Container gateway · Japan
Port of Kobe
Kobe is a container gateway on the Osaka Bay (Seto Inland Sea) in Japan (East Asia). Below: key facts, how it connects with Vietnam and what to prepare when shipping through it.
Key facts
- Country / territory
- Japan
- UN/LOCODE
- JPUKB
- Port type
- Container gateway
- Region
- East Asia
- Waters
- Osaka Bay (Seto Inland Sea)
- Coordinates
- 34.67°N, 135.20°E
- Container throughput
- No verified figure published here
- Local name
- 神戸港
About the port of Kobe
Kobe is a historic gateway of western Japan and part of the Hanshin port group with Osaka, handling containers, vehicles and project cargo for the Kansai region.
Kobe is a container gateway: most boxes handled are imports and exports for its own hinterland, carried on mainline and regional services.
Role in trade with Vietnam
Trade between Vietnam and East Asia (China, Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong) runs on one of the densest intra-Asia networks in the world, with many direct weekly services and short transit times.
Sea routes and transit times from Vietnam
We have not published a sample voyage to Kobe yet. Typical options from Vietnam are direct regional services or transshipment via a major hub; ask us for current schedules.
Shipping lines
Most global carriers and regional lines serve this region. We check current services and space for your shipment when quoting. All shipping lines →
Customs and documentation tips
- Make sure the commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading and customs declaration show consistent descriptions, HS codes, quantities and weights.
- Agree the Incoterms® rule and who arranges freight, insurance and destination charges before booking.
- Choose the bill of lading type (original, telex release or sea waybill) according to the payment terms with your buyer or supplier.
- Declare the verified gross mass (VGM) of each container before the carrier’s cut-off, as required by SOLAS.
- Check destination import requirements early: licences, product standards, labelling, fumigation or phytosanitary certificates where applicable.
- For Japan, cargo information must be filed under the Advance Filing Rules (AFR) before loading.
Vietnam has free trade agreements with Japan that may reduce import duties with a valid proof of origin: RCEP, CPTPP, AJCEP, VJEPA. Vietnam’s free trade agreements →
Frequently asked questions about Kobe
Where is the port of Kobe?
Kobe is in Japan, on the Osaka Bay (Seto Inland Sea), in the East Asia shipping region.
What is the UN/LOCODE of Kobe?
The UN/LOCODE commonly used for Kobe is JPUKB. Check the exact terminal or location code required by the carrier when booking.
How long does sea freight take from Vietnam to Kobe?
It depends on the routing and whether the service is direct or via transshipment. Contact us for current schedules from Hai Phong, Cat Lai or Cai Mep.
What documents are needed to ship via Kobe?
Usually a commercial invoice, packing list and bill of lading, plus any certificates required by the destination (origin, phytosanitary, fumigation, licences). Advance cargo filings may apply before loading.
Can Global Logistic Group arrange shipping to or from Kobe?
Yes. We arrange FCL and LCL ocean freight, customs clearance and inland transport for Kobe through our carrier contracts and agent network. Send us your cargo details for a quote.
Information on this page is general guidance compiled by Global Logistic Group from public sources. Port facilities, carrier networks, routings and transit times change frequently; always confirm current schedules, cut-offs and requirements with us or the carrier before booking. Data as of October 2026.