How to Ship Cars to Japan – Everything You Need to Know

11th August 2020

Whether you are travelling or moving to Japan, you’ll soon discover it is a magical place to spend time. With its thriving economy, healthy lifestyle, and buzzing cities to explore, Japan is a dream for travellers and aspiring expats alike. However, the UK is quite far from the famed “land of the rising sun”, so processes like long-distance auto transport will require careful planning. Britons wanting to ship a car to Japan will want to take extra care to ensure that their plans run smoothly.

When shipping a car to Japan, you’ll need to know the rules for driving upon arrival, costs and procedures for both roll-on roll-off (RORO) and container shipping, Japanese import regulations on cars coming from the UK, and more. If you’re unfamiliar with these things, worry not. Autoshippers offers professional vehicle shipping services, and we’re here to guide you through every step.

So, let’s dive into a guide for how to ship cars to Japan. We’ll walk you through all of the important information, as well as a rundown of the process and custom’s procedures. Armed with this information, you can ensure your shipping process runs smoothly. Whether you’re shipping a classic car or moving an SUV or motorbike, you’ll be cruising down the Japanese streets in no time.

Rules of the Road

Before we dig into how to ship cars to Japan, you should familiarize yourself with the rules of the road. Luckily, the Japan Automobile Federation has a great page for driving a motor vehicle in the country. There are a few differences that will take some getting used to, so prepare yourself in advance to feel confident on the road. Here are a few of the key facts to keep in mind when driving in Japan.

Luckily for Britons, people drive on the left side of the road in Japan.
Most road signs are in Japanese and English.
Drivers in Japan generally respect the speed limit, but some drive slightly over.
Most roads are toll-free except for expressways. You can buy an electronic toll collection, or ETC card, to save yourself the hassle of stopping to pay.
Make sure you have an international license or another valid credential for driving in Japan.

RORO Car Shipping From the UK to Japan

As far as how to ship cars to Japan, the first method you’ll want to consider is roll-on roll-off or RORO shipping. This service is your most convenient option, offering safety and peace of mind from start to finish. We’ll drive your vehicle onto a dedicated RORO vessel, where we’ll secure it with straps beneath the deck of the ship. RORO shipping is quick and easy, so it’s the most popular option with most UK residents relocating to Japan. The only disadvantage of this method is that we cannot ship other items with your vehicle.

Our RORO long-distance auto transport service from the UK to Japan starts at £832 for a standard saloon car. The price will vary depending on your vehicle. Check our rates to get a better idea of your car’s shipping cost to Japan.

Container Shipping From the UK to Japan

We also offer car shipping by container, another reliable option for getting your vehicle from the UK to Japan. Our container long-distance auto transport services include shared (40’ container) and sole use (20’ container). This is a great option to consider if you’re looking for additional protection of your vehicle. Another advantage of container shipping is the possibility of sending personal belongings along with the car. By using our service, you can utilise container loading facilities at any of the main ports in the UK.

Shipping through our shared container overseas auto transport service will cost £1,313. Prices for shipping through container services will vary depending on the type of car, so check our prices here for more information.

Following Import Restrictions

Now, it’s time to learn about import restrictions to Japan. Your vehicle must comply with the Japan Automobile Federation, strict regulations on shipping vehicles into the country. If your stay is temporary (a year or less), you’ll need to obtain a Carnet de Passages en Douane. If you fall within the temporary-stay category, you’re in luck. Your vehicle will be exempt from taxes and duties associated with importing a car to Japan.

Whether your stay is temporary or long-term, you’ll have to meet the Japanese criteria for vehicle conditions, including emissions, size, and insurance requirements. Your motor vehicle must undergo emissions tests and inspections before beginning the process. You can also check the Motor Vehicle Inspection and Registration System in Japan to find information regarding the duties and taxes you may need to pay for your vehicle.

Preparing For Customs

Now that you’ve learned how to ship cars to Japan, it’s time to start your journey. Here is the documentation you’ll need to ship your car to Japan.

A copy of the V5 (licence document) for your vehicle
A copy of the photo page of your passport
A copy of a valid Ministry of Transport, or MOT certificate if you need us to collect your vehicle in the UK through an insured driver. Without an MOT certificate, we can use a recovery vehicle or enclosed collection vehicle to pick up your car.

You’ll need to fill out a declaration form so customs can clear your vehicle after completing the car shipping process. You’ll then receive a customs clearance certificate. At this point, your vehicle will head to a Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) testing centre for emissions tests and inspection in Japan. Plan carefully, as this part of the process can take up to a week to complete.

The last step is to register your car at the Land Transport Bureau office. This should occur no later than three months after inspection, so it’s best to complete this step as soon as possible after arrival. Pay any outstanding vehicle taxes, and you’ll receive your registration (shaken sho) certificate.

Head to the Japanese Customs Authority for more information regarding the documentation you’ll need upon receiving your car in Japan.

Conclusion

At Autoshippers, we know how to ship cars to Japan. In fact, we’ve been doing it for over 20 years. We offer full door-to-door services and daily collections for a wide array of vehicles, including classic cars and motorbikes.

Our weekly departures are available from Southampton to several ports in Japan, including Tokyo, Nagoya, Osaka, Chiba, Toyohashi, and Yokohama.

We provide full cover under marine insurance through Basil Fry Co, so you won’t have to worry about a thing when it comes to shipping your car to Japan.