China and Japan have strong and significant trade relations. Both countries are major players in the Asian economy, and their trade ties have evolved over the years.

In 2024, China was Japan’s largest trading partner, with a trade volume of approximately $320 billion. Japan exported goods worth $140 billion to China, with key exports including machinery, electronic equipment, and chemical products. Conversely, China exported $180 billion to Japan in 2023, with primary exports being electrical machinery, machinery, and textiles.

Japan exports a variety of products to China, including machinery, vehicles, electronic equipment, and chemicals. Conversely, China exports goods like electronics, textiles, machinery, and consumer products to Japan.

Ocean freight is the most popular and cost-effective option for transporting goods between China and Japan. Container ships transport a wide range of cargo, and you can choose between Full Container Load (FCL) or Less than Container Load (LCL) options. The major ports involved in this route include Shanghai (CNSHA), Ningbo (CNNGB), and Shenzhen (CNSZX) in China, and Tokyo (JPTOK), Yokohama (JPYOK), and Osaka (JPOSA) in Japan.

Some of the primary ports on this route are:

• Port of Shanghai (CNSHA), as one of the largest and busiest ports in the world, offers direct connections to key Japanese ports like Tokyo (JPTOK) and Yokohama (JPYOK).
• Shenzhen Port (CNSZX), a major hub for cargo transportation in southern China, offers regular connections to the Port of Tokyo (JPTOK) and Osaka (JPOSA).
• Ningbo-Zhoushan Port (CNNGB), known for its deep-water berths and excellent operational efficiency, is a key port connecting to Tokyo (JPTOK) and other major Japanese destinations.
• Port of Qingdao (CNTAO), with frequent connections to Japan, particularly Tokyo (JPTOK) and Yokohama (JPYOK). Its robust logistics network and strong linkages to both Asian markets make it a reliable choice for businesses engaged in international trade.

Cost breakdown for ocean transportation

When deciding between Full Container Load (FCL) and Less-than-Container Load (LCL), businesses should consider the cargo volume, budget, and delivery timeline.

• FCL: typically ranges from $800 to $1,500 for a 20-foot container, and from $1,200 to $2,000 for a 40-foot one, depending on the port.
• LCL: generally costs between $60 to $100 per cubic meter, depending on the nature of the cargo and the specific route.

Several prominent shipping lines operate between the countries, ensuring reliable and timely delivery. Notable carriers include COSCO Shipping, NYK Line, Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, and Evergreen Marine.

It’s vital that the use of ocean transportation often translates into lower carbon emissions compared to air, making it a more sustainable choice for businesses concerned with environmental impact.

Shipping goods from China can be a complex process. Appointing the right freight forwarder is key. A reliable logistics partner helps businesses overcome the challenges and offers the personal attention of a logistics expert. Here is how to do that.

What to look for in a freight forwarder:

• Proven industry knowledge

  Select a forwarder who fully understands the transportation process between China and Japan. A forwarder with expertise in Japanese customs regulations, compliance, and trade requirements can help you avoid unnecessary delays and unexpected costs.

• Wide range of services

  The ideal freight forwarder offers more than just moving cargo from A to B. Additional services such as customs clearance, cargo insurance, warehousing, real-time cargo tracking is a must.

• Cost transparency

  Shipping costs can increase due to ‘hidden fees’. To stay on budget, choose a forwarder that provides a detailed cost breakdown and transparent China-Japan freight rates. Comparing quotes from multiple providers can help you identify the best value without compromising quality. Make sure you are comparing like with like and not an apple with a banana.

• Strong customer support

  Clear communication is paramount. A forwarder with a dedicated support team ensures you’ll receive timely updates and professional assistance, keeping your operations running smoothly.

• Customized shipping solutions

  Regardless if you’re shipping small items or large consignments, the freight forwarder needs to offer solutions that meet your requirements.

A forwarder not only streamlines the transportation process but also minimizes risks. They handle everything from documentation and preparation for customs clearance, ensuring your goods reach their destination without unnecessary and potentially costly delays.

Taking your time when choosing a logistics provider partner will pay off. A forwarder who understands your business requirements and offers personal support can optimise your shipping experience. By choosing wisely, you can concentrate on your core business and leave the China-Japan forwarder to handle the logistics.

The cargo delivery time will depend on the type of transport used and the specific ports of departure and arrival.

Shipping to Japan by Sea

Transit times for sea transportation can vary based on whether you select Full Container Load (FCL) or Less-than-Container Load (LCL) services:

• Full Container Load (FCL):
• • From major Chinese ports like Shanghai, Shenzhen, or Ningbo to Tokyo or Yokohama typically range from 7 to 14 days. This duration can vary depending on factors such as the specific ports of departure and arrival, weather conditions, and any potential delays.
• Less-than-Container Load (LCL):
• • Shared container shipments often require extra time for consolidation, which adds to the transit time. Typical LCL from China to Japan can take 10 to 18 days, depending on the ports and any delays in handling.

Shipping to Japan by Air

Air freight is mainly used for high-priority goods. While flight times are short, factors such as cargo handling, customs clearance can influence the overall transit time. Additionally, when comparing China–Japan freight costs, air shipping tends to be more expensive than sea freight, but it offers faster delivery for time-sensitive shipments.

Standard transit times for air freight:

Direct flights between major Chinese airports like Shanghai Pudong (PVG), Beijing Capital (PEK), or Guangzhou Baiyun (CAN) to Narita Airport (NRT) usually take about 3 to 5 hours. However, the overall delivery time, including customs clearance can range from 2 to 4 days. For example:

• Shanghai to Tokyo: Typically reaches within 2 days
• Beijing to Tokyo: Usually takes around 2-3 days

Express service:
If you need an even faster solution, express shipping offers the quickest delivery option. Express services use dedicated air freight and often provide faster processing times, including priority handling through customs. Express freight from China to Japan can generally be completed within 1 to 2 days, making it the best choice for extremely time-sensitive requests like perishable goods, electronics, or high-priority documents.

Understanding these timelines can significantly impact your supply chain planning. Whether you’re shipping from Shenzhen or another major Chinese city, knowing shipping times from China to Japan will help you make informed decisions.

Shipping from China to Japan transit time and price
(May 2025)