Japan is a multiple USB adapter which includes compatible plugs like a 4 port USB travel charger. Japanese use two different standards of power outlets (B and A) and using a power adapter like this ensures that you are covered for type A.

As these chargers are supplied with interchangeable plugs and can handle 100 to 240 volts it makes them ideal for multiple countries around the world simply by changing the supplied plugs. If your model of Samsung Galaxy S4 is compatible with Fast Charge then you'll benefit from much faster charging times with one of these types of USB power chargers, and compatibility with more power demanding devices.

Unlike other travel chargers this means you can recharge more than one device at once without needing to buy multiple power chargers. By only packing a single international USB travel charger will help keep the size and weight down, making it ideal to fold up and store in hand luggage. Because of their space saving flexibility these types of travel chargers can be used back at home so when you’re not travelling they can be used under your bedside table charging multiple tablets, smartphones and speakers without using up an additional power outlet.

For those travelling frequently we suggest buying this type of versatile power charger at your preferred electronics retailer; the multipurpose power charger illustrated below is the 4 Port USB Wall Charger which has been tested successfully for powering multiple USB devices in numerous different countries on a daily basis.

Alternative travel adapter for Japan

The 4 port USB travel charger is the most compact option for travellers from around the world wanting to recharge devices using USB, but for those also wishing to use their domestic plugs these power strips provide larger but more versatile solutions. All 3 power adapters offer surge protection which is crucial when visiting counties with unstable power grids. These power adapters come with interchangeable type C, I and G plugs which cover both Japan and over 150 destinations:

  • BESTEK Portable International Travel Voltage Converter - The BESTEK international travel adaptor has 4 USB charging ports with 3 AC power outlets and is the best selling compact power adapter for travellers originating from America going to Japan using type B American plug sockets.
  • ORICO Traveling Outlet Surge Protector Power Strip - Likewise having 4 USB ports but only 2 AC power outlets the Orico is also aimed at travellers originating from the US using type B plugs. This is a much cheaper alternative to the BESTEK with 1 less AC outlet at 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 power charger for recharging a Samsung Galaxy S4 in Japan?

Charging a Samsung Galaxy S4 from a Japanese power outlet by using a two pinned Type A USB adapter

Using Type B Micro USB connector with a three pin Type A USB charger to power a Samsung Galaxy S4 with a Japanese power outlet.

  1. To power the Samsung Galaxy S4 from a Japanese power outlet you'll 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 by plugging the Type A USB power plug adapter in the Japanese power outlet. This ungrounded wall outlet (technically known as a Type A power outlet [3]) is recognised by 2 adjacent slots where the live and neutral blades go.
  3. Connect one end of the micro USB Type B cable into the mains USB charger and the other end into the multipurpose jack on a Samsung Galaxy S4. You will find the multipurpose jack on the bottom of the Samsung located underneath the Home button.
  4. Turn on the Japanese power outlet.
  5. The battery icon which appears at the top corner of the Samsung Galaxy S4 screen will show a charging icon with dots underneath to indicate that the device is charging.
  6. If you are using the Samsung whilst charging it will take longer to completely charge the battery. [AD]
Charging a Samsung Galaxy S4 from a Japanese power outlet by using a two pinned Type A USB adapter

Charging a Samsung Galaxy S4 from a Japanese power outlet by using a 3 pinned Type B USB adapter

Using type B USB cable with a three pin Type B USB charger to recharge a Samsung Galaxy S4 from a Japanese power outlet.

  1. In order to power a Samsung Galaxy S4 from the Japanese power outlet you will need a Type B USB power plug adapter [7] and a USB 2.0 A Male to Micro B cable [5].
  2. First plug in the Type B USB power plug adapter in the power supply. You can recognise this wall outlet by the 2 thin slots adjacent to each other with a hole below for the longer ground pin.
  3. Then connect one end of the USB micro Type B connector into the bottom of the USB mains adapter and the other end into the multipurpose jack on a Samsung Galaxy S4. You will find the USB Micro connector on the bottom of the phone located underneath the Home button.
  4. Turn on the Japanese power outlet.
  5. The battery icon which appears at the top corner of the Samsung Galaxy S4 will show a charging icon with dots underneath to indicate that the device is charging.
  6. If you are using the Samsung Galaxy whilst charging it will take longer to fully charge the battery. [AD]
Charging a Samsung Galaxy S4 from a Japanese power outlet by using a 3 pinned Type B USB adapter

See also

  1. Japan - Japan National Tourism Organization Web Site
  2. Samsung - Samsung Galaxy S4 instruction manual
  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..