Shipping goods from China to Japan is a key trade route in East Asia, driven by strong economic ties and high trade volume. Whether importing in bulk or fulfilling individual orders, understanding the cost structure is essential for effective budgeting and logistics planning.
Shipping costs are influenced by several factors, including the mode of transport (sea, air, or express), cargo volume or weight, selected ports, and applicable customs or handling fees. In this guide, we’ll explore the main shipping methods, provide estimated costs, and highlight the key considerations to help you choose the most efficient and cost-effective solution for your business.
What Is the Best Way to Ship from China to Japan?
The best shipping method from China to Japan depends on several key factors, including the type of goods, shipment volume, budget, and delivery timeframe.
- Express Shipping is the fastest and most convenient option, offering door-to-door service. It’s ideal for small, high-value, or time-sensitive shipments, though it comes at a higher cost.
- Air Freight strikes a balance between speed and cost. It’s suitable for slightly larger shipments (typically over 150–200 kg) or requiring delivery within a few days. Transit time is faster than sea freight but slower and more economical than express.
- Ocean Freight is the most cost-effective method, especially for large or bulky shipments with less critical transit time. It’s the slowest option but offers the lowest per-unit shipping cost.
Ultimately, the most suitable shipping method depends on your specific logistics needs—budget, speed, cargo size, and urgency.
How Long Does It Take to Ship from China to Japan?
Shipping time from China to Japan depends on the transportation method and specific route:
- Express Shipping: The fastest option, usually takes around 3–5 business days, door to door.
- Air Freight: Typically takes 1–3 days from airport to airport. This does not include time for inland transportation or customs clearance.
- Sea Freight: The slowest method, usually takes 15–28 days or more, port to port, excluding time for customs and local delivery.
Please note that these are general estimates. Actual transit times may vary due to weather, port congestion, customs delays, or seasonal demand.
| hipping Mode | Description | Transit Time |
| Sea Freight (LCL and FCL) | Ideal for larger shipments, with times depending on container load and route. | 2 to 4 weeks |
| Air Freight | The fastest option, perfect for urgent deliveries. | 1 to 3 days |
| Express Shipping | A great balance of speed and cost for quicker deliveries. | 3 to 5 days |
Container Shipping Costs from China to Japan
Container shipping costs from China to Japan are generally categorized into Full Container Load (FCL) and Less than Container Load (LCL). FCL pricing is typically calculated per container and consists of several key components:
- Basic Ocean Freight
- Fuel Surcharge
- Port Charges
- Documentation Fees
- Other Surcharges
| Container Shipping Routes | Container Type | Sea freight rates from China to Japan |
| Shanghai, China – Tokyo, Japan | 20ft container FCL | Average Rates: $750 20FT |
| 40ft container FCL | Average Rates: $1050 40FT | |
| Shenzhen, China – Tokyo, Japan | 20ft container FCL | Average Rates: $650 20FT |
| 40ft container FCL | Average Rates: $1000 40FT | |
| Ningbo-Zhouhsan, China – Tokyo, Japan | 20ft container FCL | Average Rates: $850 20FT |
| 40ft container FCL | Average Rates: $1250 40FT | |
| Hongkong, China – Tokyo, Japan | 20ft container FCL | Average Rates: $750 20FT |
| 40ft container FCL | Average Rates: $1150 40FT | |
| Guangzhou, China – Tokyo, Japan | 20ft container FCL | Average Rates: $950 20FT |
| 40ft container FCL | Average Rates: $1250 40FT | |
| Qingdao, China – Tokyo, Japan | 20ft container FCL | Average Rates: $750 20FT |
| 40ft container FCL | Average Rates: $1250 40FT | |
| Tianjin, China – Tokyo, Japan | 20ft container FCL | Average Rates: $850 20FT |
| 40ft container FCL | Average Rates: $1350 40FT | |
| Dalian, China – Tokyo, Japan | 20ft container FCL | Average Rates: $950 20FT |
| 40ft container FCL | Average Rates: $1450 40FT | |
| Xiamen, China – Tokyo, Japan | 20ft container FCL | Average Rates: $1000 20FT |
| 40ft container FCL | Average Rates: $1500 40FT | |
| Yingkou, China – Tokyo, Japan | 20ft container FCL | Average Rates: $1050 20FT |
| 40ft container FCL | Average Rates: $1650 40FT |
LCL shipping costs are calculated based on the price per cubic meter (USD/CBM). Freight forwarders typically provide a rate per CBM, which varies depending on the port of origin, port of destination, and the specifics of your cargo.
LCL shipping cost is determined by multiplying the total volume of your goods by the quoted CBM rate plus any fixed fees and applicable surcharges (such as documentation, handling, or customs-related charges).
To get precise shipping costs for container transport, please reach out to Hongocean Freight Forwarding with the following details about your cargo:
- Port of departure and destination
- Cargo type, dimensions, and weight
- LCL (Less than Container Load) or FCL (Full Container Load)
We will then provide you with the most up-to-date, detailed quotation tailored to your shipping needs.
Air Freight Costs from China to Japan
Air freight costs are typically calculated by weight, with the actual and volumetric weights compared. The larger of the two is used as the billing weight.
Air freight rates can fluctuate based on factors such as:
- Cargo type (general or special items like battery-powered goods or liquids)
- Weight and dimensions
- Airline selection
Generally, the heavier the cargo, the lower the unit price, as larger shipments benefit from economies of scale.
| Origin (China) | Destination (Japan) | Cost (USD/kg) | Transit Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shanghai | Tokyo | $3.80 | 1-3 days |
| Guangzhou | Osaka | $4.20 | 1-3 days |
| Beijing | Nagoya | $4.80 | 1-3 days |
| Shenzhen | Fukuoka | $3.90 | 1-3 days |
What Is the Shipping Cost from China to Japan?
Providing an exact shipping cost is challenging, as it depends on the mode of transportation, the type of goods being shipped, and current market conditions. However, here’s a general overview of typical cost ranges:
- Sea Freight: The most cost-effective option, particularly for large-volume shipments. Port-to-port container costs generally range from $700 to $1,500. However, the total cost will be higher, including handling fees, inland transportation, and customs charges.
- Air Freight: The fastest but most expensive option. Rates are calculated per kilogram and usually range from $3.00 to $5.00 or more, depending on the urgency and specifics of the shipment.
| Shipping Method | Shipping From China to Japan (Cost) |
|---|---|
| Sea Freight (20ft Container) | Approx. USD 750 for a 20ft container |
| Sea Freight (40ft Container) | Approx. USD 1,250 for a 40ft container |
| Sea Freight (LCL) | Approx. USD 50 per cubic meters (m3) |
| Air Freight | Approx. USD 400 for 100kg |
| Door to Door Shipping | Air Freight USD 4 to 8 per kgsSea Freight USD 80 – 200 per m3 |
| DDP Air Freight | Approx. USD 4 to 8 per kgs |
| DDP Sea Freight | Approx. USD 80 to 250 per cbm (m3) |
| Express Shipping | Approx. USD 10 per Kgs |
Sea Freight Customs Clearance Documents for Shipping from China to Japan
To ensure smooth import customs clearance in Japan, the consignee or their authorized customs clearance agent must submit the following documents to Japanese customs authorities:
- Commercial Invoice: This document includes the goods’ name, quantity, unit price, total value, trade terms (e.g., FOB, CIF), and the shipper and consignee’s information. It helps customs determine the value of the goods and calculate applicable taxes and duties.
- Packing List: This provides detailed information about each package, including markings, box numbers, contents, quantity, gross weight, net weight, and dimensions. It helps customs verify that the goods match the description in the documents and allows them to inspect the cargo.
- Bill of Lading (B/L): Issued by the carrier or agent, this document serves as a receipt for the goods, proof of the transport contract, and a document of title for the goods. A sea waybill can be an Original Bill of Lading (Original B/L) or a Telex Release Bill of Lading (Telex Release B/L).
- Freight Invoice: A separate freight invoice must be provided if freight charges are not included in the cargo value (e.g., under FOB terms).
How to Obtain an Accurate Quote and Arrange Transportation
- Prepare Detailed Shipping Information:
- Product name (in Chinese and English) and HS code (if available)
- Total number of packages, gross weight, total volume (or dimensions)
- Declared value of the goods
- Exact origin and destination addresses (including postal codes)
- Preferred shipping method and delivery timeline
- Trade terms (Incoterms®)
- Required service scope (e.g., door-to-door, port-to-port)
- Contact Hongocean Freight Forwarding: Hongocean is a professional logistics provider offering end-to-end services, including booking, customs clearance, documentation, transport coordination, and more.
- Submit your shipment details to request a formal quote.
- Ensure the quotation includes a detailed cost breakdown.
- Confirm which services are included and excluded to avoid hidden charges.
- Review, Confirm, and Execute
- Compare pricing, transit time, and service offerings.
- Choose the most suitable option for your needs.
- Finalize the shipment by confirming operational details and signing a freight forwarding agreement.
