OVERVIEW

BEST SHIPPING ROUTES TO JAPAN

Japan is a major global import market, receiving significant volumes of raw materials, energy products and consumer goods through a network of highly efficient container ports. We connect businesses worldwide with the Japanese market through reliable, scheduled ocean and air freight services.

 

Compare your freight routes across major port pairs and gateways, with clear visibility of schedules and rates. We give you the information you need to plan and book your shipment to Japan.

 

We help businesses access competitive freight rates for Japan-bound cargo, supported by smart routing and strong carrier partnerships across all major inbound trade lanes.

Location

Reliable schedules 

Regular scheduled sailings from major ports in China, Australia, and Canada provide reliable connectivity to Japan’s key container terminals.

Multimodal logistics icon for DP World’s integrated ship and truck services

Multimodal solutions 

Smart routing across ocean, air and multimodal options means you can match the right mode to each shipment's urgency and budget.

icon - supplier costs

Manage costs effectively 

Transparent rate visibility and strong carrier partnerships help you control freight spend on one of the world's busiest trade corridors.

JAPAN ENTRY POINTS

EXPLORE SHIPPING ROUTES TO JAPAN

Japan is served by major container ports and international airports for inbound trade. These are among the most popular entry points for Japan-bound cargo. Speak to our freight specialists to find the route and port best suited to your shipment.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Learn more about shipping cargo to Japan, including transit times, customs processes, key ports, and how DP World delivers reliable, end-to-end supply chain solutions.

Japan's principal container ports for inbound trade are Yokohama, Osaka, Kobe and Nagoya. Yokohama handles the largest share of Japan's containerised imports. For air freight, Tokyo Narita (NRT) is Japan's primary international gateway for time-sensitive and high-value cargo.

Ocean freight transit times to Japan vary depending on the origin, destination port, carrier, and service. Shipments from major ports in China can typically take around 3 to 7 days, while cargo from Australia can take approximately 14 to 25 days. Shipments from Canada can take around 10 to 20 days from major West Coast ports, depending on the route and service. Transit times are indicative and may vary based on schedules and operating conditions.

Air freight to Japan typically takes between 1 and 5 days, depending on the origin, service, and customs requirements. Cargo from China can typically reach Tokyo Narita within 1 to 3 days, while services from Australia take approximately 2 to 4 days. Tokyo Narita is one of Japan’s major international air freight gateways, with extensive global connectivity through passenger and dedicated cargo services.

DP World serves Japan-bound cargo from origins worldwide, with scheduled services across every major global trade lane. Our freight forwarding, customs and supply chain services ensure your cargo moves efficiently to its final destination in Japan.

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GET A QUOTE FOR YOUR SHIPMENT TO JAPAN

Request a quote today and our freight specialists will build the right ocean, air or multimodal route for your cargo to Japan, with rates and schedules tailored to you.