Best International Moving Companies to Japan (2026)

Shipping Your Belongings to Japan: How to Choose a Mover

An international move to Japan from Europe or North America takes 4 to 8 weeks by sea, or 5 to 10 days by air. Japanese customs rules are strict, paperwork is significant, and lead times are often underestimated. This guide gives you what you need to select the right provider and avoid the most common mistakes.

The Main International Movers Operating to Japan

Crown Relocations

Crown is one of the global leaders in corporate relocation and operates one of the largest Japan-specific networks. Their service is end-to-end: professional packing, ocean or air freight, Japanese customs clearance, delivery and assembly.

Strengths: complete all-inclusive service, bilingual coordinators, full insurance options, deep Japan experience.

Estimated cost: 3,000 to 8,000 USD for a 50 to 80 sqm apartment by sea (20 to 30 cubic metres).

Asian Tigers Japan

Asian Tigers specialises in international relocation across Asia. Their pricing is typically 10 to 20% below Crown with comparable service quality.

Strengths: competitive pricing, strong English-language customer service, experienced customs clearance team in Japan.

Nippon Express International

Nippon Express is Japan's dominant logistics operator. Their advantage: unmatched last-mile delivery network across Japan, including rural areas.

Best for: expats who want to ship belongings before arrival and receive them reliably anywhere in Japan.

Yamato Transport (International Takkyubin)

For small volumes, Yamato offers international parcel shipping (TA-Q-BIN International) from many countries. Practical for clothes, books and electronics without heavy furniture.

Sea Freight vs Air Freight

Most expats use a hybrid approach: essential items by air (checked luggage or air freight) and the bulk by shared sea container (LCL).

Japanese Customs Rules

What enters duty-free: personal used effects, clothing, books, personal computers. No value limit for genuinely used personal belongings.

What is taxed: new electronics, alcohol above quotas, some food items.

What is prohibited: certain medications that are legal in other countries (including some ADHD medications, certain antihistamines, and products containing pseudoephedrine). Verify your medications against Japan's restricted list before shipping.

Customs certificate: to benefit from the duty exemption on personal effects, you need documentation confirming your resident status in Japan (visa, residence card or consular letter).

Practical Timeline

3 months before: request quotes from at least 3 providers. Book your sea freight slot as early as possible, especially for June-September departures (peak corporate relocation season).

6 weeks before: prepare a detailed inventory list (required by Japanese customs). Sort and sell or donate anything not worth the shipping cost.

4 weeks before: professional packing if included in your contract. Otherwise, begin packing low-priority rooms.

On arrival: your mover handles customs clearance, but you or an authorised representative must be present for delivery. Confirm elevator access or notify your landlord in advance for large items.

Estimated Total Cost for Different Move Sizes

Costs above include packing, transport, customs clearance and delivery. Insurance is typically quoted separately at 0.5 to 1% of declared value.

What to Leave Behind

Japanese apartments are significantly smaller than European or American homes. A 3LDK (three-bedroom) Japanese apartment is approximately 75 to 90 sqm. European sofas, beds, and wardrobes often do not fit through Japanese doorways or elevators. Many expats store or sell large furniture rather than ship it.

See our Tokyo neighbourhoods guide for typical apartment layouts by area, and our furnished apartment guide if you prefer to arrive and find a ready-to-live-in space.

FAQ

Do I need to be present in Japan for delivery?

Generally yes. Most movers require your presence or an authorised representative to sign delivery documents and inspect for damage.

Can I ship a car to Japan?

Yes, but it is complex and expensive. Japan drives on the left, so right-hand drive vehicles from Australia and the UK are simpler to register. Left-hand drive vehicles require a safety inspection and often modifications.

For your housing in Japan once your belongings arrive, see our [guide to finding an apartment in Tokyo](/blog/find-apartment-tokyo-foreigner) or [contact us](/contact) for a personalised apartment search.