Ocean Freight · United States → Japan
Ocean Freight from United States to Japan
22 port combinations connect United States and Japan in our network. The shortest, Seattle → Yokohama, is 4,300 nautical miles; transit across the lane ranges 11–34 days port to port.
- Distance
- 4,300 nm
- Transit
- 11–34 days
- Service
- FCL & LCL
Lane at a glance
Route facts
GoForwarder books full-container (FCL) and consolidated (LCL) space on this lane, coordinates pickup and export in United States, and hands the cargo to import clearance and final delivery in Japan.
- Origin
- United States
- Destination
- Japan
- Distance
- from 4,300 nm (7,964 km)
- Estimated transit
- 11–34 days
- Routing via
- Panama Canal
- Equipment
- FCL 20', 40', 40' HC · reefer · LCL
- Incoterms
- EXW · FCA · FOB · CIF · DAP · DDP
Network
Main port pairs
| Origin | Destination | Distance | Transit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seattle | Yokohama | 4,300 nm | 11–18 days |
| Seattle | Tokyo | 4,311 nm | 11–18 days |
| Oakland | Yokohama | 4,581 nm | 11–18 days |
| Oakland | Tokyo | 4,592 nm | 11–18 days |
| Los Angeles | Yokohama | 4,920 nm | 12–19 days |
| Long Beach | Yokohama | 4,920 nm | 12–19 days |
| Los Angeles | Tokyo | 4,931 nm | 12–19 days |
| Long Beach | Tokyo | 4,931 nm | 12–19 days |
| Miami | Yokohama | 9,092 nm | 22–32 days |
| Miami | Tokyo | 9,103 nm | 22–32 days |
| New Orleans | Yokohama | 9,228 nm | 22–32 days |
| New Orleans | Tokyo | 9,239 nm | 22–32 days |
| Houston | Yokohama | 9,356 nm | 23–33 days |
| Houston | Tokyo | 9,367 nm | 23–33 days |
| Charleston | Yokohama | 9,418 nm | 23–33 days |
| Savannah | Yokohama | 9,427 nm | 23–33 days |
| Charleston | Tokyo | 9,429 nm | 23–33 days |
| Savannah | Tokyo | 9,438 nm | 23–33 days |
| Norfolk | Yokohama | 9,637 nm | 23–34 days |
| Norfolk | Tokyo | 9,648 nm | 23–34 days |
| New York / New Jersey | Yokohama | 9,835 nm | 24–34 days |
| New York / New Jersey | Tokyo | 9,846 nm | 24–34 days |
How it works
From quote to delivery
- 01
Quote and booking
Send cargo details on WhatsApp; we confirm the rate and book vessel space from United States.
- 02
Pickup and export clearance
We coordinate container release, pickup and export customs in United States.
- 03
Ocean transit
Sailing United States → Japan: about 11–34 days port to port, with tracking until arrival.
- 04
Import clearance
Customs clearance in Japan, coordinated with our customs broker partners.
- 05
Final delivery
Drayage from the terminal to your warehouse, with proof of delivery.
Checklist
Documents and cost drivers
Documents to import into Japan
- Commercial invoice
- Packing list
- Bill of lading (B/L)
- Certificate of origin
- Import declaration under Japan customs rules
What drives the price on this lane
- Base ocean freight (per container for FCL, per CBM for LCL)
- Bunker / fuel surcharges (BAF) and peak-season surcharges
- Terminal handling at origin and destination (THC)
- Documentation and B/L fees
- Customs clearance at both ends
- Drayage from the port to the final address
- Cargo insurance
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
How long does ocean freight from United States to Japan take?+
Estimated transit is 11–34 days port to port. Direct services sit at the low end; transshipment, peak season or inspections push it to the high end.
How far is United States from Japan?+
The shortest pair is 4,300 nm (7,964 km) by sea via the Panama Canal.
How much does ocean freight from United States to Japan cost?+
It depends on container size or volume (CBM), the season and surcharges. Send your cargo details on WhatsApp and we reply with a written quote.
FCL or LCL — which one do I need?+
Below roughly 15 m³, consolidated LCL is usually cheaper. Above that, a 20-foot container starts to pay off; a 40-foot container fits about 67 m³.
What documents do I need to import into Japan?+
Commercial invoice; Packing list; Bill of lading (B/L); Certificate of origin; Import declaration under Japan customs rules.
From United States to other destinations in Japan
Other origins in United States to Japan
Ready to move your cargo?
Send origin, destination and cargo details — we reply with a written quote.