It's always a bit worrying when your smartphone battery is running low while traveling or out and about. In such situations, you can make use of a mobile battery rental service called "CHARGESPOT." Convenience stores, shopping centers, train stations, airports, and other locations are equipped with CHARGESPOT stations. You can rent a mobile battery by completing the process using the dedicated app or a smartphone payment app.
This article explains how to use CHARGESPOT, its fees, where you can rent and return batteries, and more. We will also introduce other ways to get a mobile battery for your smartphone in Japan.
*If you purchase or reserve products introduced in this article, a portion of the sales may be returned to FUN! JAPAN.
CHARGESPOT Fees and Payment Methods
With CHARGESPOT, you can choose between a pay-as-you-go plan, where the fee depends on the rental time, and a subscription plan called "CHARGESPOT Pass," where the fee is based on the number of rentals. Both plans support payment by credit card or smartphone, and recently, you can rent without the dedicated app.
CHARGESPOT Fees｜Just ¥165 for under 30 minutes
If you only need to use it occasionally, such as while traveling, the pay-as-you-go plan based on rental time is recommended. The rental fees are as follows:
- Under 30 minutes: 165 yen
- 30 minutes to under 1 hour: ¥330
- 1 hour to under 3 hours: ¥430
- 3 hours to under 6 hours: ¥500
- 6 hours to under 12 hours: ¥570
- 12 hours to under 24 hours: ¥640
- After that: +360 yen per 24 hours
- Total charge if penalty applies: ¥4,080 (*including a ¥2,000 penalty)
*Some battery stands are not included.
*If the mobile battery is lost or damaged, a compensation fee of ¥4,080 will be charged.
One of the main features is the affordable rental fee, such as 165 yen for under 30 minutes and 330 yen for 30 minutes to under 1 hour. It's perfect for short-term use, like while taking a break at a café.
Also, if you want to rent for half a day—such as borrowing it in the morning and returning it on your way home—you only need to pay ¥640 for 12 to under 24 hours. After that, it costs 360 yen for each additional 24 hours, and you can rent for up to 120 hours. However, if you keep it overnight, the battery will likely be depleted by the next day. Based on my own experience, when I rented a CHARGESPOT mobile battery in the morning with my smartphone almost out of charge and used it while out, the mobile battery was depleted by the time I headed home.
If you plan to rent for more than an hour, it's more economical to subscribe to the flat-rate "CHARGESPOT Pass." The plan starts at ¥390 per month, and ¥390 is added for each use. From the sixth time onward, the fee does not increase, and the maximum monthly fee is 2,340 yen, so if you know you'll be renting several times a month, it's best to sign up for the flat-rate plan from the start. However, registration requires the "CHARGESPOT" app and only supports credit card payments.
Please note that for all plans, a fee of ¥4,080 will be charged if the mobile battery is lost or damaged.
CHARGESPOT Payment Methods｜Supports Contactless Credit Card Payments
ayment methods available with CHARGESPOT include credit cards, d-Barai, SoftBank Carrier Billing, au Kantan Kessai, AEON Pay, Alipay, Apple Pay, PayPay, Merpay, WeChat Pay, Paidy (buy now, pay later), and Rakuten Pay (for payments of ¥100 or more).
When using debit cards, prepaid cards, Apple Pay, AEON Pay, d-Barai app, WeChat Pay, Merpay, or UnionPay, a temporary deposit hold will be placed. After the rental is completed, only the amount used will be charged from the held deposit, and the remaining balance will be refunded.
Registration or changes to your payment method must be made in the “CHARGESPOT” app before renting. For travelers visiting from overseas, these settings can be troublesome, and there may be cases where your smartphone is out of battery and you can't launch the app. In such situations, the new model that supports credit card contactless and chip payments is very convenient. Even if you haven't installed the app, you can easily rent a battery by simply tapping or inserting your credit card into the terminal.
As of March 10, 2026, these terminals have been installed at about 130 locations nationwide. Supported cards are Visa, Mastercard, JCB, American Express, and Diners Club. There are plans to expand to areas with many international visitors, such as airports, train stations, commercial facilities, and tourist spots.
How to Use CHARGESPOT｜How to Return & Where to Rent
If you are not using the new model of ChargeSPOT, you will need the CHARGESPOT dedicated app or a smartphone payment app to use the service.
Beforehand, install the app you wish to use for payment on your smartphone, such as the CHARGESPOT app, PayPay app, d-Barai app, au PAY app, LINE app, WeChat app, App Clip, UnionPay app, or Alipay app.
How to Rent with CHARGESPOT｜Just Scan the QR Code with the App!
To rent using the dedicated app, scan the QR code on the battery stand with your smartphone's camera app or the QR code reader in the CHARGESPOT app. Next, select your payment method. Then simply take the mobile battery from the stand to start your rental.
If you are using a model that supports credit card payments, simply press "RENT" on the rental device screen and tap your card to rent. Please note that if your smartphone is out of battery, you cannot rent from terminals that do not support credit card payments.
How to Return with CHARGESPOT｜You Can Return It Anywhere
To return, simply insert the mobile battery into an empty slot at a nearby battery stand. You can search for spots with available slots using the app. Once you insert the battery into the slot, the return is complete. You can return it to a different battery stand from where you rented it, so you can rent while out and about and return it near your accommodation, for example.
CHARGESPOT Locations｜About 59,000 Stations Nationwide
CHARGESPOT is a service with approximately 59,000 stations installed across all 47 prefectures of Japan, and it is also expanding globally to regions such as Hong Kong, Taiwan, China, Thailand, Singapore, Macau, Australia, and Italy.
You can rent them at various locations including convenience stores, shopping malls, train stations, and airports. They are also available inside Tokyo Disney Resort and Universal Studios Japan, as well as theme parks such as PokéPark Kanto, which opened on February 5, 2026, so you can charge your devices while moving around the park. In addition, almost all convenience stores in tourist areas are equipped with them.
However, please note that you cannot rent a mobile battery if none are available. You can check the nearest installation locations on the official CHARGESPOT website or the dedicated CHARGESPOT app, so it’s a good idea to check in advance before heading out.
👀Is there a CHARGESPOT nearby? Check here
Recommended Shops to Buy Mobile Batteries
If you rent a mobile battery multiple times during your trip, the costs can add up. If you feel that renting is a waste, purchasing one while you’re out is also recommended.
The main shops where mobile batteries are sold include the following:
Don Quijote
Don Quijote is a great place to shop thanks to its low prices and wide selection. Many stores are open 24 hours, so you can buy one anytime, which is something many other stores don’t offer. You can also buy souvenirs like snacks and miscellaneous goods all at once, which is another feature unique to Don Quijote.
In particular, the Shinjuku Southeast Exit Annex in Tokyo, the Shijo-dori store in Kyoto, and the Kokusai-dori Kumoji store in Okinawa are especially recommended for foreign tourists because they are inbound-focused stores where tax-free procedures are smooth.
👉Get a great tax-free coupon for Don Quijote!
Electronics Retailers
At major electronics retailers such as Bic Camera, Yodobashi Camera, and Yamada Denki, you can purchase genuine products from major manufacturers. It’s also reassuring that you can consult with knowledgeable staff when making your purchase.
👉Get a great tax-free coupon for Bic Camera!
100 Yen Shops
You can also buy mobile batteries at 100 yen shops such as DAISO, Seria, and Can Do. Although they are 100 yen shops, mobile batteries are sold for around 1,000 yen, and you can also find smartphone charging cables and earphones.
Important Points When Buying a Mobile Battery｜Checked Baggage on Planes is Not Allowed!
If you purchase a mobile battery, please be careful about how you handle it when flying. For both domestic and international flights, you must bring it on board as carry-on luggage; checked baggage is prohibited. There is no limit to the number of batteries you can bring if each is under 100Wh (about 27,000mAh), but for those between 100 and 160Wh (about 43,000mAh), you are limited to two. Batteries over 160Wh are not allowed on board.
You must keep the item within reach, such as in your seat pocket, where you can always check its condition, rather than storing it in the overhead compartment. If the capacity is not clearly indicated on the product, it may be confiscated, so please check in advance.
Additionally, from April 2026, the use and charging of mobile batteries brought on board will be prohibited, and you will only be allowed to bring up to two units with a capacity of 100Wh or less.
Check These Points to Avoid Running Out of Battery While Out or Traveling!
To avoid running out of battery on your smartphone while out or traveling within Japan, it’s a good idea to install the “CHARGESPOT” app in advance. Also, be sure to carry a credit card that is compatible with payments on CHARGESPOT. For extra peace of mind, it’s also a good idea to check in advance which convenience stores and other locations offer mobile battery rentals. If you’re considering purchasing instead of renting, look up stores like Don Quijote, electronics retailers, or 100-yen shops as well.
Say goodbye to battery anxiety and enjoy your trip with peace of mind!
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