8+ Major Seaports of Japan Offering Leading Import and Export Services

Japan is famous for having a range of major ports that serve not only domestic cargo transportation but also global trade activities. The country has long been an important trade partner of Vietnam. Every week, dozens of sea vessels are shipped from Vietnam to ports in Japan and vice versa. Major ports in Japan include Tokyo Port, Yokohama Port, Kobe Port, and Osaka Port, mainly located on Honshu Island. These ports are crucial and play a significant role in Japan’s international trade and transportation operations.

Major Ports of Japan with High Cargo Volumes

The ports in Japan vary in their purposes, with some mainly used for international maritime cargo transport. The major ports are distributed around Honshu Island, where most of Japan’s industrial factories are located. Additionally, Honshu’s coastal areas offer deep harbors that allow large vessels to dock easily for daily import and export activities.

Japan maintains strong trade relationships with many countries worldwide, including China, South Korea, the United States, Canada, and Russia. Several major ports in Japan have been recognized and documented by multi-modal cargo transport provider Boom Logistics from reliable sources, and these are considered the top ports of Japan as of 2023.

1. Nagoya Port

Nagoya Port is considered one of the largest ports in Japan. Currently, the port conducts trade with over 150 countries and handles all types of cargo. The total international cargo throughput at Nagoya Port is 80.7 million tons of imports and 48.8 million tons of exports. For international containers, Nagoya Port processes an average of over 2.5 million TEUs per year.

Nagoya Port mainly handles items such as automobiles and automobile parts, steel materials, machinery, equipment, rubber, and other goods. The shipping time from Vietnam to Nagoya Port typically takes 7 to 9 days. In cases where transshipment is required through a third country, the total time may extend to 13 days.

Several shipping lines operate routes from Vietnam to Nagoya, including ASL, Evergreen, Wanhai, TSL, SITC, ONE, ZIM, CNC, and others.

2. Yokohama Port

Yokohama Port is one of the main ports of Japan. With an area of over 7.3 thousand hectares and more than 2.8 thousand hectares of water surface, this port serves about 37,359 vessels annually, transporting nearly 129.7 million tons of cargo.

The port mainly exports items such as automobiles and automobile parts, machinery, industrial equipment, chemicals, fertilizers, food, agricultural products, electronics, and electronic components. The main imported goods at this port include petroleum, steel, metals, frozen food, and fresh produce.

The shipping time from Vietnam to Yokohama typically takes 7 to 9 days. If transshipment through an intermediary country is necessary, the total time can extend to 13 days. Several shipping lines operate routes from Vietnam to Yokohama, including ASL, Evergreen, Wanhai, TSL, SITC, ONE, ZIM, CNC, and others.

3. Kobe Port

Kobe Port, with its naturally advantageous maritime terrain, plays an important role in trade between Japan and countries in the Inner Asia region, such as China and South Korea, for many centuries. Combined with Kobe Airport, Kobe Port is a leading hub for handling and distributing goods.

Each year, Kobe Port welcomes approximately 36,482 ships carrying nearly 77 million tons of cargo. The main exports from this port include automobiles, machinery, synthetic plastics, paints, dyes, and more. The primary imports include clothing, footwear, chemicals, coal, and personal goods.

The shipping time from Vietnam to Kobe typically takes 7 to 9 days. In cases where transshipment through a third country is required, the total time may extend to 13 days. Several shipping lines operate routes from Vietnam to Kobe, including ASL, Evergreen, Wanhai, TSL, SITC, ONE, ZIM, CNC, and others.

4. Tokyo Port

Tokyo Port plays an important role in trade between Japan and other Asian countries, handling 27.7 million tons of cargo, including 19.8 million tons of imports and 7.8 million tons of exports. Annually, the port serves over 28,100 vessels, transporting 72.4 million tons of cargo, with 40.7 million tons for import/export activities and 31.7 million tons for domestic cargo.

In addition to its primary activities, Tokyo Port also has specialized terminals for food cargo, bulk goods, timber and wood products, construction materials, oversized cargo, automobiles, and passenger vessels.

The shipping time from Vietnam to Tokyo typically takes 7 to 9 days. If transshipment through an intermediary country is required, the total time can extend to 13 days. Several shipping lines operate routes from Vietnam to Tokyo, including ASL, Evergreen, Wanhai, TSL, SITC, ONE, ZIM, CNC, and others.

5. Moji Port

Moji is located on the Kyushu coastline, opposite the Kanmon Strait, separating Kyushu and Honshu. Moji Port is equipped with modern facilities and can handle major cargo types such as bulk goods, containers, and petroleum. Cargo flow statistics show about 89 million tons of goods are transported annually. The loading region experiences peak demand in the summer. The maximum vessel size is 14,000 DWT. The container terminal size is LOA 270m, water draft 10.8m HW, 40,000 GT. Kanmon Bridge has a maximum hydraulic width of 61m.

The shipping time from Vietnam to Moji typically takes 13 to 14 days, as most shipping companies do not provide direct services from Vietnam to Moji. Some shipping lines operating routes from Vietnam to Moji include Evergreen, Wanhai, TSL, SITC, ONE, ZIM, CNC, and others.

Japan has many large seaports that play a crucial role in the country’s economy, including Kobe Port, Tokyo Port, Hakata Port, Osaka Port, Yokohama Port, Nagoya Port, and more.

6. Hakata Port

Hakata is located in Fukuoka Prefecture, opposite Hakata Bay. This natural harbor with three shores and the fourth being Nokonoshima Island handles approximately 30,730 ships transporting 29.7 million tons of cargo annually, including 800,000 TEU and 1.75 million passengers. The peak load region usually appears in the summer. The maximum vessel size is LOA 320m, water depth 14.0m, 80,000 DWT.

The shipping time from Vietnam to Hakata typically takes 13 to 14 days as most shipping companies do not provide direct services from Vietnam to Hakata. Some shipping lines operating routes from Vietnam to Hakata include Evergreen, Wanhai, TSL, SITC, ONE, ZIM, CNC, and others.

7. Sendai Port

Sendai Port provides services for container ships both within and outside Japan. As one of the largest port complexes in northeastern Japan, Sendai Port is closer to North America and is seen as an ideal import/export point for products moving through the northeastern region of Japan. Container transport services typically extend to regions such as North America, China, South Korea, and Southeast Asia.

Furthermore, goods from Sendai can be transshipped to Tokyo and Yokohama, expanding trade potential with Europe, the Middle East, Oceania, Africa, and South America. The shipping time from Vietnam to Sendai typically takes 13 to 14 days as most shipping companies do not provide direct services from Vietnam to Sendai. Several shipping lines operate routes from Vietnam to Sendai, including Evergreen, Wanhai, TSL, SITC, ONE, ZIM, CNC, and others.

8. Osaka Port

Osaka Port serves more than 21 million consumers and plays a crucial role in Japan’s economy. This port is directly linked to a modern and complex road and rail system. With its central position in the country and proximity to Kansai International Airport, Osaka Port is a distribution hub for most of Japan.

At this port, goods are imported in various types, including food, agricultural products, crude oil, coal, iron ore, metals, chemicals, and dyes. The shipping time from Vietnam to Osaka typically takes 7 to 9 days. In cases where transshipment through an intermediary country is required, the total time can extend to 13 days. Several shipping lines operate routes from Vietnam to Osaka, including ASL, Evergreen, Wanhai, TSL, SITC, ONE, ZIM, CNC, and others.

Updated Port Codes for Japan (2023)

Japan is known for having one of the most extensive coastlines and archipelagos in the world. With its five main islands—Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku, Kyushu, and Okinawa (part of the Ryukyu Islands)—each island has its own characteristics, contributing to biological, geological, and port diversity.

A diagram of large ports along the coastline has created numerous large and small ports, giving Japan a maritime economic advantage.

In 2023, the concept of “island” in Japan underwent a change due to the GIA announcement (landmasses with a perimeter of at least 100m since 1987). Combining modern technology and national benefits, Japan once again conducted a count and study of the number of islands and currently has 14,125 islands, 1.9 times the previous count of 7,223. Ports in Japan play a vital role in transshipping goods globally.

BoomLogistics has listed major ports in Japan. Below is a table of port codes for Japan, helpful for international trade and cargo transport.

Above is the list of major ports in Japan. Thanks to its position surrounded by the sea, Japan has made the most of its coastal advantages to develop its port system, generating huge economic benefits for the country. At the same time, Japan is increasing its investment in ports, promoting the production and export of items like automobiles, automobile parts, and electronic components to international markets, creating new opportunities and boosting international trade, contributing to the economic and social development of the country.

Which company offers the best and most reliable domestic sea freight services at the best price?

The top major ports of Japan (as of 2023) have been updated by Boom Logistics to efficiently serve Vietnam-Japan import-export activities. Facing an increasing demand for FCL/LCL sea freight, Boom Logistics Co., Ltd. is pleased to introduce its “Domestic Sea Freight Container Services at Low Prices” with methods such as FCL, full container, full shipment, and full volume. We transport goods from Port to Port, Port to Warehouse, Warehouse to Warehouse, etc. Ensuring safety, reliability, accuracy, and prioritizing the best interests of our customers.

Boom Logistics mainly focuses on exploiting large corporations, both domestic and international companies, needing cargo transport services; factories, construction projects, general agents, and domestic freight services; and SMEs needing fast and cost-effective sea freight services across the North and South.

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Boom Logistics Handles a Wide Range of Cargo via Sea

Boom Logistics transports goods by sea container from North to South, including a variety of products:

• Handicraft goods like woven fabrics, garment materials, leather, shoes, canvas, other technical fabrics, ceramics, glass and glass products, gems, precious metals…
• Minerals like ores, coal, sand, stone…
• Agricultural products including seafood, vegetables, fruits, coffee, pepper…
• Machinery and equipment.
• Animal feed.
• Transport vehicles like cars, motorcycles, electric vehicles…
• Construction materials or event materials.
• Wood and wood products like furniture, tables, chairs, paper, and paper products…
• Chemicals, chemical fertilizers.
• Frozen goods…

Domestic Sea Freight Methods

• Shipping goods by container from port to port.
• Shipping containers from North to South from port to warehouse.
• Cold/dry container shipping from warehouse to warehouse.
• Door-to-door shipping services as per request.
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Domestic sea freight routes of Boom Logistics:

• Sea freight from Hai Phong Port to Ho Chi Minh City Port.
• Sea freight from Ho Chi Minh City Port to Quy Nhon Port.
• Sea freight from Ho Chi Minh City Port to Cua Lo, Nghe An.
• Sea freight from Cua Lo, Nghe An Port to Ho Chi Minh City Port.
• Sea freight from Quy Nhon Port to Ho Chi Minh City Port.
• Sea freight from Ho Chi Minh City Port to Da Nang Port.
• Sea freight from Da Nang Port to Ho Chi Minh City Port… and many other routes.

Boom Logistics quickly updates information about major ports in Japan as of 2023. This information will help importers and exporters using sea freight to better understand and assist their trade and shipping plans to Japan. If you need a reputable, professional, and affordable sea freight provider for domestic FCL or international FCL/LCL, please contact us via the hotline below for the best support.