How to find a power outlet in a Tokyo cafe
My phone's at four percent and I'm lost in Shinjuku. Here's how I find a plug, fast (>_<)
Something that really surprised me when I first got here: a lot of Tokyo cafes just don't have outlets for customers, and the ones that do often keep them at only a few seats. It's not that anyone is being unfriendly. Space is tight, rent is high, and a lot of cafes would rather you enjoy your coffee and head off. So if your phone never quite survives the day like mine, it helps to know where to look.
Chains are the safe bet
When I need a plug fast, a big chain near a station is my best shot. But even then it varies, and this is the part people get wrong: most Starbucks in Japan have Wi-Fi but no outlets, and only a few do. Same story with the other chains. That's exactly why every cafe on the power outlets page is checked branch by branch, not just by brand.
Look for the counter seats
First thing I do walking in is glance at the long counter seats along a wall or window. In Japan that's usually where the outlets hide, often one per seat, sometimes with a little sign. If I can't spot them I just ask, it's totally normal. The word is konsento (Japanese for a power outlet), so a quick "konsento wa arimasu ka?" (do you have an outlet?) gets you a clear yes or no ^^
My backups: family restaurants and manga cafes
When the cafes let me down, Japan has two lifesavers. Family restaurants like Gusto, Jonathan's and Denny's almost always have outlets and Wi-Fi, they're cheap, and lots of them stay open really late. And the real secret weapon is the manga kissa (a manga and internet cafe with private booths), which has outlets, Wi-Fi, free drinks and a door that actually shuts. Both show up on the open late and 24-hour list, which is worth a look before you're actually stuck (・∀・)b
One little courtesy
When I do grab a plug, I try not to camp there all day, especially when it's busy. I order something, keep an eye on the room, and free up the seat when I'm done. It keeps the outlets free for the next traveller, and it keeps cafes willing to offer them at all.
Frequently asked questions
Do Tokyo cafes have power outlets?
Some do, but many do not, and availability varies even between branches of the same chain. Most Starbucks in Japan, for example, have Wi-Fi but no outlets, while a few do. Look for counter seats along walls, or check a branch-level listing before you go.
How do I ask for a power outlet in Japanese?
The word for outlet is konsento. You can ask "konsento wa arimasu ka?", which means "do you have an outlet?" Staff will point you to the right seats or let you know there are none.
Where can I charge my phone late at night in Tokyo?
Manga kissa (manga and internet cafes) and late-night family restaurants like Gusto and Jonathan's are open very late or 24 hours and reliably have outlets and Wi-Fi. See our open late and 24-hour cafes list.
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