US to Japan Shipping: Complete Guide
Rates, customs requirements, and carrier options for shipping to Japan
How much does it cost to ship from US to Japan?
US to Japan shipping costs $16-$28 for packages under 1 lb, $30-$55 for 1-5 lb packages, and $55-$180+ for heavier items. Delivery takes 7-14 business days via standard service or 3-5 days express. Japan charges 10% consumption tax on imports over ¥10,000 (~$67). Japanese customs is efficient and rarely causes delays.
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| Carrier | Service | Price | Delivery Time | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USPS | First-Class Intl (8 oz) | $16.50 | 7-21 days | Cheapest |
| USPS | Priority Mail Intl (2 lb) | $48.50 | 6-10 days | |
| DHL | Express (2 lb) | $78.00 | 3-4 days | |
| UPS | Worldwide Expedited (5 lb) | $95.00 | 3-5 days | |
| FedEx | International Economy (5 lb) | $88.00 | 4-5 days |
First-Class Intl (8 oz)
Priority Mail Intl (2 lb)
Express (2 lb)
Worldwide Expedited (5 lb)
International Economy (5 lb)
* Prices shown are discounted ShipWave rates. Actual rates vary by exact dimensions, weight, and origin/destination.
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Japanese Customs and Consumption Tax
Japan has a relatively straightforward customs process:
Consumption Tax: 10% on imports over ¥10,000 (~$67 USD). Applied to product value + shipping + any customs duty.
Customs Duty: Varies by product category, typically 0-15%. Clothing, leather goods, and certain foods have higher rates.
De Minimis: Items under ¥10,000 (~$67) generally clear without tax. This applies to the total shipment value, not per item.
Japanese customs is known for efficiency and honesty - packages rarely experience significant delays.
Japanese Address Format
Japanese addresses are written in reverse order from US addresses:
Format: Postal Code, Prefecture, City, Ward/District, Block-Building-Unit, Recipient Name
Example: 〒150-0001 Tokyo-to, Shibuya-ku, Jingumae 1-2-3, Yamada Taro
Key Points: Include the 〒 symbol before 7-digit postal code. Prefecture (県/都) comes before city. Building names are common and important.
When in doubt, ask recipient to provide address exactly as they receive domestic mail.
Carrier Options for US to Japan
USPS: Most affordable. First-Class Intl (under 4 lbs) takes 7-21 days. Priority Mail Intl (6-10 days) is reliable. Delivered by Japan Post, which is excellent.
DHL: 3-4 day delivery. Strong presence in Japan. Efficient customs. Good for time-sensitive shipments.
FedEx: Competitive Japan rates. 4-5 day delivery. Strong in Tokyo/Osaka metropolitan areas.
UPS: 3-5 day express options. Good for business shipments. Less consumer presence in Japan.
Japan Post delivery is highly reliable - USPS packages receive excellent last-mile service.
Pro Tips to Save More
USPS delivers via Japan Post - it's reliable
Unlike some countries, Japan Post is excellent. USPS packages receive high-quality last-mile delivery. Don't overpay for express unless truly urgent.
Stay under ¥10,000 to avoid consumption tax
Packages valued under ¥10,000 (~$67) clear without 10% consumption tax. Consider splitting orders for personal imports.
Use proper address format
Japanese addresses are written in reverse order (large to small). Ask recipients for their address as written on domestic mail to ensure accuracy.
Avoid restricted food items
Japan restricts meat, rice, and some agricultural products. Shelf-stable snacks and candy are generally fine. Check MAFF regulations for specific items.
Include phone number for delivery
Japan Post attempts delivery 3 times before returning packages. Include recipient phone number for redelivery scheduling.
Frequently Asked Questions
- USPS First-Class International: 7-21 days. USPS Priority Mail International: 6-10 days. DHL/FedEx Express: 3-5 days. Japanese customs is efficient and rarely causes delays.
- For items over ¥10,000 (~$67 USD), 10% consumption tax applies plus potential customs duty. Items under this threshold typically clear without fees. Japanese customs is straightforward and predictable.
- USPS First-Class International is cheapest for packages under 4 lbs ($16-40). For heavier items, compare USPS Priority Mail International with economy services from DHL eCommerce.
- Many shelf-stable foods are allowed: candy, chips, cookies, coffee. Prohibited: meat products, rice, fresh produce. Check Japan MAFF import regulations for specific items.
- Japan is approximately 5,500 miles from the West Coast. Packages fly across the Pacific, often through Anchorage or Hawaii. Priority Mail Intl typically takes 6-10 days vs 6-8 for Europe.
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