Moving to Japan from the USA
Japan moves usually ship by sea container from the U.S. West Coast to Yokohama, Tokyo or Kobe. This guide covers costs, transit times, Japanese customs for unaccompanied effects and the main visa routes for Americans.
Estimate your move cost
An instant, route-specific range for Japan. Adjust the details for a closer figure, then get matched with movers for exact quotes.
Estimated shipping cost
$7,550 – $11,200
Indicative only — based on typical 2 bedrooms moves. Get real quotes below.
Visa & residency options in Japan
Japan sets its own immigration rules. The routes below are informational — consult Japanese immigration guidance for advice.
Work visa (employer-sponsored)
The most common route, tied to a job offer in an eligible category.
Highly Skilled Professional visa
Points-based, with fast-track residency benefits.
Business Manager visa
For those starting or running a business in Japan.
Spouse / student routes
For family of residents or enrollment at a Japanese institution.
These are Japan immigration routes — consult a local immigration lawyer for advice. Portunus specializes in U.S. visas, not Japan ones.
Typical moving costs
Indicative ranges by home size for moving to japan from the usa. Reviewed 2026-06-15.
Studio
$3,040–$4,800
1 bedroom
$4,640–$7,200
2 bedrooms
$6,240–$10,000
3 bedrooms
$9,200–$14,400
20ft container
$4,250–$6,500
40ft container
$7,225–$11,050
What drives the cost
- Shared vs full container (volume)
- Origin coast & port pair
- Door-to-door vs port-to-port
- Packing, insurance & customs handling
- Season — summer is peak
Transit times
Shipping methods
- Sea freight, shared container / LCL (cheapest for partial loads)
- Sea freight, full container / FCL (20ft or 40ft for whole-home moves)
- Air freight (fast but expensive — for essentials only)
Moving companies for this route
Compare what each mover offers, then request quotes to see exact pricing for your move.
| Mover | Best for | Door-to-door | Packing | Storage | Vehicles | Pets | Quote |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SDC International Shipping | Sea freight, Door-to-door overseas | Get quote | |||||
| Schumacher Cargo Logistics | Vehicle shipping, Large household moves | Get quote | |||||
| International Van Lines | Best overall, Full-service moves | Get quote | |||||
| Crown Relocations | Premium, Corporate relocation | Get quote | |||||
| John Mason International | Established carrier, Sole-use containers | Get quote | |||||
| Sirelo (compare multiple movers) | Compare several quotes at once | Get quote |
Movers serving the Japan route. Links go to each company's own quote page; we may be compensated for referrals. We don't publish third-party star ratings — request quotes to compare directly.
Customs & import rules
- File an unaccompanied baggage declaration with Japan Customs (declared on arrival).
- Used personal effects are generally duty-free when relocating; a detailed inventory is required.
- Import within six months of arrival to qualify for relief.
- Some items (certain foods, medicines, firearms) are restricted.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to move to Japan from the USA?
A shared-container move is roughly $3,000–$10,000 by volume and service; a full 40ft container can run $8,500+. The estimator above gives a route-specific range.
How long does shipping from the USA to Japan take?
From the U.S. West Coast, sea freight to Yokohama/Kobe is typically 14–26 days in transit; the East Coast is longer. Add packing, customs and delivery.
Do I pay import duty moving household goods to Japan?
Used personal effects are generally duty-free when relocating if declared on arrival within six months, with an inventory.
Can Americans move to Japan?
Yes — common routes include work, Highly Skilled Professional, Business Manager and spouse visas. These are Japanese routes; consult Japanese immigration guidance.
Estimates and timelines are indicative; mover and route details last reviewed 2026-06-15. We may be compensated when you request a quote through links on this page.