Sea Freight Import and Export Services Between the UK and Japan
Importing from and exporting to Japan presents tremendous opportunities for UK businesses.
- Full-Service B2B Shipping
- LCL and FCL options for shipping to and from Japan
- Economical Options for Non-Urgent Cargo
- Customs clearance paperwork fully handled
- Excellent Customer Feedback
International Sea Freight from Japan
As a freight forwarding firm based in the UK that is a member of BIFA – the British International Freight Association – you can turn to us with complete confidence when shipping commercial sea freight to Japan. Please note that, at Barrington Freight, we only handle commercial shipments and not personal ones, which means that we can offer a true B2B service to our customers. Our operations team is geared up to meet all of your business needs when shipping sea cargo to Japan, including cartons or palletised goods, in a cost-effective manner.
To begin with, we can manage your Japan-to-UK imports from the moment your shipment arrives at a UK port. Whether you are bringing in a full container load (FCL) of goods from Fukuoka in the south of Japan or a smaller consignment of spare parts shipped from Sapporo in the north, our operations team will make the process straightforward. We will handle customs clearance with our partners, prepare your cargo quickly, and arrange delivery to your warehouse, stockroom or production facility anywhere in the mainland UK.
When exporting to Japan, we will also provide full support. We can collect your goods from any location in the UK, consolidate them for onward ocean freight, and keep you updated as they pass through key international routes such as the Suez Canal and the Singapore Strait. Your shipment can be left at a Japanese container port such as Osaka, Kobe, Tokyo or Fukuyama for collection, or we can arrange onward transit directly to your customer’s address. This service is available to British firms sending goods to any location in Japan.
Contact us at 01268 525 444 or request an online shipping quote.
How long does sea freight take to/FROM Japan?
When managing international logistics, having realistic timelines is key to keeping your supply chain on track. Sea freight to Japan generally takes around 54 to 57 days, whether you’re shipping a full container load (FCL) or a less-than-container load (LCL). This estimate covers the port-to-port leg of the journey and may vary depending on vessel availability, port processing times and weather conditions.
Although air freight offers faster delivery, the cost is considerably higher. Sea freight is typically the most cost-effective for shipments over 500 kg, making it a practical choice for goods that are not time-sensitive but require bulk movement. With the right container option and route, your sea cargo to Japan can arrive reliably and affordably.
We offer clear sailing schedules and dedicated support from our experienced freight managers to help you plan and manage your ocean freight to Japan with confidence.
Contact us for more information.
Port Options: Shipping Routes Between Japan and the UK
Japan continues to serve as a strategic trade gateway for UK businesses. The country’s extensive port infrastructure supports high-volume international logistics operations, making it a critical hub for sea cargo to Japan from around the world. Its prime location in the Pacific Ocean enhances connectivity to East Asia and global markets, facilitating efficient ocean freight to Japan.
We ship via major UK and Japanese ports to streamline delivery and reduce transit times:
- Tokyo to London
- Osaka to Southampton
- Yokohama to Bristol
Main Seaports in Japan
- Port of Tokyo: As one of the largest seaports in Japan, the Port of Tokyo handles a substantial volume of container traffic. Equipped with deepwater berths and modern facilities, it supports both full container load (FCL) and less-than-container load (LCL) shipments, making it a major point of entry for sea freight Japan.
- Port of Osaka: Centrally located and well-connected to Japan’s industrial heartland, Osaka is ideal for mainland distribution. It handles a wide variety of cargo, including containerised goods, breakbulk, and project cargo.
- Port of Yokohama: Just south of Tokyo, Yokohama is a key international trade port offering high-capacity terminals, advanced logistics, and swift customs processing. It is widely used for both outbound and inbound ocean freight to Japan.
- Regional Ports and Feeder Terminals: Smaller regional ports and feeder terminals located throughout Japan, including Nagoya and Kobe, support more tailored shipping routes and barge transfers, helping optimise delivery options for complex logistics needs.
With consistent sailings from main UK ports such as London, Bristol, and Southampton, we ensure your goods move through the most suitable Japanese terminals, enabling reliable and timely sea cargo to Japan.
Where is Japan Located?
Japan is an island located in Northeast Asia, surrounded by the East China Sea, the Sea of Okhotsk, the Sea of Japan, and the Pacific Ocean.
“You can handle customs in Japan yourself, but it’s not always easy. The rules can be complex, and even small mistakes can cause delays. That’s why many businesses choose to work with a customs broker or freight forwarder who understands Japanese regulations.”
Common Goods Shipped from Japan to the UK via Sea Freight
Common goods shipped from Japan to the UK via sea freight are typically durable, high-value, and well-suited for containerised cargo transport. Ocean freight to Japan and from Japan is often the preferred choice for UK importers due to its cost-efficiency when handling large volumes of goods that do not require rapid delivery.
The most frequently shipped product categories include:
- Automotive parts and machinery – Japan is a global leader in the automotive industry. Components, spare parts, and industrial equipment are commonly shipped via sea cargo to Japan and to the UK to support manufacturing and engineering sectors.
- Electronics and electrical equipment – Japan is renowned for high-quality electronics, including audio-visual equipment, computer components, and semiconductors.
- Optical instruments and medical devices – From precision instruments to diagnostic equipment, these compact but valuable goods are ideal for containerised shipping routes.
- Toys, games, and hobby items – Both traditional and high-tech toys as well as hobby kits from Japan are increasingly popular among UK consumers and are primarily shipped by sea due to their volume and weight.
- Textiles and fashion goods – Fabrics, traditional garments, and modern apparel are often transported using sea freight Japan services to cater to fashion houses and retail buyers across the UK.
- Household appliances and electronics – Items such as rice cookers, air purifiers, lighting units, and smart home gadgets are shipped in bulk containers thanks to the reliability and scalability of sea cargo to Japan.
- General consumer goods – A wide range of everyday products, including kitchenware, lifestyle products, and personal care items frequently move between Japan and the UK using full container load (FCL) or less-than-container load (LCL) options.
Sea freight is especially advantageous for these product types because it offers lower costs per unit, predictable delivery schedules, and scalability. For UK businesses managing inventory cycles and long-term import strategies, sea freight to Japan remains a dependable and economical solution.
Why Choose Barrington Freight for Sea Freight to Japan
At Barrington Freight, we provide a full sea freight Japan service for UK businesses exporting goods to Japan or importing from Japanese suppliers. Whether you’re sending UK-made products to Japanese buyers or arranging inbound deliveries from Japan, we offer dependable, cost-effective support at every stage.
Our service goes far beyond transportation alone. We assist with:
- Customs clearance – Efficient, accurate documentation and compliance support at both UK and Japanese ports
- Marine insurance – Full cargo coverage to protect your goods from origin to arrival
- Export packing – Professionally packed freight that meets all international standards
- 3PL warehousing – UK-based storage, handling, and distribution for businesses needing inventory management
- Competitive pricing – Already have a quote? We’ll do our best to beat it
We understand that freight cost, timing, and flexibility all play a crucial role in global logistics. As an independent freight forwarder, we’re not limited to one shipping line. This means we can compare transit schedules, routes, and rates for ocean freight to Japan, tailored to your business.
Because Barrington Freight has a great deal of experience with international freight forwarding, our sea freight Japan export service provides British companies with a great deal of convenience. Not only do we make trading with Japanese companies easier, but we can also overcome some of the language barriers that tend to affect UK exporters with customers in the Far East.
In addition, we have plenty of know-how we can put at your disposal when it comes to exportation declarations. If your firm has never exported before, then we can help with your EORI registration, for instance. More experienced firms can also take advantage of our customs clearance work, which is conducted in-house within the same operations team for even greater levels of efficiency.