How to Ship Your Belongings from Japan: A Complete Guide for Foreigners

Whether you're heading home after years in Japan or moving to a new country entirely, shipping your belongings internationally is one of the most important tasks to tackle before you leave. With roughly 3 million foreigners living in Japan, many expats face this challenge every year. The good news: Japan has some of the world's most reliable shipping infrastructure, and with the right approach, you can get your belongings to their destination safely and affordably.

This guide covers everything you need to know about shipping your belongings from Japan — from Japan Post packages to full container ocean freight.

!Person packing boxes for international move from Japan

Understanding Your Shipping Options

There are three main categories of shipping when leaving Japan: postal services, private courier companies, and international moving companies. The best choice depends on how much you're sending, your budget, and your timeline.

Japan Post

Japan Post is the most popular choice for expats shipping small to medium-sized packages. It offers four international services:

• EMS (Express Mail Service): The fastest Japan Post option. Packages arrive in 2-4 business days and can weigh up to 30 kg per parcel. Ideal for important documents or valuables.
• Airmail: A mid-range option delivering in 5-8 days. Good balance between speed and cost.
• Economy Airmail (SAL - Surface Air Lifted): Takes 6-13 days and is significantly cheaper than airmail. Popular for books, clothes, and non-urgent items.
• Surface Mail: The cheapest option but takes 1-3 months. Best for heavy, non-urgent items you won't need immediately.

Important: Japan Post no longer accepts handwritten labels for international shipments. You must create electronic labels through the Japan Post International Mail My Page portal and print them at home, at a convenience store, or at the post office.

Private Courier Companies

Companies like Yamato Transport, DHL, FedEx, and UPS offer English-language support and premium handling. These are great options if you need door-to-door service with tracking and insurance.

Yamato Transport (Kuroneko) is Japan's largest domestic delivery company and also offers international services:

• International TA-Q-Bin: Available to many Asian countries and the US. Maximum 25 kg and 160 cm per parcel.
• International Moving Services: For large household goods including furniture and appliances. Multiple plans available (Standard Plus, Basic, Tanshin, Ryugaku TAQBIN).

DHL, FedEx, and UPS are good for time-sensitive shipments and have strong global networks. Expect to pay a premium — roughly $40-100 USD for a 2 kg package.

Ocean Freight for Large Moves

If you have furniture, appliances, or a full household to ship, ocean freight is far more economical than air.

• LCL (Less than Container Load): You share a container with other shipments and pay by cubic meter. Best for 1-10 m³ of goods. Costs typically $1,200-$3,000+ depending on volume and destination.
• FCL (Full Container Load): You rent an entire container. A 20-foot container runs $3,400-$8,700. Best for large families or those with lots of furniture.

Ocean freight takes 4-8 weeks to most destinations, so plan accordingly.

Cost Comparison: Shipping from Japan

Understanding costs upfront helps you budget and choose the right method.

Air freight from private carriers is typically charged at $5-10 USD per kilogram, so larger shipments quickly become expensive.

Step-by-Step: How to Ship with Japan Post

Japan Post is the most accessible option for most expats. Here's how to do it:

Step 1: Create your labels online Go to the Japan Post International Mail My Page portal and register for a free account. Input your package details, recipient address, and customs declaration information. The system generates an electronic label (EAD - Electronic Advance Data) that you print and attach to your package.

Step 2: Prepare your package Use a sturdy cardboard box — not too flimsy, as international parcels go through significant handling. Wrap fragile items individually with bubble wrap. Seal all seams with strong packing tape.

Step 3: Complete the customs declaration Your electronic label includes the customs form. Describe each item accurately in English, including its value. Items valued over 200,000 yen require a special customs invoice. Never falsify customs declarations — penalties include up to one year imprisonment or a fine of 500,000 yen.

Step 4: Drop off at a post office International packages cannot be sent from convenience stores — you must take them to a post office directly, or arrange a pickup for large shipments.

Step 5: Keep your tracking number EMS and most other services include tracking. Keep your receipt and monitor your shipment online.

For detailed information on leaving Japan procedures and what to take care of before you go, check out Living in Nihon's departure guide and For Work in Japan's housing and living guide.

Prohibited and Restricted Items

Before packing, familiarize yourself with what you cannot ship internationally from Japan.

Absolutely prohibited:

• Narcotics and illegal substances
• Firearms and explosives
• Obscene materials
• Live animals (without special permits)
• Fresh meat and produce

Restricted items (may require documentation or be limited):

• Aerosol cans and spray bottles
• Perfumes and items with high alcohol content (>24%)
• Lithium batteries (must be installed in equipment)
• Tobacco and alcohol (subject to destination country limits)
• Cultural property and antiques (may require export permits)
• Seeds and plant material (destination country import restrictions apply)

Always check both Japan's export restrictions AND your destination country's import rules before packing. Different countries have different rules — for example, many countries restrict agricultural products.

For more on Japan's customs rules and compliance requirements, the Japan Handbook international moving guide offers detailed explanations.

!Packing materials and boxes for international shipping from Japan

Tips for a Smooth International Move

Experienced expats share these tips for shipping belongings from Japan:

Downsize before you pack. Japan's 100-yen shops, Mercari, and local Facebook expat groups make it easy to sell or donate what you don't need. The less you ship, the lower your costs and stress.

Start early. Ocean freight takes 2-3 months. If you're shipping furniture, book your moving company 6-8 weeks before your departure date. Japan Post packages can be arranged with just a few days' notice, but customs delays happen.

Photograph everything. Before sealing each box, photograph its contents. This documentation is essential for insurance claims if anything is damaged or lost.

Get insurance. All-risk shipping insurance is relatively inexpensive compared to the potential loss of an apartment's worth of belongings. Most international moving companies offer it; for Japan Post shipments, consider third-party coverage.

Keep an inventory. A detailed, numbered inventory list (Box 1: kitchen items, Box 2: books, etc.) speeds up customs clearance and helps you track everything on arrival.

Check Yamato's international services. Yamato Transport offers multiple international moving plans including the Ryugaku TAQBIN (for students) and Tanshin plans, which may be more affordable depending on your situation. Visit Yamato International Moving for current pricing and plan details.

For broader guidance on the moving-out process, see our complete guide to moving to Japan and our housing guide for Japan-specific housing context.

Working with International Moving Companies

For a full household move, hiring a professional international moving company makes the process much less stressful. These companies handle packing, customs documentation, and door-to-door delivery.

What to look for in a mover:

• English-language support (critical for non-Japanese speakers)
• Experience with Japan-specific customs procedures
• All-risk insurance options
• Clear pricing with no hidden fees
• Positive reviews from other expats

Major options in Japan:

• Yamato International Moving (most established for Japan departures)
• Nippon Express International
• Allied Pickfords Japan
• Crown Relocations Japan
• AGS Movers Japan

Get quotes from at least three companies. Prices vary significantly depending on volume, destination, and timing.

Questions to ask your mover:

• Do you handle customs clearance at both ends?
• What packing materials do you provide?
• What does insurance cover?
• What is the estimated transit time door-to-door?
• Are there any items you cannot ship?

For additional resources on relocating from Japan, MailMate's shipping guide and ExpatDen's shipping from Japan guide provide regularly updated cost and service information.

Also check out Ittenshoku for job change and career transition support if you're leaving Japan for work-related reasons.

Taxes, Customs, and Documentation

Understanding customs on both ends saves you time, money, and stress.

Japan export customs: Japan generally has few restrictions on exporting personal household goods. The main requirements are accurate customs declarations and compliance with export restrictions (antiques, cultural property, restricted goods).

Destination country import customs: This is where it gets complex. Each country has its own rules for importing used personal effects. In most countries, used personal belongings are duty-free when imported by a returning resident, but documentation is required.

Common documentation needed:

• Detailed packing list / inventory
• Proof of residence in Japan (residence card, utility bills)
• Proof of address in destination country
• Customs declaration form
• Insurance certificate
• Bill of lading (for ocean freight)

For items valued over 200,000 yen: Japan Post requires a special customs invoice in addition to the standard customs declaration.

For household effects entering Japan (if shipping back for any reason): Items must arrive within six months of your Japan entry date to qualify for duty-free import.

Final Checklist Before You Ship

Use this checklist to make sure you're ready:

• [ ] Inventory completed for all boxes
• [ ] Electronic labels created via Japan Post My Page (for postal shipments)
• [ ] Prohibited items removed from all packages
• [ ] Contents photographed for insurance
• [ ] Insurance arranged
• [ ] Customs declaration completed accurately
• [ ] Tracking information saved
• [ ] Recipient address double-checked (including postal code)
• [ ] Moving company booked (for large moves)
• [ ] Utilities and subscriptions cancelled at your Japan address

Shipping your belongings from Japan doesn't have to be overwhelming. With the right planning and the right service for your needs — whether that's a few Japan Post boxes or a full container move — you can ensure your belongings arrive safely and on time. For more on the broader picture of leaving Japan, explore our resources on daily life in Japan and cost of living in Japan.