SEA FREIGHT
Ocean Freight
Long-term contracts with 20 leading carriers secure space even in peak season.
- FCL
- LCL
- Reefer
- Break-bulk
Global Market · East Asia
Vietnam – Japan Logistics
Japan market information for importers and exporters: seaports, airports, economic size, trade preferences and growth potential.
Key facts
- Capital
- Tokyo
- Region
- East Asia
- Population
- 123 million
- Area
- 377,930 km²
- Nominal GDP (2023)
- US$4.21 trillion
- GDP per capita
- 34,150 USD
- GDP ranking
- No. 4 worldwide
- 5-year GDP growth
- -3.5%/year
- Currency
- Japanese Yen (JPY)
- Languages
- Japanese
- Distance to Ho Chi Minh City
- 4,215 km
Economic size
In 2023, Japan’s nominal GDP reached US$4.21 trillion, ranking No. 4 in the world, with GDP per capita of around US$34,150. Over the past 5 years, GDP in US dollar terms grew by an average of -3.5% per year.
Growth potential
- Large economy, ranked No. 4 in the world by GDP.
- GDP in US dollar terms has fallen by an average of 3.5% per year over 5 years; watch for currency and purchasing power risks.
- Tariff preferences with Vietnam through RCEP, CPTPP, AJCEP, VJEPA.
- One of Vietnam’s top trading partners.
- High average income (about US$34,150 per capita), well suited to high-value consumer goods.
Trade agreements with Vietnam
Goods that meet the rules of origin may qualify for preferential duty rates with the appropriate C/O under the following agreements:
- RCEP Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership
- CPTPP Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership
- AJCEP ASEAN–Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership
- VJEPA Vietnam–Japan Economic Partnership Agreement
Shipping from Vietnam to Japan
Ocean
5–12 days
from Cat Lai / Cai Mep, depending on destination port and transshipment
Air
1–3 days
from SGN / HAN, including handling time
Distance
4,215 km
straight-line distance
Transit times are indicative estimates, not commitments. Contact us for actual vessel and flight schedules.
Major seaports
The World Port Index lists 163 ports in Japan. The table below shows the main cargo ports.
| Port | UN/LOCODE | Size | Channel depth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tokyo | JPTYO | Large | 16 m |
| Yokohama | JPYOK | Large | 11 m |
| Nagoya | JPNGO | Large | 16 m |
| Osaka | JPOSA | Large | 11 m |
| Kobe | JPUKB | Large | 14 m |
| Nagasaki | JPNGS | Large | 12 m |
Port guides: Japan
International airports
Japan has 82 large and medium-sized airports. The main airports for cargo are:
| Airport | IATA | City |
|---|---|---|
| Narita International Airport | NRT | Narita |
| Kansai International Airport | KIX | Osaka |
| Tokyo Haneda International Airport | HND | Tokyo |
| Chubu Centrair International Airport | NGO | Tokoname |
| Fukuoka Airport | FUK | Fukuoka |
| Kyushu Saga International Airport | HSG | Saga |
Services for the Vietnam – Japan lane
AIR FREIGHT
Air Freight
Weekly block space agreements and full charters for urgent, high-value cargo.
- Express
- Charter
- DG
- Pharma
ROAD & RAIL
Road & Rail Freight
Owned GPS-tracked fleet and Vietnam – China – Europe rail freight.
- FTL
- LTL
- Cross-border
- Rail
CONTRACT LOGISTICS
Warehousing & Distribution
International-standard distribution centers run on WMS and automated conveyor systems.
- Bonded
- Cold chain
- Fulfillment
CUSTOMS & TRADE
Customs & Trade Advisory
Licensed customs brokers and FTA specialists who optimize duty rates for FDI companies.
- VNACCS
- C/O
- EVFTA
- CPTPP
PROJECT CARGO
Project & Oversized Cargo
Route surveys, lashing plans and equipment transport for industrial and energy projects.
- OOG
- Heavy-lift
- Turnkey
Are you a logistics company in Japan?
Join Global Logistic Group’s agent network to handle shipments from Vietnam and Southeast Asia.
Frequently asked questions
How long does ocean freight from Vietnam to Japan take?
Estimated ocean transit time is 5–12 days, depending on the origin and destination ports, carrier and number of transshipments. Global Logistic Group provides exact sailing schedules with every quote.
What are the main seaports in Japan?
The main cargo ports in Japan include Tokyo, Yokohama, Nagoya, Osaka.
Which airports handle international air cargo in Japan?
International air cargo to Japan mainly arrives via Narita International Airport (NRT), Kansai International Airport (KIX), Tokyo Haneda International Airport (HND).
What trade agreements do Vietnam and Japan have?
Both countries are parties to RCEP, CPTPP, AJCEP, VJEPA. Businesses need the appropriate C/O to claim preferential duty rates.
Other markets in East Asia
Sources: World Bank (GDP for 2023, population), NGA World Port Index, OurAirports, mledoze/countries. Figures are for reference only.