Shipping Options Compared
| Method | Volume | Cost/CBM | Transit | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air Freight | Any | ¥80,000-150,000 | 2-5 days | Urgent, frozen goods, samples |
| LCL (Sea) | 1-10 CBM | ¥25,000-45,000 | 14-30 days | Mixed goods, regular orders |
| 20ft FCL | 28-33 CBM | ¥12,000-20,000 | 14-30 days | Large single-product orders |
| 40ft FCL | 56-67 CBM | ¥8,000-15,000 | 14-30 days | Bulk commodity shipments |
Mixing Temperature Zones
The challenge with Japanese food exports: matcha needs ambient, wagyu needs frozen, ceramics need careful handling. Options for mixed shipments:
- Split shipment — frozen goods by air, ambient goods by LCL sea (recommended for first orders)
- Reefer container — set to -18°C or +2°C; all goods must tolerate the same temp zone
- Multi-temp container — dual-zone containers exist but are expensive and scarce
Japan Port Selection
| Port | Strengths | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Hakata (Fukuoka) | Close to Kyushu producers, competitive rates | Wagyu, ceramics, Kyushu-sourced goods |
| Kobe/Osaka | Major hub, frequent sailings | Matcha (Uji), Kansai products |
| Tokyo/Yokohama | Largest port, most carrier options | Large FCL shipments, US-bound |
Optimized Shipping Solutions
We consolidate your wagyu, matcha, nori, and ceramics into cost-efficient mixed shipments from Japan.
Get Shipping Quote →FAQ
Can I mix frozen wagyu with ambient matcha in one container?
Not in a standard container. Use split shipment (air for frozen, sea for ambient) or a multi-temp reefer container if available on your route.
What is the cheapest way to ship from Japan?
FCL sea freight has the lowest per-unit cost. But for orders under 10 CBM, LCL is more practical despite higher per-CBM rates.
How do I insure my shipment?
Marine cargo insurance typically costs 0.3-0.5% of declared value. We recommend all-risk coverage for premium Japanese goods.
Karen Hashimoto
Curator & Export Compliance Director · WAGYU NINJA
Karen sources directly from Japanese producers and handles export compliance for B2B buyers in 50+ countries. Based in Fukuoka, Japan. @konnichiwa.karen