# Moving to Japan from the USA

> Relocating to Japan from the United States — sea-freight costs, transit times, Japanese customs for unaccompanied effects and visa routes for Americans.

Canonical: https://www.portunusai.com/moving-from-usa/japan
Direction: USA → Japan
Data last reviewed: 2026-06-15

## Typical moving costs

- 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

## Transit times

- Los Angeles → Yokohama: 14–24 days
- Oakland → Kobe: 16–26 days
- New York → Tokyo: 30–45 days

## Customs & import notes

- 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.

## Visa & residency options in Japan

- 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.

## Moving companies serving this route

- SDC International Shipping — Sea freight, Door-to-door overseas (https://www.sdcinternationalshipping.com/)
- Schumacher Cargo Logistics — Vehicle shipping, Large household moves (https://www.schumachercargo.com/)
- International Van Lines — Best overall, Full-service moves (https://www.internationalvanlines.com/)
- Crown Relocations — Premium, Corporate relocation (https://www.crownrelo.com/)
- John Mason International — Established carrier, Sole-use containers (https://www.johnmason.com/)
- Sirelo (compare multiple movers) — Compare several quotes at once (https://www.sirelo.com/)

## Related resources

- [Moving to the USA hub](https://www.portunusai.com/moving-to-usa)
- [Moving from the USA hub](https://www.portunusai.com/moving-from-usa)
- [Site-wide llms.txt](https://www.portunusai.com/llms.txt)