Car Shipping to Japan
2026 Guide
Car shipping to Japan is simple when an agent guides you through the steps, costs, and import requirements. Whether you’re moving to Japan, selling a vehicle overseas, or importing a classic car, an experienced international auto transport company can help you comply with Japanese regulations and protect your vehicle during the journey overseas.
Why CFR Classic?
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How Our Container Loading System Protects Your Car on the Trip to Japan
R-RakThe R-Rak system replaces traditional wooden ramps with a secure steel racking system, allowing up to five classic vehicles to be safely loaded into a single container while minimizing movement and reducing the risk of damage during transit.
Shipping a Car to Japan – Key Takeaways
Quick SummaryThe most important facts about shipping a car from the US to Japan — before you dive into the detail.
Shipping a Car to Japan - Key Takeaways
Transit time: 4–6 weeks (ocean), 3–10 days (air)
Consumption tax (VAT-equivalent): applied on the car’s value plus fees
Cost: $1,450–$6,500+ (ocean), $15,000+ (air)
Main ports: Yokohama, Tokyo, Kobe, Nagoya, Osaka
Import duty: 10% (on purchase price plus shipping)
Required inspection: Japanese vehicle inspection (shaken) and emissions test, with registration at a Land Transport Bureau Office; valid parking space certificate (shako-shōmei-sho) required
Car Shipping Process Summary
The ProcessFrom your first quote to keys in hand, here’s the full journey.
Request a Free Quote
Submit your vehicle details online. Our team responds within 24 hours with a personalized cost breakdown and recommended shipping method.
24-hour response
Prepare Your Documentation
Gather your title, bill of sale, and other required paperwork.
Schedule Pick-Up or Vehicle Drop-Off
Have your vehicle picked up from your location and trucked to the port or drop it off at the agreed upon US port terminal.
Ocean Transit to Japan
While your vehicle is in transit, you can track its progress through our customer portal.
Customs Clearance in Japan
Our local broker handles Japanese customs paperwork, import duty, consumption tax and automobile acquisition tax.
Delivered & Registered in Japan
Your vehicle passes the required Japanese vehicle inspection and emissions test before being registered at a Land Transport Bureau Office.
Japan Car Shipping Costs, Major Ports & Shipping Methods
PricingShipping a car from the U.S. to Japan starts around USD $1,450, depending on departure port, method (container vs RoRo), vehicle size and destination port. Yokohama is the most common Japanese port of entry, with additional service available to Tokyo, Kobe, Nagoya, Osaka and a number of regional ports. The estimated transit time is 4–6 weeks, but this can vary depending on routing and method.
Route | Roll-On/Roll-Off | Shared Container Load | Full Container Load | Air Freight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
US East Coast → Yokohama | $2,400 | Contact for Pricing | Contact for Pricing | Contact for Pricing |
US West Coast → Yokohama | $3,400 | Contact for Pricing | Contact For Pricing | Contact For Pricing |
Get an Instant Car Shipping Quote
Tell us about your vehicle and we’ll respond within 24 hours with a personalised cost breakdown.
* Please note that your information is saved on our server as you enter it.
US Departure Ports
LogisticsWe offer multiple departure locations for car shipping services. In addition, we can arrange for pickup from another location and have your vehicle transported to the departure port.
Ports Served in the USA
Los Angeles
New York
Houston
Miami
Savannah
Baltimore
Japan Destination Ports
LogisticsWe can ship your vehicle directly to a wide network of Japanese ports across the main islands.
Ports Served in Japan
Tokyo
Yokohama
Nagoya
Osaka
Kobe
Kitakyushu
Hakata
Duties, Taxes & Fees
Taxes & FeesIn addition to the costs associated with shipment, you’ll need to prepare for other costs, such as those levied by the Japanese government. Some of these fees could include:
Japanese Import and Registration Fees
Import duty (customs duty)
Consumption tax (shōhizei)
Automobile acquisition tax (jidōsha shutoku zei)
Automobile weight tax (jidōsha jūryō zei)
Optional marine insurance/shipping protection
Vehicle inspection (shaken) and emissions test fees
Registration fee
Parking space certification (shako-shōmei-sho) fees
Compulsory Automobile Liability Insurance (jibaiseki hoken)
Your agent can help you navigate these questions. You can generally expect a 10% import duty on the purchase price plus shipping. Japanese consumption tax then applies to the vehicle’s value plus any additional fees. As the vehicle clears customs, it will also be assessed for the automobile acquisition tax, which must be paid before customs release.
Japanese Import Duty and Tax Exemptions
Duties & ExemptionsMost importers pay 10% import duty plus excise — but several categories are fully or partially exempt.
Exemption Type | How to Qualify & Exemption Details |
|---|---|
Temporary Import (Under 12 Months) | If you bring your car or motorcycle into Japan temporarily (for less than 12 months), it can be imported without paying any duties or taxes. To use this route, you must obtain a Carnet de Passages en Douane (CPD) from the vehicle’s country of origin and have it authorized by the Japan Automobile Federation. The authorized CPD is an important customs document and must be kept in the vehicle at all times while in Japan. |
Household Goods / Relocation Exemption | A vehicle imported into Japan as part of an individual’s household goods can, under certain conditions, be exempt from duties and taxes. If you claim this exemption, the vehicle must not be transferred to a third party within 2 years of importation or it will become subject to duty. |
Classic / Vintage Vehicles | Classic and vintage vehicles may be subject to different inspection considerations. Eligibility for any relief should be confirmed with Japan Customs and the Land Transport Bureau before shipping. |
Shipping Methods
Choose your shipping methodYour vehicle can be shipped via container, via air freight, or on a roll-on/roll-off ship (think of it like a parking lot on a shipping vessel).
The method you choose will impact the cost and timing of your shipment. A quick summary of the benefits of each:
- Cheapest → Ro-Ro
- Balanced → Shared Container Load
- Maximum protection → Full Container Load
- Fastest → Air Freight
Ro-Ro (Roll-On/Roll-Off) Shipping
Ro-Ro shipping is typically the most affordable option, with the additional benefit that these ships have more frequent departures, meaning your shipment will have a shorter lead time before arrival.
Ro-Ro’s main drawback is that your vehicle will be in the open on the Ro-Ro deck with hundreds of other vehicles, and you will not be able to transport personal items inside the vehicle.
Shared Container Load (SCL)
With shared container load, we’ll use our R-Rak method to safely load your vehicle into a container, along with a few other customers’ vehicles. This allows you to share the cost of a container while benefiting from added security compared to Ro-Ro shipping.
However, it’s generally more expensive than Ro-Ro and takes longer as the container won’t ship until it’s been filled.
Full Container Load (FCL)
Full container load offers the benefits of shared container load shipping; however, the container is reserved exclusively for your vehicle or vehicles. This offers the highest level of protection and security, allows you to ship your vehicle with personal goods inside, and departs as soon as it can be loaded onto a vessel – no waiting to fill the container. The primary drawback is that FCL is more expensive than SCL and Ro-Ro.
Air Freight
Air freight is the fastest method. It’s exactly what it sounds like – we load your vehicle into a plane and then it is transported by air to its destination in Japan.
While significantly more expensive than other options, it’s ideal for time-sensitive shipments, reducing the process to days rather than weeks or months.
Import Eligibility & Documentation Required
ComplianceTo ship a car to Japan, you’ll need to confirm a few details. Your agent can assist you in the process of determining your vehicle’s eligibility for shipment to Japan.
- Your vehicle must comply with Japan’s strict emissions and safety standards. Any non-conforming parts must be modified before the vehicle can be used on Japanese roads. The testing process can take about a week.
- You must have a registered parking space in Japan and be able to produce the parking space certificate (shako-shōmei-sho) — this is a precondition for registration.
- You must take out Compulsory Automobile Liability Insurance (jibaiseki hoken) before driving in Japan.
- Note that Japan drives on the left. U.S. left-hand-drive vehicles can be imported and registered, but you should consider visibility and overtaking practicality on Japanese roads.
- New and used vehicles may have different eligibility requirements — confirm with your agent before booking.
You’ll also want to ensure you have all proper documentation for import. You’ll need the following documentation to ship a car to Japan:
Documents for Shipping
Bill of Sale or Purchase Invoice
showing ownership, date, and vehicle value
US Title or Registration Certificate
confirming ownership transfer
Vehicle Photos
(VIN plate/chassis number, exterior, interior, engine bay) if required by the carrier or Japanese authorities
Shipping Contract/Booking Confirmation and Marine Insurance Certificate
Marine insurance recommended but not required
US Export Clearance Documents
and proof of vehicle condition
Upon arrival in Japan, you’ll need the following to complete your import and register your vehicle:
Documents for Import
Customs Declaration Form
Import Declaration Form
Inspection Certificate from the Japanese vehicle inspection (shaken)
Proof of Compulsory Automobile Liability Insurance (jibaiseki hoken)
Form of identity (Passport or Identity Card)
Proof of Official Address Registration
Parking Space Certification (shako-shōmei-sho)
Emissions Test Certificate
Vehicle Registration in Japan (Land Transport Bureau)
RegistrationAll vehicles shipped to Japan must be registered at a Land Transport Bureau Office before they can be legally driven on public roads. The standard sequence is: clear customs and pay import duty, consumption tax, and automobile acquisition tax → pass the Japanese vehicle inspection (shaken) and emissions test → obtain a parking space certificate (shako-shōmei-sho) → take out Compulsory Automobile Liability Insurance → register the vehicle at a Land Transport Bureau Office.
Your vehicle must be registered within 3 months of undergoing a preliminary inspection test. In order to drive on Japanese roads, you’ll need to be issued national number plates, which can only be provided once the car has been registered. Temporary number plates can be issued to allow you to transport the vehicle to a testing centre or Land Transport Bureau Office.
If your vehicle requires modifications to meet Japanese standards, such as lighting or emissions compliance, these will need to be handled before the shaken inspection. Our agent can assist you with finding a homologation specialist mechanic where needed.
If all of this sounds like a lot to process, don’t worry! With agents in Japan, the US, and abroad, the team at CFR Classic can assist with inspections, compliance requirements, and the full registration process.
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Car Overseas Now!
Our agents are ready to answer any questions you have! Pop in your vehicle’s details below and we’ll get you a free quick quote for your car shipment within 24 hours.
Japan Car Shipping FAQ
Common QuestionsEverything commonly asked about shipping a car from the US to Japan.
Should I use escrow or a secure payment service when buying a car overseas?
Using a secure payment service is highly recommended. Services like CFR SafePay act as a trusted intermediary—verifying the seller, confirming the vehicle details, and holding funds until everything checks out—helping protect you from fraud.
Are there special considerations for shipping electric vehicles?
Yes. Electric vehicles are classified as hazardous cargo due to their batteries, which means:
- Additional documentation is required
- Shipping costs may be higher
- Some carriers have restrictions or require special containers
- Working with an experienced shipper is essential for EV transport.
Can I ship a new car overseas?
Yes, but you’ll need proper ownership documents, such as:
- Vehicle title or Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (MSO)
- Notarized bill of sale
- Proof of full payment
- In many cases, it’s easier to ship once the official title is issued.
Is air freight available for car shipping?
Yes. Air freight is the fastest option, delivering vehicles in days instead of weeks. However, it is significantly more expensive than ocean shipping and is typically used for high-value or time-sensitive vehicles.
Do departure and arrival ports affect shipping cost?
Yes. Popular shipping routes are usually more affordable due to higher volume and efficiency. Less common routes can cost more due to limited availability.
Is it cheaper to import a car or buy one locally in Japan?
It depends. Importing can make sense for:
- Classic or specialty vehicles
- Personal vehicles during relocation (often tax-exempt)
However, for standard vehicles, taxes, duties, and modification costs can make local purchasing more economical.
Do I need marine insurance?
Yes, it’s strongly recommended. Carrier liability is limited (often around $500), which may not cover your vehicle’s value. Marine insurance typically costs about 1–2% of the car’s value and provides full protection during transit.
What is the shaken (vehicle inspection)?
Shaken is Japan’s mandatory periodic vehicle inspection, which verifies that a car meets Japanese safety and emissions standards. For imported vehicles, the initial inspection is required before the vehicle can be registered. Subsequent shaken inspections must be passed at regular intervals to keep the vehicle road-legal.
Why do I need a parking space certificate (shako-shōmei-sho)?
In most parts of Japan, you can only register a passenger car if you can prove you have a dedicated parking space for it. The shako-shōmei-sho is issued by the local police and must be presented during registration. Without it, you cannot complete the registration process.
Addtional Resources
Explore moreWe’ve rounded up some extra guides, handy tools, and useful links to help you keep rolling. Check them out below.
Joey has spent his entire teen and adult life in cars. Joey’s father owned a Jeep store, and Joey had his own used car lot that he ran himself from age 22 until I was 30. At 30 years old, Joey got “out of” the car business and joined CFR Rinkens. Joey started when there were only 9 people at CFR, but the company grew to over 150 employees during his time there.
When Joey started, CFR Rinkens was shipping about 40 vehicles per week from Los Angeles. Joey established locations in Houston, Miami, and New York and within the first year, CFR went to shipping 150 cars per week. Joey started as a customer service rep and later moved up to sales manager, operations manager, and marketing manager.
Joey then moved to Europe for two years and spent the entire time traveling through Europe meeting with clients. In 2022, Joey and his partners purchased CFR Classic from CFR Rinkens and he returned to California to watch over the operation more closely.