Ship Car To Tokyo

Q: How long does it take to ship a car to Tokyo, Japan?

Transit time to Tokyo generally ranges from 18 to 30 days from major West Coast ports such as Los Angeles, Long Beach, or Oakland. East Coast shipments take longer due to canal routing. Weather patterns in the Pacific and port congestion can affect schedules. These timelines are typical for international car shipping by sea .

by Joe Webster

Last updated Jul, 20 2026

Car Shipping Tokyo

The capital of Japan, Tokyo, is the second largest city in the country, and the greater metro area is the most populous in the whole world. And it continues to grow at a fast pace. To keep up with everyday commuting, despite world-class public transportation, it is essential to have your personal vehicle.

Tokyo has one of the largest networks of well-constructed roads. With your vehicle, it is easy to commute all over the city and in the precincts of the Greater area. It is one of the top places for employment and residency, so it is considered an alpha-world city. With ports all over the country, importing your car to the area is easy.

Price & Time Examples For Shifting

Shipping a car from the U.S. to Tokyo costs $3,000–$6,500 total, with West Coast departures reaching Japan at $2,500 in ocean freight versus $3,300 from East Coast ports via canal routing.
Transit to Tokyo averages 18–30 days from major West Coast ports like Los Angeles or Long Beach; summer typhoon season in the Pacific can extend schedules and affect port handling timelines.
Japan requires mandatory emissions testing by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism for permanent imports; temporary stays under one year require a Carnet de Passage carried at all times.

To/From	Ground	Ocean	Estimated Time
Tokyo to (California port) to San Jose, CA	$200	$2500	5+17 days
Local Delivery to (New York port) to Boston, MA	$410	$3300	5+25 days
Las Vegas, NV to (California port) to the Area	$460	$2500	5+17 days
Portland, OR to (California port) to Tokyo	$465	$2500	6+17 days
City Limits to (California port) to Seattle, WA	$550	$2500	6+17 days
Columbus, OH to (New York port) to the Area	$550	$3300	5+25 days
Detroit, MI to (New York port) to Local Area	$575	$3300	6+25 days
City Limits to (New York port) to Chicago, IL	$675	$3300	6+25 days
Denver, CO to (California port) to Local Area	$775	$2500	7+17 days
Houston, TX to (New York port) to Tokyo	$1,075	$3300	7+25 days

*Prices and times are estimated. They can vary depending on the season and the type of vehicle.

*Save on ground transport costs by delivering the vehicle to the nearest port.

*Allow an additional 10 days to process the documents.

*Prices are for one car in a dedicated 20ft container. This is the safest and most reliable way to transport a vehicle internationally. Other items may be included in the container to help save you money when moving.

*Using the RoRo (roll on, roll off) method is less expensive, and shipments can be completed in fewer days. Contact us now for a free RoRo quote.

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Hauling Vehicle To The Aewa.

When you are looking to shift your ride or any other vehicle to the area, working with a licensed and insured auto transport service is essential. That’s where we step in. At A-1Auto Transport service, with over 20 years of experience dealing with the international shifting of vehicles in Japan and other countries, we offer world-class, hassle-free services with complete support through foreign customs and ports.

The complete process requires intensive documentation and stringent procedures for delivery in the city. You can choose between temporary import if your stay in Japan is for less than 1 year and permanent dispatching if you intend to stay in Tokyo for more than 1 year. The procedures vary, and you will need to contact the Japanese Embassy.

Process And documentation.

For the temporary hauling of your vehicle, you will need custom authorized identification documents of the vehicle’s owner or Carnet de Passage en Douane (CPD) and have it with you at all times. Additionally, you must send in the list of people to the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF) who would be using/driving the vehicle in Japan. After the CPD authentication, you can easily move the vehicle to Japan.

For permanently shifting your personal vehicle, you will need a host of documents, including commercial invoice, insurance, and hauling declaration form to Bill of Lading. An additional auto acquisition tax is levied apart from the standard customs duties. The vehicle will reach the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism, and emission testing is done before the registration is completed. After paying the vehicle taxes, you can drive it. However, knowing the latest requirements of the Japan Automobile Federation is essential.

Methods Of Delivery.

There are two methods for all international deliveries of vehicles: container hauling and RORO. In the container shipping method, your car will be put within a 20 feet or 40 feet container, for the entire transit duration. It will be offloaded and handed over to the owner, at the port after all custom clearances are provided.

The other method, the roll-on-roll-off method, is where the vehicle or vehicle can roll on board and roll off the haul. It is considered to be cheaper than container moving. On board, the car is harnessed and fixed so that it is not damaged during the transit. It is a pre-requisite that the vehicle only has spare tires, ride-jack floor mats, and nothing else. Please browse more information at Japan Customs to learn more about custom requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to ship a car to Tokyo from the U.S.?

Shipping a car to Tokyo typically costs between $3,000 and $6,500. Pricing is influenced by vehicle size, shipping method, U.S. departure port, fuel surcharges, and seasonal vessel availability. Roll on roll off shipping is usually cheaper than container transport, while containers cost more for added protection. Current estimates align with international car shipping rates.

What documents are required to ship a car to Tokyo?

You need the original vehicle title, bill of sale, passport copy, export declaration, and required Japanese import paperwork. Vehicles must pass customs inspection and emissions compliance after arrival. Errors or missing documents are the most common cause of clearance delays. Documentation handling follows standard international vehicle export procedures.

How long does it take to ship a car to Tokyo, Japan?

Transit time to Tokyo generally ranges from 18 to 30 days from major West Coast ports such as Los Angeles, Long Beach, or Oakland. East Coast shipments take longer due to canal routing. Weather patterns in the Pacific and port congestion can affect schedules. These timelines are typical for international car shipping by sea.

What is the cheapest way to ship a car to Tokyo?

Roll on roll off shipping is the cheapest way to ship a car to Tokyo. Vehicles are driven directly onto the vessel, reducing handling and container costs. The car must be operable and empty. This option is widely used for standard passenger vehicles and is explained in roll on roll off shipping costs.

Are there restrictions when importing a car into Japan?

Yes. Japan enforces strict safety and emissions standards, and many imported vehicles require inspection or modification before registration. Left hand drive vehicles are allowed but often face higher compliance costs. All vehicles must clear Japanese customs and inspection regardless of shipping method or port of entry.

Should I choose container or roll on roll off shipping to Tokyo?

Roll on roll off shipping is best for operable vehicles and lower budgets. Container shipping is recommended for high value, classic, or non running vehicles due to added protection and reduced exposure. Containers also allow limited personal items. Protection levels are comparable to enclosed auto transport standards.