Send Luggage From the USA to Japan
Introduction: Ship Luggage from the USA to Japan
Japan has one of the most straightforward systems in the world for importing personal belongings — if you follow the rules. People who are moving to Japan for more than one year, returning to Japan after living in the USA, or shipping ahead before a long-term stay can import their used personal effects duty-free, as long as the luggage arrives within 6 months of their entry into Japan and the correct customs declaration is completed.
ExpediShip ships suitcases, bags, and boxes of personal belongings from the USA to Japan door-to-door. We handle the paperwork, the pickup, and the delivery — so whether you are a student heading to a Japanese university, a professional starting a job in Tokyo, a JET Programme participant, or a US military family member being stationed in Japan, the process is the same: pack your bags, we take care of the rest.
This page explains Japan’s personal effects customs rules, the specific declaration forms required, and who qualifies for duty-free import of household goods to Japan.
OTHER JAPAN SHIPPING SERVICES
- Ship Boxes from the USA to Japan
Want to send gift boxes or care packages to Japan — for Ochugen, Oseibo, or any other occasion? Our box shipping service covers all Japanese gift occasions with full customs support and door-to-door delivery. Learn more: Box Shipping from the USA to Japan - Ship a Pallet from the USA to Japan
Shipping a larger quantity of personal belongings, donation goods for a Japanese charity, or tradeshow materials to Tokyo Big Sight or Makuhari Messe? Our pallet service is the most efficient option for larger shipments. Learn more: Pallet Shipping from the USA to Japan
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Who Ships Luggage and Personal Effects from the USA to Japan?
- Professionals Relocating to Japan for Work
Japan is home to the regional headquarters of hundreds of multinational companies, and many American professionals relocate to Tokyo, Osaka, or Nagoya for work assignments ranging from one to several years. Shipping luggage and personal effects with ExpediShip is more cost-effective than paying transatlantic airline overweight fees, and far less stressful than checking heavy bags through multiple airports. - JET Programme Participants
The Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Programme brings thousands of Americans to Japan every year to work as assistant language teachers and coordinators for international relations. Most JET participants ship at least one or two bags of personal belongings before or shortly after their arrival. ExpediShip is a familiar choice for JET participants shipping from the USA to Japan. - Students at Japanese Universities
Japan’s universities attract American students for semester abroad programs, full degree programs, and language study. Institutions such as the University of Tokyo, Kyoto University, Waseda, and Keio regularly welcome international students who need to ship personal belongings from the USA. ExpediShip ships student luggage to all Japanese university cities. - US Military Families at Japanese Bases
The USA maintains military bases throughout Japan, including Yokosuka Naval Base, Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, and Yokota Air Base near Tokyo. American military families relocating to Japan often ship personal effects with civilian carriers to supplement what is covered by their official military relocation allowance. ExpediShip ships to addresses near all major US military installations in Japan. - Americans Returning to Japan or Retiring in Japan
Japan has a growing community of foreign retirees and long-term residents from the USA. Americans who have previously lived in Japan and are returning, or who are retiring to Japan, frequently use ExpediShip to ship personal belongings and household items. - Families Sending Personal Items to Relatives in Japan
Some customers ship suitcases containing personal items, documents, and family belongings to a spouse, parent, child, or relative living in Japan. ExpediShip handles all customs paperwork for personal effects shipments sent to family members.
Shipping Cost & Transit Time for Shipping Luggage from the USA to Japan
ExpediShip offers affordable and reliable shipping from the USA to Japan, making it easy to ship luggage, boxes, and parcels internationally. Our highly competitive rates and professional service are why many customers trust ExpediShip when they need to ship luggage to Japan from the USA safely and efficiently.
Whether you are sending personal luggage, boxes, gifts, or commercial shipments, our team guides you step by step through the entire process — from pickup in the United States to final delivery in Japan.
Most shipments from the USA to Japan arrive in about 5 business days, depending on the shipping service and customs clearance time. Please note that customs processing in Japan may vary based on Japanese government procedures.
With door-to-door delivery, full tracking, and expert customs support, ExpediShip makes shipping luggage and boxes from the USA to Japan simple, fast, and stress-free.
Below are estimated starting prices for shipping Luggage from the USA to Japan. Final cost depends on box size, pickup address, and delivery city.
| Weight Range | Starting Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1–10 lbs | From $32 |
| 11–20 lbs | From $72 |
| 21–30 lbs | From $115 |
| 31–40 lbs | From $135 |
| 41–50 lbs | From $157 |
| 51–60 lbs | From $175 |
| 61–80 lbs | From $205 |
| 81+ lbs | From $225 — for larger shipments, please contact customer service for an exact quote. |
Note: Prices are estimated starting rates for air freight shipments. Expediship offers door-to-door service with full tracking and customs guidance.
Japan Customs Rules for Personal Effects and Household Goods
Japan has a clear and practical system for importing personal effects duty-free when you are relocating. Here is what you need to know, based on official Japan Customs guidelines.
Who Qualifies for Duty-Free Import of Personal Effects to Japan?
Passengers and residents who have been abroad for more than one year, or who plan to stay in Japan for more than one year, can import their household effects free of duty and consumption tax. The two key conditions are:
You have been living outside Japan for at least one year, OR you are moving to Japan and intend to stay for at least one year.
Your household effects and personal belongings must arrive in Japan within 6 months of your entry into the country.
This 6-month window is strict. If your luggage or shipped personal effects arrive in Japan more than 6 months after you entered the country, they will no longer qualify for duty-free treatment and will be assessed at standard customs duty rates.
What Counts as Household Effects and Personal Belongings?
Used clothing, shoes, and personal accessories.
Used personal electronics: laptops, cameras, phones (used before arrival in Japan).
Books, documents, and personal papers.
Used household items: kitchenware, bedding, small appliances used in the USA.
Sports equipment and hobby items for personal use.
Professional tools and portable equipment used for your work.
Brand-new items, items still in original packaging, and commercial quantities of goods do not qualify as personal effects. If Japanese customs determines that an item is new or commercial in nature, it will be assessed at standard import duty and 10% consumption tax rates.
Japan Customs Form C-5360-B: The Key Document for Shipping Personal Effects to Japan
When shipping unaccompanied luggage or personal effects from the USA to Japan as part of a relocation, you need to complete and submit Japan Customs Form C-5360-B.
- What Is Form C-5360-B?
Form C-5360-B is the English-language version of Japan’s Declaration of Accompanied Articles and Unaccompanied Articles. It is specifically designed for non-Japanese citizens who are relocating to Japan and need to import their used personal belongings duty-free. (Japanese citizens returning to Japan use the Japanese-language Form C-5360.) - Why Do You Need to Submit Form C-5360-B?
Without this form, your unaccompanied luggage will not qualify for duty-free import — it will be assessed as standard commercial cargo and may be subject to customs duty and 10% consumption tax on its full declared value. - When and How to Submit Form C-5360-B
You receive Form C-5360-B on your flight to Japan, or you can obtain it at Japanese customs on arrival.
You submit two copies of the completed form to Japanese customs when you arrive in Japan — before or at the same time as your accompanied luggage clears customs.
One copy is returned to you with an official customs seal. Keep this sealed copy — you will need it when your unaccompanied shipment (the luggage you shipped separately with ExpediShip) arrives in Japan.
When your shipped luggage arrives at its Japanese destination, present the sealed Form C-5360-B to customs to confirm duty-free import status. - What Happens If You Don’t Submit Form C-5360-B on Arrival?
If you arrive in Japan without submitting Form C-5360-B and your luggage arrives later as an unaccompanied shipment, you will not have the sealed form needed to claim duty-free status. Your luggage may be held at Japanese customs and assessed for duty and consumption tax before release.
ExpediShip will remind you to complete and submit Form C-5360-B when you book your luggage shipment to Japan. If you have already arrived in Japan without submitting the form, contact us — there may still be options available depending on your specific situation.
Insurance Options for Shipping Boxes, Pallets, Crates, or Luggage from the USA to Japan
Every shipment automatically includes $100 of cargo insurance free of charge — if anything is lost or damaged, you are covered up to $100 at no extra cost. Need more protection? Add full coverage for just 3% of the declared value when requesting your quote. For eligibility rules, non-insurable items, and how claims work, see our Shipping Insurance Guide.
International Shipping Prohibitions and Restrictions
Ship from USA to Japan — Know What You Cannot Ship
Certain items cannot be received, stored, shipped, imported, or exported due to government regulations, safety concerns, or international trade laws. Transactions involving these commodities are strictly prohibited, regardless of the shipment’s origin or destination.
Note: These items are completely forbidden to be exported or imported between countries.
Shipping Process
Ship Box or luggage from USA to Japan
Frequently Asked Questions When Shipping Luggage from USA to Japan
Yes. Many JET participants use ExpediShip to ship one or two bags of personal belongings from the USA to Japan before or shortly after their arrival. Door-to-door service, accurate customs documentation, and air freight transit of around 5 business days make ExpediShip a practical and affordable option for JET participants shipping from any US state to Japan.
Japan Customs requires that unaccompanied household effects arrive in Japan within 6 months of your entry date. If your shipped luggage arrives more than 6 months after you entered Japan, it will no longer qualify for duty-free import and will be subject to standard customs duty and 10% consumption tax.
Form C-5360-B is the English-language customs declaration form for non-Japanese citizens importing unaccompanied personal effects duty-free when relocating to Japan. You receive it on your flight and submit two copies to Japanese customs on arrival. Keep the sealed copy — you’ll need it when your shipped luggage arrives in Japan. Without it, your luggage may not qualify for duty-free treatment.
If you are moving to Japan for more than one year and your luggage arrives within 6 months of your entry, your used personal effects can be imported duty-free. You must submit Japan Customs Form C-5360-B on arrival to claim this exemption. If your luggage arrives more than 6 months after your entry, or if you are visiting Japan rather than relocating, standard customs duty and 10% consumption tax may apply.