Ship a Car to Japan from the USA – Costs, Times & Instant Rates

The cost of shipping a car from the USA to Japan typically starts at $1,800 to $3,500 per vehicle for container shipping. Prices vary depending on the size of the vehicle, departure port, and shipping method (RoRo vs. container). Additional costs may include Japanese customs duties, inspection fees, and inland transport in Japan.

Shipping a car from the USA to Japan takes approximately 20 to 40 days, depending on the shipping route and customs clearance. Vehicles shipped from California usually arrive in about 20-30 days, while those from New York take longer due to additional transit time.

To ship a car to Japan, you’ll need:

• Original vehicle title
• Bill of Sale
• Export Power of Attorney form
• Japanese Import Certificate
• Customs clearance documents (Japanese & US)

Import duties for cars entering Japan include:

• 5% Consumption Tax on the total vehicle value
• Customs Duty (varies based on vehicle type)
• Shaken (車検) Vehicle Inspection Fees for registration
• Inland transport fees if delivering the car beyond the arrival port

The most common methods include:

• Container Shipping (Dedicated or Consolidated)
• Roll-on/Roll-off (RoRo) for driveable vehicles
• Air Freight for urgent shipments

Yes, you can ship classic and collectible cars to Japan. However, they must comply with Japanese emissions and safety standards. Some historic vehicles may qualify for exemptions under Japanese law.

Yes, motorcycles can be shipped via container or air freight. Most motorcycles require custom crating and must meet Japanese emissions and safety regulations before registration.

Japanese import regulations prohibit shipping personal belongings inside vehicles. The car must be empty except for factory-installed components.

Yes, optional cargo damage protection is available for vehicles shipped to Japan. The insurance cost is based on the car's declared value and covers damage during transit.