Where to Charge Your Phone in Tokyo

Your phone is one of the most important things to keep charged while traveling in Tokyo. You may be using it all day for Google Maps, train routes, translation, mobile tickets, restaurant searches, and photos.

Fortunately, there are several places where you can charge your phone around Tokyo, even if you forget to bring a portable charger.

Convenience Stores

Convenience stores are everywhere in Tokyo, and many sell charging cables, adapters, and portable chargers.

Some larger convenience stores also have seating areas with electrical outlets, although availability varies by location.

If you need a quick solution, convenience stores such as 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, and Lawson are good places to check.

Keep in mind that outlets inside a convenience store are not automatically available for customer use. Only use outlets clearly provided for customers.

Cafés and Coffee Shops

Many cafés in Tokyo provide electrical outlets at some seats.

Large coffee shop chains are often the easiest places to find them, especially around major stations and business districts.

Look for outlets along counters, walls, or underneath tables.

Not every seat will have one, so check before ordering if charging your phone is your main reason for stopping.

Popular places to check include:

Starbucks
Tully’s Coffee
Doutor Coffee
Excelsior Caffé
Some McDonald’s locations

Charging is generally intended for paying customers, so order a drink or something to eat while using the facilities.

Train Stations

Some major train stations have charging facilities, lounges, cafés, or waiting areas where you may be able to charge your phone.

However, regular electrical outlets around stations are generally not for public use unless they are clearly marked as customer charging points.

At large stations such as Tokyo, Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Ueno, it may be easier to find a nearby café or commercial facility with charging options.

Shopping Malls and Department Stores

Large shopping centers and department stores sometimes provide charging stations or seating areas with electrical outlets.

You may also find cafés, restaurants, lounges, and coworking-style spaces inside these buildings where charging is available.

If your battery is running low while shopping, check the information desk or building directory for charging facilities.

Use a Mobile Battery Rental Service

One of the most convenient options in Tokyo is a mobile battery rental service.

ChargeSPOT battery rental stations can be found in many locations, including:

Convenience stores
Train stations
Shopping centers
Restaurants
Hotels
Entertainment facilities

You rent a portable battery, take it with you, and return it to a compatible ChargeSPOT location when you are finished.

This can be particularly useful if you do not want to sit in a café waiting for your phone to charge.

Availability and rental procedures can change, so check the current instructions and prices before using the service.

Internet Cafés

Internet cafés and manga cafés are another option if you need somewhere to sit and charge your devices.

Many provide electrical outlets, Wi-Fi, drinks, and private or semi-private seating.

You normally pay according to how long you stay, so this option makes more sense if you also want to rest for a while.

Your Hotel

Your hotel is usually the easiest place to fully recharge your phone and portable battery overnight.

Most hotel rooms in Tokyo have several electrical outlets, and many newer hotels also provide USB or USB-C charging ports.

If you forget your charging cable or adapter, ask the front desk before buying a new one. Some hotels have chargers available to borrow.

Can You Use Japanese Electrical Outlets?

Japan uses Type A plugs, which have two flat parallel pins.

The standard voltage is 100V.

Many modern phone chargers support 100–240V, so travelers from many countries only need a plug adapter. Check the voltage information printed on your charger before plugging it in.

Visitors from countries that already use Type A plugs may not need an adapter at all.

Buy a Portable Charger in Tokyo

If you expect to use your phone heavily during your trip, buying a portable charger can be easier than searching for outlets every day.

Portable chargers are widely available at:

Electronics stores
Convenience stores
Variety stores
Don Quijote

Large electronics stores in areas such as Shinjuku, Shibuya, Ikebukuro, and Akihabara usually have plenty of options.

Remember that lithium-ion portable batteries should generally be carried in your carry-on baggage rather than checked baggage when flying.

LOCAL TIP

Tokyo sightseeing can drain your battery surprisingly quickly. Maps, train apps, translation apps, photos, and mobile tickets may all be running throughout the day.

A small portable charger is one of the most useful things to carry, especially if you plan to spend the entire day away from your hotel.

If your battery is already very low, look for ChargeSPOT at a nearby convenience store or station rather than spending time searching for a free electrical outlet. It allows you to continue sightseeing while your phone charges.

And whenever you see an electrical outlet in a public place, don’t assume you can use it. In Japan, only use outlets that are clearly provided for customers.