Shipping A Car to Japan: How-to Guide for Expats and Families

Moving to Japan and want to bring your car along? Whether you're an American expat relocating for work, a military family on PCS orders, or someone who simply doesn't want to sell a car you love, shipping a car to Japan is possible with careful planning.

Navigate the journey with our comprehensive guide on car shipping to Japan, covering everything from cost breakdowns to shipping methods to customs regulations to paperwork requirements.

From an American muscle car to a family sedan, this guide will walk you through the shipping process and help you plan your next steps.

How much does it cost to ship a car to Japan?

The cost of shipping a car to Japan varies depending on your car, location, shipping method, and situation. Getting custom quotes from a few different car shipping companies will be the first step in determining an accurate cost for your specific vehicle and route, rather than relying on general price ranges alone.

Roll-on roll-off shipping vs. container shipping

There are two main shipping methods to send your car to Japan, whether it's an everyday sedan, an SUV, or an American muscle car. One is roll-on roll-off shipping. RoRo shipping (roll-on roll-off) is a quick and easy shipping method where your motor vehicle is secured on a RoRo vessel beneath the deck of a ship, and is generally considered the most affordable option and the cheapest shipping rates among the shipping methods available to transport cars from overseas.

With RoRo, you are only allowed to ship your vehicle itself; personal belongings and other items cannot be shipped along with your vehicle using this method.

Container shipping is the other main shipping method. There are two types of containers for shipping vehicles: shared containers and 20ft solo-use containers. Container shipping secures additional protection for your vehicle inside its metal frame, and another benefit of this shipping method is that you can ship personal belongings and other items along with your vehicle, which isn't possible with RoRo.

One timing tradeoff to keep in mind: shared container shipping is typically less expensive than a solo container, but the shipping company will usually wait until the container is full before it departs, which can add to your overall shipping timeline compared to a solo container or RoRo shipment.

Ocean freight rates in general can also shift with oil prices, so it's worth getting a fresh quote close to your intended shipping date rather than relying on a quote from months earlier.

Shipping from major cities in the US to Japan

Costs for shipping a car to Japan from the USA vary depending on the shipping company, your nearest port, the shipping method, and the size of your vehicle, so treat the numbers below as a starting point rather than a final quote.

The average price for car shipping to Japan ranges from $2,000 to $4,000.

The duties to import a car to Japan from the USA are the duty of the vehicle's value plus $1,500 to $2,500 for local charges in Japan.

Choosing your nearest port for departure, rather than driving further to a cheaper one, can sometimes offset a slightly higher rate once you factor in the cost and hassle of getting your vehicle there in the first place, so it's worth comparing the total cost, not just the base shipping rate, before you decide.

Here is the price list for RoRo (roll-on roll-off) service ocean flight rates for cars, sedans, and SUVs.

Here is the price list for Shared Container Ocean Flight rates for cars, sedans, and SUVs.

Solo-Container (20ft Container) ocean flight rates for cars, sedans, and SUVs.

Solo-Container (40ft Container) ocean flight rates for cars, sedans, and SUVs.

The price to ship a car to Japan from the USA varies on the type of car, the shipping dimensions and the weight, the shipping method, and your departure location in the US. Major ports such as the New York port, California ports (Los Angeles and Long Beach), and Houston generally have more frequent vessel schedules to Yokohama port and other Japanese ports, which can mean shorter wait times before your shipment ships out compared to smaller ports.

For example, shipping a mid-size sedan from New York to Tokyo typically ranges from $900 to $3,000.

Shipping from the UK to Japan

RoRo shipping for a car and SUV from the UK to Japan will cost about £1,700.

For shared container shipping, the cost will be about £1,300 pounds for a car and £1,700 for an SUV. For the solo container shipping, the cost will be about £1,900 for a car and £2,700 for an SUV from the UK.

What is the export process for shipping a Tesla or BMW to Japan? 

After researching your options and choosing a transportation company, you will start the export process. There are required documents for your vehicle and for the port in Japan. Before preparing paperwork, review Japan's regulations and road rules if you plan to drive in Japan, since these apply the same way whether you're shipping a family car or an American muscle car.

Step 1. Japanese import regulations on cars from overseas.

All vehicles imported to Japan must comply with Japanese import regulations outlined by JAF, the Japanese Automobile Federation. An inspections and emissions test must be conducted. However, if your vehicle is to stay in Japan for less than one year it is exempt from taxes and duties.          

Rules of the road in Japan

• If you’re from the UK, they drive on the same side (left) of the road in Japan.

• Road signs are in Japanese and English.

• For expressways, ETC (Electronic Toll Collection) card is available.

Step 2. Temporary import

If your car will only stay for less than a year, you need to complete the customs document, Carnet de Passage en Douane (CPD) form. This form will identify the owner of the car and include a list of people who are permitted to drive the car in Japan. The document will need to be faxed or emailed to Japan Automobile Federation (JAF). The Carnet needs to be authenticated at the JAF office before customs clearance.

1. A CPD holder visits the JAF office with his/her original CPD. An agent with a letter of proxy for the CPD holder may be accepted at JAF in a particular case.

2. Submit the CPD to JAF and fill in two copies of the authentication application form with your address in Japan, and the date and place of re-export of the vehicle with your signature on the forms.

3. JAF will fill in and return the form to you if the CPD can be authenticated.

4. Submit both forms to the customs office when you apply for clearance. They will return signed and sealed forms to you. You will need to have it onhand when you drive your vehicle.

The fee is 3,000 yen per CPD. The authentication requires the following documents.

• Original CPD

• A list of persons and their addresses that will drive the vehicle in Japan

For a vehicle from a country that did not sign the 1949 Convention on Road Traffic treaty (Germany, Switzerland, Monaco, and Slovenia), inspection and registration are required in Japan on arrival even if you have CPD paperwork. 

For your location, your specific car, and your situation, MailMate’s bilingual concierge service can help you with research and paperwork.

A note for American expats on military orders: if you're relocating to Japan on PCS (permanent change of station) orders, your base's personal property or transportation office is a valuable first stop, since they can often point you toward government-contracted car shipping companies with rates and processes specific to military moves. The customs clearance and Japan Automobile Federation (JAF) requirements described in this guide still apply to military families shipping a personally owned vehicle, so it's worth confirming with your transportation office exactly which parts of the import process they handle versus what you'll need to manage yourself.

Step 3. Preparing paperwork for permanent import

More paperwork is required if you are driving your car in Japan for longer than a year. The documents are as follows.

• Import declaration form

• Commercial invoice

• Vehicle registration

• Bill of landing

• Proof of ownership

• Freight account of cargo

• Passport

• Insurance certificate

• Customs declaration form

What is the import process for shipping a car to Japan?

Step 1. Start the import process when your car arrives in Japan

When your vehicle arrives in Japan, you will receive a notification and need to start the import process. You will submit a declaration form for your vehicle to clear customs, and the automobile acquisition tax (approximately five percent of the depreciated value of your vehicle, though it's worth confirming the current rate directly with Japan Customs) and any applicable customs duties will be checked at this stage.

Japan replaced its old automobile acquisition tax in October 2019 with an environmental performance tax, which is based on your vehicle's fuel efficiency rather than a flat percentage, typically ranging from 0 to 3% of the acquisition price. Separately, Japan applies a 10% consumption tax calculated on the vehicle's import value, including any applicable duties, which is generally the larger tax cost for most vehicle imports. Any customs duties owed will also be assessed during this stage.

The importation process for vehicles is in Japanese and is not always easy but MailMate’s bilingual concierge service is here to help and assist you with filling out forms and paperwork submission.

Step 2. Clear customs

Once your vehicle clears customs, you will receive a clearance customs certificate. I have found the rules and regulations are often changed at the Customs Office. I recommend checking the Japan Customs official site for updates.

Step 3. Submit your car to an inspection and emissions test

Then your vehicle proceeds to the next step to inspect and test emissions for the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT).

During the inspection and emissions test, any parts of the car that do not conform to Japanese regulations will be required to be fixed. The test will take up about a week.

Finally, the last process will go through Road Transport Bureau for the registration process.

What documents will I need to fill out?

Registration is required and needs to be completed within three months of the preliminary inspection and can be completed through the Road Transport Bureau of MLIT.

There are 91 locations of MLIT offices for the registration and inspection process.

Required documents for registration.

• Receipt of registration payment

• Application form

• Customs clearance

• Inspection and emissions certificate

• Parking space certificate

Any vehicle taxes need to be paid by then and you will receive the car registration certification.

What are the best shipping services for shipping a car to Japan?

The following transport companies are some of the top international shipping companies to send vehicles from the USA to Japan, based on reliability, pricing, and trustworthiness according to several review sites. These companies handle everything from a single family sedan to heavy equipment and inoperable vehicles that can't be driven onto a RoRo vessel under their own power.

According to Vincent Kipp from Paddock Magazine, “A reputable car shipping company will have a proven track record of providing reliable and efficient service to their customers.” So make sure to read reviews of each company before making your final decision.

1. Autoshippers

Autoshippers provides RoRo motor vehicle shipping, container shipping, air freight, motorbikes shipping, and classic car shipping.

2. Ship Cars

Ship Cars offers RoRo and container shipping: prices to ship to Japan start from £1,095.

3. AmeriFreight

Amerifreight’s services feature RoRo and container shipping.

4. International Van Lines

International Van Lines provides RoRo, container shipping, air freight, and consolidation: international shipping price ranges from $1,800 to $4,500. 

5. Schumacher Cargo Logistics

Schumacher Cargo Logistics offers RoRo, container shipping, air freight, motorcycle shipping, and classic car shipping.

Read also: Best High-End Items in Japan You Didn’t Know You Needed

Frequently asked questions 

Roughly how much does it cost to ship vehicles from the US to Japan?

The price varies depending on several factors such as season, over-land and over-sea distance, but approximately the payment ranges from around $3,000 to $4,500 for the transport (taxes and insurance coverage are not included).  By using RoRo shipping option and delivering the car to the port yourself you can save on cost.

 What’s the best method to ship my car to Japan?

The cheapest shipping method will be the RoRo (roll-on roll-off) option to save money but to ship your car securely, the container shipping method is recommended. Many shipping companies offer weekly container shipping services to Japan while RoRo ships only on a monthly or bi-monthly basis.

Are there any preparations for shipment?

The tank needs to be filled with gas for up to a quarter to ship a car to Japan. Also, make sure none of your personal belongings are left in the car, and the inside of the car must be cleaned as well.

Can I ship my car to Japan?

Your car must comply with the regulations of the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF) on shipping to Japan. If your stay is shorter than a year, you will need a Carnet de Passages en Douane for the temporary-stay status.

What insurance should I pay for the shipping?

International transport companies carry their own insurance which covers your vehicle while using their shipping services. If anything happens to your vehicle during transport, the damages will be covered by the insurance.

How long is the shortest shipping time to Japan from the US?

One of the shortest transit times from the US to Japan is the route from Los Angeles to Japan, with an average of 25 days, and another route is from New York to Yokohama port, with an average of 35 days. Keep in mind this refers to the ocean transit time itself; once you factor in customs clearance, the inspection and emissions test, and registration, the typical timeline for shipping a car to Japan from the point you book your shipment to the point you're legally driving it is closer to 2 to 4 months.

How do I find my nearest port for shipping a car to Japan?

Most car shipping companies list the major ports for the shipping methods they offer, typically including New York, California ports such as Los Angeles, Houston, and several others along the East, Gulf, and West coasts. Ask your shipping company for detailed information on which port is nearest to you and how that affects the vessel schedule and overall shipping cost, since the closest port isn't always the cheapest once total cost is factored in.

Can I ship an inoperable vehicle to Japan?

Yes, most container shipping companies can accommodate inoperable vehicles, though it typically requires additional equipment to load the vehicle and may cost more than shipping a car that can be driven onto the vessel under its own power. RoRo shipping generally requires a vehicle to be drivable, so container shipping is usually the better option if your vehicle isn't currently running.

In closing

Moving to Japan and bringing your car along may seem like a lot of work at first, but with accurate information, careful planning, and the right support, it can be done smoothly.

By researching your options and understanding the full shipping and import process, you should be able to find a quality shipping company and get custom quotes that fit your budget, and your car will arrive and be ready to drive on Japanese roads within a few months. Living and working in a foreign country can be stressful, but with your own car waiting for you, settling into life in Japan can be a lot more comfortable, whether you're relocating as a civilian expat or on military orders.

Read also: Car Loan for Foreigners in Japan: Complete Guide