Ocean & Air Freight Shipping From the United States to Japan

As two economic giants, the US and Japan trade partnership is one of the most significant and dynamic in the global scene. Both countries share a rich history of bilateral trade, encompassing a vast range of industries.

The US exports a wide array of goods to Japan, including machinery, advanced technology, and agricultural goods. In 2022, US exports to Japan amounted to $80.3 billion, up 7.7% from the previous year. Agricultural exports accounted for $14.9 billion, while arms and ammunition exports were valued at $269.6 million. 

If you need to ship goods from the US to Japan, here’s your complete guide to ocean and air freight shipping options, customs clearance, transit times, shipping costs, and more.

What Are the Options for Shipping Freight From the United States to Japan?

You can ship goods from the US to Japan using ocean freight or air freight. 

Ocean Freight From the United States to Japan

Ocean freight is the most common shipping mode from the US to Japan. Shippers like it because of its cost efficiency and flexibility. It allows them to ship any type of cargo they need to get to Japan, whether small, large, heavy, or light. Ocean freight offers two options for container shipping: less than container load (LCL) and full container load (FCL). 

LCL is used for small shipments. Here, goods are consolidated with cargo belonging to other shippers and shipped together in one container. Each shipper only pays for their cargo's space, making it economical for small goods. 

FCL, on the other hand, is used for larger shipping needs. The shipper rents the space in an entire container for their goods alone, giving them more space, control, and security for their shipment. Although expensive, it can provide good value for money if the space inside the container is maximized. 

Air Freight from the United States to Japan

The other way to ship goods from the US to Japan is by air. Air freight is the fastest mode of international transportation and the most secure, thanks to stricter airport regulations that guarantee cargo safety while in transit. 

However, it is more expensive and less flexible than ocean freight, and there are strict limits on what you can and cannot ship. 

How Much Does it Cost to Ship Cargo From the United States to Japan?

The cost to ship cargo from the US to Japan differs depending on the following factors: 

• Your choice of ocean or air shipping
• Your preference for door-to-door, port-to-port, port-to-door, or door-to-port shipment
• Your consignment’s weight, volume, and size
• Weight and size limits

To calculate your shipping costs, try our online freight costs calculator. The table below displays the current cost of shipping a standard 20-foot container from the United States to Japan:

How long does it take to ship cargo from the United States to Japan?

Shipping goods from the United States to Japan varies in transit time, primarily based on your international shipping mode. Additional factors impacting this include:

• The shipping season (peak or low)
• The directness of the shipment's route
• The popularity of the trade lane
• Geopolitical issues
• Potential incidents at ports

How long does it take to ship cargo by sea from the United States to Japan?

Ocean freight from the US to Japan will take around 15 to 50 days.

How long does it take to ship cargo by air from the United States to Japan?

Air freight is much faster, taking about 2 to 8 days to complete. 

For the most accurate estimate, we recommend using our transit time calculator.

Customs Clearance in the United States and Japan

Once your US goods land in a Japanese port or airport, they will undergo customs clearance. This requires that you prepare and submit the following documents: 

• A commercial invoice
• A packing list
• A certificate of origin
• A letter of credit or other payment terms (depending on the contract between the parties involved)
• A bill of lading for ocean freight or an Airway Bill for air freight

We have examples of each customs clearance requirement in our full documents list.

Should You Choose Ocean Freight or Air Freight?

Now it’s time to decide whether to ship by ocean or air. Here are some pointers to consider to help you make the right decision. 

Ocean Freight

Ocean freight is ideal if you value cost efficiency and flexibility. It can accommodate your budget and your shipping needs, regardless of what type of cargo you need to get to Japan. If you choose ocean freight, you must decide whether to ship via LCL or FCL. 

Considerations for LCL Freight Shipping

LCL might be right for you if your cargo is:

• Small in size and quantity 
• Lightweight
• Suitable for consolidation with cargo belonging to other shippers 
• Not delicate, fragile, or high-value 
• Not requiring special handling or movement 

Considerations for FCL Freight Shipping

FCL is ideal for cargo that is: 

• Large in size and quantity 
• Heavy or overweight
• Not suitable for consolidation with cargo belonging to other shippers 
• Delicate, fragile, or high-value 
• Requiring special handling or movement 

Air Freight

If time is of the essence, we recommend shipping by air. Air freight is the fastest mode of international transport, and it can get your goods from the US to Japan in 2 to 8 days. This makes it ideal for time-sensitive and perishable cargo. 

It’s also suitable for high-value goods because of its security, with stricter measures to help protect your cargo during handling and transit. 

However, remember that air freight is the most expensive way to ship goods overseas. It’s also quite limiting in terms of the nature, size, weight, and volume of your shipment. 

Ocean Cargo Port Guide

Cargo ports of origin in the United States

Port of Houston

The Port of Houston is the busiest in the United States by foreign waterborne tonnage. It has an extensive network of terminals and can handle a diverse range of cargo. It’s particularly focused on the handling of petroleum and petroleum products. 

Port of Savannah

The Port of Savannah is the largest single-terminal container facility in North America. It can handle heavyweight goods, including agricultural products, machinery, and cars. It’s one of the most important ports for trade between the US and countries in Asia. 

Port of Long Beach

The Port of Long Beach is a major trade gateway, ranking 21st among the busiest container ports in the world. It can handle a wide range of cargo types and is an important channel for US trade with Asian countries. 

Cargo ports of arrival in Japan

Port of Tokyo

The Port of Tokyo is one of the largest seaports in Japan and the Pacific Ocean. Its annual traffic capacity is 100 million tonnes of cargo and 4.5 million TEUs. The port boasts three container terminals and 15 berths. 

Port of Yokohama 

The Port of Yokohama is located in the City of Yokohama in Japan, opening onto Tokyo Bay. It is classified as an open port, which opened to foreign trade way back in 1859. It’s an important port for the import of technological materials. 

Port of Kobe 

The Port of Kobe is a Japanese maritime port located in Kobe, Hyōgo, in the Keihanshin area. It boasts 34 berths and covers a land area of 3.89 square kilometers. The port is within close proximity of the Hanshin Industrial Region.

Air Freight from the United States to Japan: An airport guide

Airports of origin in the United States

Los Angeles International Airport

The Los Angeles International Airport is one of the world's busiest and fourth-busiest cargo airports in the US. It handles over 2 million tonnes of cargo annually, making it a major hub for international trade. 

Miami International Airport

The Miami International Airport handles over 2 million tonnes of cargo per year. It boasts a network of 50 cargo carriers with direct flights to over 60 countries. It is equipped to handle a high volume of cargo traffic, with several significant warehouses and logistical facilities. 

Memphis International Airport

Memphis International Airport is the second busiest cargo airport in the United States. It serves as a major hub for FedEx, one of the world’s largest air cargo hubs, and its location makes it a strategic place for domestic shipments. 

Airports of arrival in Japan

Narita International Airport

The Narita International Airport, or Tokyo-Narita International Airport, is one of the two main international airports serving the Greater Tokyo Area. It is 60 kilometers east of Central Tokyo, Narita, Chiba. The airport handles over 2.3 million metric tonnes of cargo per year. 

Kansai International Airport

The Kansai International Airport, also known as Kankū, is the primary international airport that serves the Greater Osaka Area. It is the closest airport to Osaka, Kyoto, and Kobe. The airport handles over 782 thousand tonnes of cargo per year. 

Nagoya Chubu Centrair International Airport

The Nagoya Chubu Centrair International Airport is located on Ise Bay, Tokoname City, Aichi Prefecture, 35 kilometers south of Nagoya in central Japan. It spans 470 hectares and handles over 199,000 metric tonnes of cargo per year.