Moving to Japan

The India–Japan corridor carries a steady flow of engineers, researchers and corporate transferees between two economies with deep industrial ties. Japanese manufacturers have long anchored operations in India, and the reverse flow — Indian IT specialists, automotive engineers and academics moving to Tokyo, Osaka and Nagoya — has grown alongside it. For the families making that journey, the move is a logistical undertaking that rewards careful documentation at both ends.

A successful India–Japan move begins with the India end. Export clearance is filed through ICEGATE, the shipping bill prepared under the Customs Act, the AD code registered with the originating port, and the household or office packed to survive a long ocean transit and Japan’s precise inbound inspection. The Japanese end is governed by Japan Customs, where used personal effects imported on a transfer-of-residence basis are generally admitted free of duty and consumption tax when accompanied by the unaccompanied baggage declaration filed on arrival and supporting residence documentation.

The India–Japan corridor

Sea freight is the backbone of this route for household and commercial volumes. Container vessels from Nhava Sheva (JNPT), Mundra and Chennai call at Japan’s principal ports — Yokohama, Tokyo, Kobe, Osaka and Nagoya — on well-established services, with port-to-port transit times typically in the range of 16 to 26 days depending on routing and transhipment, often via Singapore or a Chinese hub. Cochin offers an alternative gateway for origin cities in South India. From the discharge port, onward delivery reaches addresses across Japan’s densely served road network.

Air freight from Mumbai (BOM), Delhi (DEL), Bengaluru (BLR) or Chennai (MAA) into Tokyo Narita (NRT), Haneda (HND) or Osaka Kansai (KIX) serves moves where the visa date or office opening cannot accommodate sea transit. Air freight carries a significant cost premium over sea — typically several times the per-kilogram rate — and we help you weigh speed against budget honestly.

Who moves on this corridor

This single corridor serves the full range of moves. Household relocations bring families joining a working spouse, IT and engineering professionals on intra-company transfers, and researchers heading to Japanese universities. Business and office moves cover Indian companies establishing a presence in Tokyo and Osaka, relocating staff and equipment. Commercial freight covers trade samples, exhibition material and project cargo between the two markets.

Where we deliver in Japan

We move regularly to all of Japan’s major cities and their surrounding regions: Tokyo and the Greater Kanto area; Yokohama and Kawasaki; Osaka, Kobe and Kyoto in the Kansai region; Nagoya and the Chubu industrial belt; Fukuoka in Kyushu; and Sapporo in Hokkaido. If your destination is a smaller city or town, ask us — we deliver nationwide.

How your move works

1. India-side survey. We assess volume and contents at your home or office in India — in person in major cities or by video — and return a clear quote with sea and air options and realistic Japan arrival windows.
2. Export documentation. Indian export paperwork is prepared: shipping bill filed through ICEGATE, AD code confirmed, packing list, invoice and any FEMA-related declarations relevant to your move.
3. Pack and dispatch. Our crew packs to export standard from your India origin, and the shipment is booked and dispatched on the confirmed route to Yokohama, Kobe, Nagoya or a Japanese airport.
4. Clear and deliver in Japan. We manage Japan Customs clearance, prepare the unaccompanied baggage declaration, and coordinate onward delivery to your address.

To start a move from India to Japan, request a quote and your coordinator will walk you through the right approach for your shipment.