Recommendations for portable iPhone chargers for a trip with heavy phone usage?

When you’re traveling in Japan—especially if you rely heavily on your iPhone for navigation, translation apps, photos, and social media—battery life can drain fast. From my experience living here and traveling all over the country, having a reliable portable charger is more than a convenience; it’s almost a must-have.

Q: What kind of portable charger should I get for heavy iPhone use in Japan?

Honestly, the best and easiest option is to grab an Anker portable charger at a convenience store like 7-Eleven. It sounds surprising, but yes, Japan’s convenience stores stock high-quality, affordable chargers. The Anker chargers there usually cost about ¥1,000 (around $7 USD). They’re compact, reliable, and support USB-C charging, which is great for fast charging your iPhone.

I personally keep one in my bag whenever I’m out exploring. It’s easy to replace or buy extras since 7-Eleven and other convenience stores are everywhere—even in rural areas—so you’re never far from a power boost.

Q: What if I want to save even more money? Are cheaper options okay?

If you’re on a tight budget, I recommend checking out Japan’s 100-yen shops like Daiso. They carry basic portable chargers for just ¥100 (~$0.70 USD). There’s also a “300-yen shop” format that offers a bit more variety and sometimes better quality than the 100-yen stores.

While these cheaper options might not charge as fast or last as long as the Anker models, they’re surprisingly decent for emergency use. I’ve used a 100-yen charger myself a few times when I forgot to bring mine, and it got me through the day.

Q: Are these portable chargers easy to find outside big cities?

That’s one of the best things about Japan. Convenience stores like 7-Eleven, Lawson, and FamilyMart are in nearly every town, even smaller rural ones. They stock chargers, cables, and other electronic accessories.

So, if you run out of juice mid-trip, you can usually just pop into a nearby store and grab what you need. This accessibility is something I really appreciate as a local—it makes traveling here less stressful.

Q: Can I use these chargers for other devices besides iPhones?

Yes! Most portable chargers sold in Japan use standard USB or USB-C outputs, so they work with Android phones, tablets, Bluetooth headphones, and more. Just bring the right cable for your device.

Q: Any tips for charging while on the go in Japan?

One thing I’ve noticed is that Japanese cafés and public spaces often have power outlets, but they’re not always easy to spot or available for public use. Japanese people tend to charge their phones at home or work rather than in public.

Because of this, having a portable charger is key. Also, carrying a compact USB-C cable helps since many chargers at convenience stores support USB-C.

What Japanese People Actually Do

Most locals don’t fuss too much about carrying huge power banks. They usually have a modest portable charger or just charge their phones fully before leaving home. For heavy usage days, like festivals or sightseeing marathons, people rely on buying a charger at a convenience store if needed.

Practical Info Recap

• Where to buy: 7-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart convenience stores; Daiso and other 100-yen shops; 300-yen shops
• Price range: ¥100 (~$0.70 USD) to ¥1,000 (~$7 USD) for reliable Anker chargers
• Charging port: USB-C is common and best for fast charging
• Availability: Ubiquitous across Japan, including rural areas

Keeping a small, affordable portable charger from a convenience store is my personal recommendation for anyone visiting Japan with heavy phone use. It’s a simple solution that fits into everyday Japanese life and keeps your trip powered up without hassle.