Anyone who has travelled this country knows that Japan is super convenient – convenience stores are always near, vending machines on every block and hotel amenities that mean you can leave your toiletries at home.

After a day spent taking photos at Hakone Shrine, and knowing I’d have little time for charging my camera batteries when I arrived in Nagoya, I simply plugged in my charger below the window next to my seat on the Hikari Shinkansen service. After the trip, which took a little over an hour, I had enough battery power for a few hours of photography in Nagoya.

Power charger on the N700 Series Shinkansen in Japan
NIKON D5200 (35mm, f/1.8, 1/30 sec, ISO800)
Onboard the N700 Shinkansen from JR Odawara Station heading to JR Nagoya Station

Remember these tips to charge your electronics while on the bullet train:

  • Buy a power adaptor if using electronics from other countries.
  • These outlets are found in most N700 Series Shinkansen and in the Green Cars of the newer E5 Hayabusa & E6 Super Komachi.
  • Get a window seat, as the outlets are at either end of each row, below the window.

Before arriving in Japan, be sure to order a JR Pass (if it’s worth it).