Staying charged while exploring Kanagawa is a must-have for navigation, photography, and communication. Fortunately, the prefecture offers a wide range of charging options — from free charging stations at major transport hubs to mobile battery rental services and cafe power outlets. This guide covers the best places to charge your devices across Kanagawa's main destinations.
Mobile Battery Rentals
The most convenient option for travelers is mobile battery rental services. Japan has two major providers — both widely available across Kanagawa:
ChargeSPOT
The most ubiquitous rental service, ChargeSPOT has stations at convenience stores (FamilyMart, Lawson, 7-Eleven), train stations, and tourist facilities across Kanagawa.
- How it works: Download the ChargeSPOT app (iOS/Android), scan the QR code on the rental station, and a battery pack is released. Return it to any ChargeSPOT station when finished.
- Cost: ¥330 for 24 hours (capped at ¥660 for 48 hours)
- Battery capacity: 10,000 mAh (enough to charge a typical smartphone 2–3 times)
- Cables: USB-C and Lightning cables built into the station; bring your own cable for older devices
- Locations in Kanagawa: Over 500 stations including Yokohama Station, Kamakura Station, Hakone-Yumoto Station, Kawasaki Station, and major convenience stores Explore Mt Fuji & Hakone on a full-day trip with sukiyaki lunch, Hakone Cruise, Ropeway & Shinkansen return
NTT Docomo Mobile Battery
Docomo's rental service is available at select stores and cafes, offering a slightly lower price point.
- Cost: ¥220 for 24 hours
- Locations: Docomo shops, some Starbucks locations, major electronics stores (Yodobashi Camera, Bic Camera)
- Return: Must be returned to a Docomo rental station (less flexible than ChargeSPOT)
Convenience Store Charging
In a pinch, most convenience stores in Japan have outlets available for customer use. Look for seats near the windows or a designated charging corner. FamilyMart and Lawson are the most likely to have accessible outlets. This service is free but limited to the duration of your visit to the store — purchase a drink or snack as a courtesy.
Free Charging Stations at Major Stations
Several major train stations in Kanagawa offer free charging areas: Yokohama Station:
- Central Passage near the East Exit: Four charging stations with USB ports (type-A and type-C), free for all passengers
- JR Ticket Gate area: Two charging tables with six seats each, located near the Shonan-Shinjuku Line entrance
- CIAL Yokohama shopping complex: Charging benches on the second floor near the food court
Kamakura Station:
- East Exit waiting area: Two charging stations with four USB ports each (free)
- Kamakura Tourist Information Center: Three seats with charging capability inside the center
Hakone-Yumoto Station:
- Station building second floor: Free charging table with six seats
- Hakone Tourist Information Center: Two USB charging ports available during opening hours Discover Mt Fuji's 5th Station, World Heritage Center & Owakudani volcanic valley on this scenic Hakone day trip
Kawasaki Station:
- Azalea shopping complex: Charging seats on the first and third floors
- LAZONA Kawasaki Plaza: Multiple charging areas in the food court and lounge spaces
Cafes with Power Outlets
If you need to sit down and charge while enjoying a drink, these Kanagawa cafes are known for readily available outlets:
Yokohama:
- Tully's Coffee (Minato Mirai): Most seats have nearby outlets, free Wi-Fi included
- Starbucks Reserve Roastery (Yokohama World Porters): Dedicated seating area with outlets, extensive drink menu
- Excelsior Caffè (near Yokohama Station): Counter seating with outlets
Kamakura:
- Cafe Recute (Komachi-dori): A quiet cafe near the main shopping street, outlets available at counter seats
- Sakura Cafe (near Kamakura Station): Known for English-friendly service and outlet-equipped seating
Hakone:
- Hakone Bakery and Table (Hakone-Yumoto): A comfortable cafe with free Wi-Fi, outlets, and excellent pastries
- Naraya Cafe (Miyanoshita): Hot spring-area cafe with power outlets at counter seats
Location
ChargeSPOT stations are concentrated at major transport hubs. The ChargeSPOT app includes a map showing nearby stations with real-time availability.
Budget Breakdown
| Option | Cost | Convenience | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| ChargeSPOT rental | ¥330/24hr | ★★★★★ | Heavy users, all-day charging |
| Convenience store outlet | Free | ★★★ | Quick top-up |
| Station charging area | Free | ★★★★ | Planned breaks |
| Cafe with outlet | ¥500–¥800 (drink) | ★★★ | Working/resting |
| Recommended | ¥330–¥660/day | ChargeSPOT for reliability |
Practical Charging Tips
- Bring your own cable: While ChargeSPOT stations have cables built in, having your own USB-C or Lightning cable (1 meter or longer) ensures compatibility and convenience.
- Power bank for backup: If you plan to be away from stations for extended periods (e.g., hiking in Hakone or exploring Kamakura's hills), bring a personal power bank. Electronics stores in Yokohama and Kawasaki sell compact 10,000 mAh power banks for ¥2,000–¥4,000.
- Voltage: Japan uses 100V, 50/60 Hz with Type A (flat two-pin) plugs. Most modern chargers accept 100–240V, but check your charger's label. If you need an adapter, most convenience stores sell universal travel adapters for ¥500–¥1,000.
- Emergency numbers: If your phone battery dies and you urgently need to contact someone, public phones (kōshū denwa) are still available at train stations and accept ¥100 coins or prepaid phone cards.
With these options — mobile batteries, station charging areas, and cafe outlets — staying powered up in Kanagawa is straightforward. A little advance planning (and the ChargeSPOT app) ensures you never miss a photo opportunity or navigation prompt.
⏰ Best Time to Visit
Early morning (8-10 AM): Peaceful atmosphere, fewer crowds, perfect for photos Late afternoon (4-6 PM): beautiful lighting, local life, less crowded than midday
What I Recommend
- Don't rush: Take your time to explore the side streets and hidden spots
- Talk to locals: They often know the best hidden gems that aren't in guidebooks
- Try the local specialties: Each area has its own unique food and souvenirs
Things to Watch Out For
- Some shops close on weekdays or have irregular hours
- Parking can be challenging during peak seasons
- Cash is still king at many smaller establishments
Yokohama Area
| Restaurant | Type | Official Website | Hours | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ringer Hat Yokohama | Ramen | 🔗 Official Website | 11:00-23:00 | ¥800-1,500 |
| Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse Cafes | Cafe | 🔗 Official Website | 10:00-20:00 | ¥1,000-2,000 |
Ringer Hat Yokohama
- 🏷️ Type: Ramen
- 🌐 Official Website: https://www.ringerhut.jp/
- 📞 Phone: +81-45-XXX-XXXX
- ⏰ Hours: 11:00-23:00
- 💰 Price: ¥800-1,500
- 📍 Area: Yokohama Station
- 📅 Reservation: Book a Table (recommended for weekends)
Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse Cafes
- 🏷️ Type: Cafe
- 🌐 Official Website: https://www.redbrick.or.jp/
- 📞 Phone: +81-Use the official Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) website for current visitor support options.
- ⏰ Hours: 10:00-20:00
- 💰 Price: ¥1,000-2,000
- 📍 Area: Minato Mirai
- 📅 Reservation: Book a Table (recommended for weekends)
Best Times to Visit
- Lunch: 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM (busiest, make reservations)
- Cafe: 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM (relaxed atmosphere)
- Dinner: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM (popular spots fill up quickly)
Payment Methods
- Credit Cards: Widely accepted at major restaurants
- Cash: Still preferred at smaller establishments and ramen shops
- IC Cards (Suica/Pasmo): Accepted at chain restaurants and cafes
Dietary Requirements
- Vegetarian options: Limited but available at larger restaurants
- Halal: Very limited, check in advance
- Allergies: Most restaurants can accommodate with advance notice
Useful Apps
- Tabelog: Japan's largest restaurant review site (English available)
- Google Maps: Check reviews and hours
- Omakase: Restaurant reservations
Conclusion
kanagawa charging spots offers a unique window into the diverse attractions of Kanagawa Prefecture. Whether you're drawn by history, nature, cuisine, or culture, this destination promises an authentic Japanese experience that will stay with you long after you've returned home.
