Shipping from China to Japan
With the rapid development of global trade, the flow of goods between China and Japan is becoming more and more frequent, covering many fields such as electronic products, machinery and equipment, clothing, daily necessities, etc. With close geographical location, abundant routes and perfect logistics infrastructure, whether it is air, sea or express delivery, the timeliness and efficiency of exporting from China to Japan have significant advantages.
As a professional international freight forwarder, Ubest Shipping is committed to providing customers with one-stop logistics solutions from China to Japan, not only providing transportation services, but also covering customs clearance, warehousing, insurance, last-mile delivery and other value-added services. Whether you need full container shipping, LCL shipping, air freight, or door-to-door delivery, we can tailor the most suitable transportation plan according to the nature of the goods, transportation budget and timeliness requirements to ensure that the goods are delivered safely and quickly to major cities in Japan.
What can we do when shipping from China to Japan?
Sea freight FCL from China to Japan
- Shipping from China to Tokyo, Yokohama, Osaka and Kobe in Japan
- Reliable shipping schedule, on-time delivery, cheap freight
- Container Shipping: 20ft container, 40ft container, 40HQ container
Sea freight LCL from China to Japan
- Consolidate multiple shipments into one container
- Competitive freight rates based on cubic meters or tons
- Collect shipments from different suppliers in different cities
Air freight from China to Japan
- Our air freight service flies directly from major airports in China to Japan
- Quickly respond to market demand and offer competitive air freight prices
- It takes 2 to 5 days to air freight from China to Iraq
Express delivery service from China to Japan
- Express delivery from China to any city in Japan
- Super fast, 1 to 3 days to Japan
- Huge discounts on DHL, UPS, Fedex, TNT, EMS, SF Express
Door to Door Shipping from China to Japan
- Shipping from any city in China to the warehouse in Japan
- Including Japan customs duties and taxes (DDP/DDU)
- Charged per cubic meter or per kilogram
DDP Shipping from China to Japan
- Provide one-stop service from China to Japan warehouse
- DDP service, all tariffs and taxes included, reduce cost risks.
- Flexibly choose the mode of transportation to ensure the fast and safe arrival of goods.
Content Guidelines
Guide to Shipping from China to Japan
There are many logistics options for shipping from China to Japan, including sea freight, air freight, and express parcel services. Different modes of transportation are suitable for different types of goods and different time requirements, so it is critical to choose a reasonable one before shipping.
Generally speaking, bulk goods such as machinery and equipment, building materials, furniture, etc. are suitable for sea freight, which has the advantages of low freight and large loading capacity; while small batches of goods with high time requirements, such as electronic products, clothing, samples, etc., are recommended to choose air freight, and the transportation time is usually 2 to 5 days.
During the transportation process, preparing complete and accurate invoices, packing lists, contracts and other necessary documents is the basis for ensuring smooth customs clearance. In addition, according to the category of goods and Japanese import regulations, some special goods (such as food, medicine, and cosmetics) require additional licenses or certifications.
Ubest Shipping is a professional Chinese freight forwarding company that can assist you in formulating the best transportation plan based on the situation of the goods, and provide one-stop services from pickup, booking, customs declaration, transportation to customs clearance and delivery, helping you to transport goods from China to Japan safely and quickly.
What are the shipping methods from China to Japan?
Sea freight: Ocean freight is an affordable option from China to Japan if you are not in a hurry but need to ship a large amount of goods. Ocean freight is slower but can handle large quantities of goods and is the preferred choice for bulk shipments. Delays may occur due to weather or port issues, but ocean freight is a reliable and affordable mode of transportation.
Air freight: This is the fastest mode of transportation from China to Japan and is ideal for time-sensitive situations. It is particularly suitable for items that need to be delivered quickly, such as fresh food or expensive electronics. Although it is more expensive than other methods, it is chosen for its speed and reliability.
Express delivery: Express delivery is a fast and safe mode of transportation suitable for urgent and small quantities of goods. It is faster than ocean freight and can be tracked in real time, but it costs more and has size and weight restrictions. If you want to send an important item quickly, this may be your best option.
Door-to-Door (DDP) service: This is the most worry-free way to ship from China to Japan. The shipping company will take care of everything from pickup to delivery, including customs formalities. This service gives you peace of mind and convenience, but the cost may be slightly higher.
Sea Freight from China to Japan
Sea freight is the most widely used mode of transportation from China to Japan, mainly suitable for the transportation of large quantities of goods and heavier products. There are usually two options: full container (FCL) and less than container (LCL), depending on the volume and quantity of the goods.
It takes about 7 to 15 days from major Chinese ports (such as Shanghai, Ningbo, and Shenzhen) to major Japanese ports (such as Tokyo Port, Osaka Port, and Nagoya Port). The routes are dense, the schedule is stable, and the transportation cost is relatively low.
For full container transportation (FCL), customers can enjoy a 20-foot or 40-foot container alone, which is suitable for export projects with large cargo volumes; while less than container (LCL) is suitable for cargo with less than a full container, and multiple shippers share a container, which effectively saves costs.
In the process of sea transportation, reasonable arrangement of cargo packaging, correct declaration of cargo name and customs code, and advance understanding of the customs clearance requirements of the destination port are all key to ensuring smooth transportation. Ubest Shipping can provide you with professional booking, packing, reinforcement, customs declaration and customs clearance services to ensure that your goods arrive in Japan quickly and safely.
Major ports in Japan
Port of Tokyo:
Japan’s largest port, the main gateway for goods entering the Japanese market.
Port of Yokohama:
Located near Tokyo, it is one of Japan’s busiest ports, especially for containerized cargo.
Port of Osaka:
An important hub for international and domestic shipping, catering to a wide range of cargo.
Port of Kobe:
Excellent for handling all types of cargo, including special cargo.
Port of Nagoya:
An important port for the automotive and manufacturing industries, vital to trade between China and Japan.
Air Freight from China to Japan
Air freight is the fastest way to connect China and Japan, especially suitable for goods with high timeliness and high value, such as electronic products, fashion clothing, medical equipment, etc. Generally, air freight can reach major airports such as Tokyo, Osaka, and Fukuoka in just 2 to 5 days.
China’s major air freight export cities include Guangzhou, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Hong Kong, etc. There are a large number of flights to major airports in Japan every day, with frequent flights and sufficient space. When choosing air freight, pay special attention to the airline’s requirements for single piece size, weight and packaging method to avoid delays due to irregular packaging.
Air freight costs are usually charged according to the volume weight of the goods (the larger value of the actual weight and the volume weight), so optimizing packaging and reducing invalid volume is also an effective way to control costs.
Ubest Shipping has stable airline cooperation resources, which can provide customers with high-quality air freight space and preferential prices, and assist in completing export customs declaration and destination customs clearance to ensure that the goods reach customers efficiently.
Major International Airports in Japan
As the world’s third largest economy, Japan has a well-developed airport system, mainly including:
Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND): Located close to the capital, Haneda Airport is one of the busiest airports in the world and an important hub for international air cargo.
Tokyo Narita Airport (NRT): As Japan’s main international airport, Narita Airport handles a large amount of air cargo and provides extensive connections to major cities.
Osaka Kansai International Airport (KIX): With a strategic geographical location, the airport serves the Kansai region, including cities such as Osaka, Kobe and Kyoto.
Nagoya Chubu Centrair International Airport (NGO): Due to Nagoya’s manufacturing base, the airport is an important airport for cargo transportation, especially for the automotive industry.
Fukuoka Airport (FUK): Serving the southwestern region of Japan, the airport is crucial for both domestic and international air freight operations.
Shipping costs from China to Japan
Shipping costs from China to Japan vary greatly, mainly depending on whether you choose air or sea freight. Air freight costs usually range from $3 to $7 per kilogram, while sea freight costs range from $600 to $1,800 for a 20-foot container and rail freight costs range from $800 to $2,500 for a 40-foot container. You can refer to the table below:
| Shipping Method | Shipping From China to Japan (Cost) |
|---|---|
| Sea Freight (20ft Container) | Approx. USD 750 for a 20ft container |
| Sea Freight (40ft Container) | Approx. USD 1,250 for a 40ft container |
| Sea Freight (LCL) | Approx. USD 50 per cubic meters (m3) |
| Air Freight | Approx. USD 400 for 100kg |
| Door to Door Shipping | Air Freight USD 4 to 8 per kgs Sea Freight USD 80 – 200 per m3 |
| DDP Air Freight | Approx. USD 4 to 8 per kgs |
| DDP Sea Freight | Approx. USD 80 to 250 per cbm (m3) |
| Express Shipping | Approx. USD 10 per Kgs |
Cost of shipping 20ft and 40ft containers from China to Japan
The cost of container shipping from China to Japan depends on a variety of factors, including the type of container you use (20ft, 40ft, 40 HQ) and fluctuating freight rates. Below is a list of the cheapest prices for 20ft and 40ft containers (FCL) from major Chinese ports to Tokyo, Japan for a variety of cargoes.
| Container Shipping Routes | Container Type | Sea freight rates from China to Japan |
| Shanghai, China – Tokyo, Japan | 20ft container FCL | Average Rates: $750 20FT |
| 40ft container FCL | Average Rates: $1050 40FT | |
| Shenzhen, China – Tokyo, Japan | 20ft container FCL | Average Rates: $650 20FT |
| 40ft container FCL | Average Rates: $1000 40FT | |
| Ningbo-Zhouhsan, China – Tokyo, Japan | 20ft container FCL | Average Rates: $850 20FT |
| 40ft container FCL | Average Rates: $1250 40FT | |
| Hongkong, China – Tokyo, Japan | 20ft container FCL | Average Rates: $750 20FT |
| 40ft container FCL | Average Rates: $1150 40FT | |
| Guangzhou, China – Tokyo, Japan | 20ft container FCL | Average Rates: $950 20FT |
| 40ft container FCL | Average Rates: $1250 40FT | |
| Qingdao, China – Tokyo, Japan | 20ft container FCL | Average Rates: $750 20FT |
| 40ft container FCL | Average Rates: $1250 40FT | |
| Tianjin, China – Tokyo, Japan | 20ft container FCL | Average Rates: $850 20FT |
| 40ft container FCL | Average Rates: $1350 40FT | |
| Dalian, China – Tokyo, Japan | 20ft container FCL | Average Rates: $950 20FT |
| 40ft container FCL | Average Rates: $1450 40FT | |
| Xiamen, China – Tokyo, Japan | 20ft container FCL | Average Rates: $1000 20FT |
| 40ft container FCL | Average Rates: $1500 40FT | |
| Yingkou, China – Tokyo, Japan | 20ft container FCL | Average Rates: $1050 20FT |
| 40ft container FCL | Average Rates: $1650 40FT |
Air Freight Cost From China To Japan Per KG
Air freight from China to Japan is about 3-7 USD per kg. Air freight is calculated based on the chargeable weight (actual weight or volumetric weight). The heavier the cargo, the cheaper the cost per kg. The following table shows the reference cost of shipping 100 kg of electronic products from China to Japan:
| Origin (China) | Destination (Japan) | Cost (USD/kg) |
|---|---|---|
| Shanghai | Tokyo | $4.50 |
| Guangzhou | Osaka | $4.70 |
| Beijing | Nagoya | $4.80 |
| Shenzhen | Fukuoka | $4.90 |
How long does it take to ship from China to Japan?
The sea freight time from major ports in China to Japan is usually 7 to 15 days, depending on the departure port, route and port congestion in both countries. Air freight takes 2-5 days. The final transportation time may vary due to factors such as space availability, congestion, weather, etc.
Sea Freight time from China to Japan:
| Port of Loading (China) | Port of Destination (Japan) | Transit Time |
|---|---|---|
| Shanghai | Tokyo | 6-12 days |
| Shenzhen | Osaka | 7-13 days |
| Ningbo | Yokohama | 6-13 days |
| Xiamen | Nagoya | 8-15 days |
| Tianjin | Kobe | 8-15 days |
Air Freight time from China to Japan:
| Origin (China) | Destination (Japan) | Transit Time |
|---|---|---|
| Shanghai | Tokyo | 2-4 days |
| Guangzhou | Osaka | 2-5 days |
| Beijing | Nagoya | 2-4 days |
| Shenzhen | Fukuoka | 3-5 days |
Door to Door Shipping from China to Japan
Door to Door Shipping from China to Japan is a time-saving and labor-saving full-process logistics service suitable for export companies or individuals who want to simplify operations and focus on their main business. The entire process includes door-to-door pickup, export customs declaration, international transportation, import customs clearance and final delivery to the consignee.
Whether you choose sea freight or Air Freight from China to Japan, Ubest Shipping can provide you with a complete door-to-door solution and select the most suitable transportation method and delivery service provider according to the characteristics of the goods.
Through the Door to Door Shipping from China to Japan service, customers do not need to deal with complicated export procedures and customs clearance procedures in person, which greatly reduces communication costs and time costs. It is especially suitable for small-volume, high-frequency e-commerce sellers or first-time export companies.
The door-to-door method can be divided into two types: DDP and DDU, as follows:
- Delivery Duty Paid (DDP): DDP is a worry-free and labor-saving delivery method. The seller is fully responsible for shipping the goods to Japan, including all duties, taxes, and customs clearance fees. This option ensures a smooth and worry-free experience for the buyer, as all costs and responsibilities are borne by the seller.
- Delivered Duty Unpaid (DDU): Under DDU terms, the seller is responsible for shipping the goods to Japan, but the buyer is responsible for paying duties, taxes, and customs clearance fees when the goods arrive. This option can save some costs for the seller, but requires the buyer to handle local customs matters and pay additional fees.
DDP Shipping from China to Japan
DDP shipping means that the seller bears all shipping, insurance, tariffs and import handling costs until the goods are delivered to the buyer’s designated location. This method is very popular, especially in B2C e-commerce exports and small-volume exports.
Using the DDP shipping mode, buyers do not need to worry about customs clearance and tax payment issues, which greatly improves customer experience and helps to improve order conversion rate and customer satisfaction.
DDP service is applicable to various modes of transportation such as sea, air, and express delivery. Ubest Shipping can tailor DDP service solutions for customers, covering export customs declaration, international transportation, import customs clearance, payment of tariffs and last-mile delivery.
It is worth noting that the tariff rates and import regulations of different goods are different, and relevant documents must be prepared in advance. Ubest Shipping can assist customers in pre-reviewing information to ensure a smooth and worry-free DDP transportation process.
Our team is familiar with Japan’s customs clearance policies and can efficiently handle various customs clearance issues. At the same time, we arrange reliable local delivery at the destination to ensure that the goods are delivered smoothly and safely to the final buyer.
Shipping from China to Japan is very suitable for Amazon FBA merchants.
Customs Clearance and Duties from China to Japan
When exporting goods from China to Japan, the customs clearance process and tax regulations must be strictly followed. The Japanese customs is very meticulous in reviewing imported goods and requires complete documents to accompany the goods.
Customs clearance documents in Japan:
- Commercial invoice: A detailed invoice provided by the seller that lists the value of the goods.
- Bill of lading or airway bill: Proof of shipment provided by the carrier.
- Packing list: A comprehensive list that details the contents of the goods.
- Certificate of origin: A document that proves the country of origin of the goods.
- Import license: Certain restricted or regulated items require an import license.
Japan adopts the HS coding system, and different categories of goods correspond to different tariff rates. Usually, the tariffs for daily consumer goods are relatively low, but some special categories (such as food, cosmetics, and medical devices) may require prior import licenses.
Generally speaking, goods with a value below a certain amount can enjoy simplified customs clearance procedures, but basic documents must still be submitted and consumption tax (currently 10%) must be paid in accordance with the law.
Freight forwarder from China to Japan
Shipping from China to Japan, choosing an experienced and professional Chinese freight forwarder is the key to ensure smooth transportation and reduce transportation costs. Ubest Shipping has been deeply involved in Sino-Japanese logistics for many years, with extensive airline and ship resources and local customs clearance network, and can flexibly respond to various transportation needs.
We not only provide standardized sea and air transportation, but also customize flexible logistics solutions according to customers’ special requirements, including warehousing, packaging, labeling, sorting, one-piece delivery and other value-added services.
Whether you are exporting bulk goods or small batch e-commerce orders, we can arrange a cost-effective and time-guaranteed transportation plan for you to help your business expand into the Japanese market.
If you are looking for a reliable, efficient and responsive logistics partner, Ubest Shipping will be your ideal choice.
FAQ: Shipping from China to Japan
It usually takes about 7 to 15 days to ship from major ports in China (such as Shanghai, Ningbo, and Shenzhen) to major ports in Japan (such as Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya). The specific time depends on the distance between the departure port and the destination port, as well as the route arrangement. If it is a less than container load (LCL) cargo, additional time for collection and unpacking needs to be reserved.
Air freight from China to Japan is very fast, and it usually takes 2 to 5 working days to complete the transportation. For example, flights from Guangzhou or Shanghai usually take off on the same day and arrive in Tokyo or Osaka the next day. If you choose an economy flight, the time may be slightly longer, but the cost is relatively better.
If your cargo volume is large (for example, more than 1 cubic meter or more than 500 kilograms) and the timeliness requirement is not high, sea freight is more cost-effective and the transportation cost is much lower than air freight; however, if the cargo value is high, the volume is small or the timeliness is urgent (such as samples, electronic products, etc.), air freight is more preferred.
Air freight is generally charged according to the larger value of the actual weight and the volume weight (length × width × height ÷ 6000); sea freight is charged according to the volume of the cargo (CBM), LCL is charged per cubic meter, and FCL is charged per 20-foot or 40-foot container. In addition, depending on different ports and airlines, the cost may fluctuate during the peak season.
DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) transportation service covers picking up goods from Chinese factories, export customs declaration, international transportation, Japanese import customs clearance, payment of tariffs, and final local delivery. Customers do not need to bear any customs clearance or tax risks, and all procedures and fees are handled by Ubest Shipping in one stop. It is especially suitable for cross-border e-commerce sellers and small-volume exporters, saving a lot of manpower and time costs.
Ubest Shipping’s sea freight LCL service generally supports a minimum of 1 cubic meter, and air freight starts at a minimum of 45 kilograms. For customers with small-volume shipments, we can flexibly arrange LCL and LCL transportation, and provide appropriate packaging, warehousing and delivery services to ensure that your small-volume goods can also arrive in Japan efficiently and at a low cost.
Of course! Ubest Shipping provides a complete door-to-door transportation service, including DDU (delivered duty unpaid) and DDP (delivered duty paid) options. From picking up goods from the Chinese factory to the designated warehouse of the Japanese customer, we handle the entire transportation, customs clearance and distribution process in one stop, so that you can focus on business expansion without any worries.