Shipping to Kobe and Hyogo
Kobe, between the mountains and Osaka Bay, has been one of Japan's main international ports since the 19th century and is home to a long-established foreign community. The port's container terminals on Port Island and Rokko Island handle cargo for Hyogo Prefecture and western Kansai.
Choose Kobe for consignees in Kobe, Himeji, Akashi, Nishinomiya and Ashiya. Kobe's international schools and foreign companies mean that relocation shipments are routine for local customs brokers. After clearance, cargo can be collected at the bonded warehouse or delivered by a local mover.
Practical tips. Kobe's hillside neighbourhoods such as Kitano and Rokko have steep, narrow roads, so movers often switch to small trucks for the last stretch. The city has several international schools and an established expatriate community, which makes finding English-speaking movers easier than in most Japanese cities. Register your address at the ward office within 14 days of arrival, and keep your residence card with the customs declaration.
Shipping rates from Canada to Kobe
| Destination | From Toronto | From Montreal | From Vancouver |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kobe | USD 4 / cu ft 35 days · min. USD 406.28 | USD 4 / cu ft 35 days · min. USD 406.28 | USD 3 / cu ft 25 days · min. USD 370.96 |
Examples from Vancouver: 0.5 CBM / 100 kg USD 370.96; 2 CBM / 400 kg USD 476.92. The carrier charges by volume or by weight (1,000 kg per CBM), whichever is greater. From the Prairies, the quote adds Fastfrate trucking to Montreal or Vancouver.
Personal effects: Personal effects and household goods are accepted subject to carrier approval: we send your packing list and passport copy to the carrier before you pay. Carrier conditions for Japan: Commercial Invoice Required; Subject to ISPM 15 Packing Regulations; Subject to Japan AFR US$30.00.
Documents: a signed packing list and a passport copy for personal effects, a commercial invoice and packing list for commercial cargo. Customs value up to CAD 2,000; cargo palletized or crated on ISPM 15 wood.
Nearest other destinations in Japan: Osaka (28 km), Takamatsu (112 km), Mizushima (134 km), Nagoya (165 km). All destinations and rates: shipping to Japan.
Rates valid October 1–31, 2026; totals include A1 fees of USD 265.00. Destination charges are confirmed by the carrier, duties and taxes are paid by the consignee, and transit days are the carrier's estimate.