日本
Japan
I. Port Overview
The Port of Tokyo is located on the northwest coast of Tokyo Bay in the Kanto region of Honshu Island, Japan. It is one of Japan’s five major container ports and serves as the sea gateway to the Tokyo metropolitan area. Together with the Port of Yokohama and the Port of Kawasaki, it forms the Tokyo Bay port complex, serving Japan’s largest consumer market and industrial zone.
II. Port Scale and Facilities
The main port areas are distributed along the coasts of Shinagawa and Koto wards in Tokyo Bay, including the Aomi Container Terminal, Oi Container Terminal, and Shinagawa Terminal. The annual container throughput is approximately 5 million TEUs, with water depths ranging from 12 to 15 meters.
III. Main Shipping Routes from China
China-Japan routes are short in distance and have frequent sailings:
| Port of Loading | Estimated Transit Time | Common Shipping Lines |
|---|---|---|
| Port of Shanghai | 3-4 days | COSCO, MOL, NYK |
| Port of Ningbo | 3-5 days | EVERGREEN, CMA CGM |
| Port of Qingdao | 3-4 days | COSCO, SITC |
| Port of Tianjin | 4-6 days | KMTC, SITC |
China-Japan routes have short voyage times and high shipping line density; some routes offer two or even three sailings per week.
IV. Key Points on Trade and Logistics with China
China is Japan’s largest trading partner. Main cargo types:
- Exports from China: electromechanical products, garments, foodstuffs, chemical raw materials, metal products
- Imports from Japan: semiconductors, auto parts, precision machinery, chemicals
Cargo suitable for transport via the Port of Tokyo: electromechanical products, electronic components, garments, foodstuffs, chemical raw materials. Japan has strict quarantine standards for imported food and agricultural products; some items (e.g., meat, fruit) require additional quarantine permits.
Bofeng Logistics Experience Sharing: Operational rules at Japanese ports differ significantly from those in China—the Port of Tokyo offers a short free storage period for containers (typically only 3-5 days), with high demurrage charges thereafter. It is recommended to submit customs clearance documents before the vessel’s estimated arrival to enable quick container pickup upon arrival.
V. Transportation Considerations
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the difference between the Port of Tokyo and the Port of Yokohama? How should I choose? A: Both ports are located in Tokyo Bay, about 20 km apart. Recommendation: If the destination is in Tokyo/Saitama/Gunma, the Port of Tokyo is closer; if the destination is in Kanagawa/Shizuoka, the Port of Yokohama is more convenient. The shipping lines calling at each port differ, and sometimes you can only choose one based on the shipping line’s schedule. We can assist in selecting the appropriate port of call.
Q: Is import customs clearance strict in Japan? A: Japanese customs clearance is efficient but has strict standards. Main points: ① Food/agricultural products require inspection by Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare; ② Electrical products must comply with PSE certification; ③ Chemicals require an MSDS. Japanese customs strictly verifies declared values, so it is advisable to have reasonable declared prices and consistent documentation.
VI. Bofeng Logistics Services
- Full Container Load (FCL): 20GP, 40GP, 40HQ
- Less than Container Load (LCL): Weekly LCL service from Guangzhou/Shenzhen → Tokyo
- Customs Brokerage: Consulting for China-Japan import and export customs clearance
📍 Feel free to contact us for real-time freight rates.
Related port: Port of Yokohama