🇯🇵 Shipping to Japan from the USA

Your complete guide to shipping to the Land of the Rising Sun - Efficient and organized

De Minimis

Â¥10,000

Tax threshold

Consumption Tax

10%

Standard rate

Delivery Time

3-7 days

From USA

Best Carrier

FedEx/DHL

Fast & reliable

✅ Excellent Shipping Destination: Japan has one of the world's most efficient customs systems. Packages clear quickly, Japan Post is reliable, and delivery success rates are very high. Address format is critical for success.

Shipping Rates to Japan

Carrier & Service 1 lb 5 lbs 10 lbs 20 lbs Delivery Time
USPS First-Class $19.50 N/A N/A N/A 7-14 days
USPS Priority Mail $39.50 $68.50 $102.50 $172.50 6-10 days
USPS Priority Express $62.95 $122.95 $192.95 $332.95 3-5 days
UPS Expedited $75.00 $118.00 $188.00 $328.00 3-5 days
FedEx International Priority $78.00 $125.00 $205.00 $355.00 2-4 days
DHL Express $72.00 $112.00 $182.00 $322.00 2-4 days

Japan Customs & Import Information

  • Tax threshold: Â¥10,000 (approx $67)
  • Consumption tax: 10% (8% for food)
  • Duty threshold: Â¥10,000
  • Processing: Very efficient (1-2 days)
  • Required forms: CN22/CN23 accurately filled
  • Japan Post handling: Â¥200-500 fee
  • Payment: COD at delivery
  • Personal use exemption: Â¥16,666 total value

Prohibited & Restricted Items

Prohibited:

  • Narcotics and psychotropics
  • Firearms and ammunition
  • Counterfeit goods
  • Pornographic materials
  • Products violating IP rights

Restricted:

  • Medications (quantity limits)
  • Cosmetics (2 months supply)
  • Food (inspection required)
  • Alcohol (duties apply)
  • Electronics (PSE mark may be needed)

How Japanese Import Charges Work

Example Calculations:

Item Value Yen Equivalent Tax (10%) Duty Handling Total Charges
$50 ¥7,500 ¥0 ¥0 ¥0 ¥0
$100 ¥15,000 ¥1,500 ¥0-750 ¥200 ¥1,700-2,450
$300 ¥45,000 ¥4,500 ¥2,250 ¥500 ¥7,250

Note: Personal use items get 60% value reduction for tax calculation. Exchange rate: 1 USD ≈ 150 JPY

Tips for Shipping to Japan

  1. Address format crucial: Japanese addresses work from large to small (opposite of US)
  2. Include phone number: Essential for delivery - carriers always call
  3. Write address in English: Japan Post handles English well, but include recipient name in Japanese if possible
  4. Gift marking: Gifts under ¥10,000 avoid taxes
  5. Packaging matters: Japanese appreciate good presentation
  6. Avoid food items: Strict regulations, often delayed or rejected
  7. Redelivery service: Japan Post offers excellent redelivery options
  8. Convenience store pickup: Many packages can be held at konbini
  9. Golden Week delays: Expect delays during Golden Week (late April/early May)
  10. Typhoon season: June-October may see weather delays

Japanese Address Format Example

Correct Format:

Mr. Taro Yamada
3-15-7 Shibuya
Shibuya-ku
Tokyo 150-0002
JAPAN
Tel: +81-3-1234-5678

Format: Name → Building/Street → District → City/Prefecture → Postal Code → Country

Japanese Regional Considerations

Region/City Delivery Time Special Notes Best Carrier
Tokyo 3-5 days Main hub, fastest delivery All carriers excellent
Osaka 3-5 days Second hub, very efficient FedEx/DHL
Yokohama 3-5 days Near Tokyo, fast service All carriers
Kyoto 3-6 days Tourist area, good service Japan Post/USPS
Sapporo 4-7 days Northern island, slight delay DHL/FedEx
Okinawa 5-8 days Island prefecture, extra transit Japan Post/USPS
Rural Areas 5-10 days Excellent coverage nationwide Japan Post

Frequently Asked Questions - Japan Shipping

Why is Japan considered an easy shipping destination?

Japan has extremely efficient customs, reliable postal service, high delivery success rates, and clear import rules. Packages rarely get lost or significantly delayed.

Can I send used items to Japan?

Yes, but declare them as "used" with realistic values. Japan customs may inspect but generally allows personal used items. New items declared as used face penalties.

What about sending electronics to Japan?

Electronics are allowed but may need PSE (Product Safety Electrical Appliance) marks for certain items. Personal use quantities (1-2 items) usually clear without issues.

How reliable is Japan Post?

Extremely reliable. Japan Post (working with USPS packages) has one of the world's best delivery success rates. They attempt redelivery multiple times and offer convenient pickup options.

Should I write the address in Japanese?

Not necessary - English works fine. However, including the recipient's name in Japanese characters (if you have them) can help with delivery.

Calculate Shipping to Japan View Other Countries