Japan
Air freight, sea freight and customs in Yokohama
Yokohama is one of Japan's main container ports and close to Haneda Airport.
Services in Yokohama
- Air freight in YokohamaAir freight for time-critical and high-value cargo between Europe, the Americas and Asia.
- Sea freight in YokohamaFCL and LCL sea freight on the main trade lanes, with pre-carriage and on-carriage by road or rail.
- Customs clearance in YokohamaImport and export clearance by our in-house customs teams in 8 countries and by partner teams in the Ziem network.
Airports, seaports and connections in Yokohama
- AirportHaneda
HND - AirportNarita
NRT - SeaportPort of Yokohama
Yokohama lies on the western side of Tokyo Bay and relies on Tokyo's airports for air freight. Haneda Airport (HND) is the closest and is well suited to urgent belly cargo, while Narita International Airport (NRT) on the far side of the Tokyo area offers the main freighter capacity. The Port of Yokohama is one of Japan's principal container ports, with terminals at Honmoku, Minami-Honmoku and Daikoku Pier, and forms the Keihin port area together with Tokyo and Kawasaki. Many shippers in Kanagawa combine Yokohama sea freight with air freight via HND or NRT.
The Shuto Expressway's Bayshore Route and Yokohane Route link Yokohama's port areas with Haneda and central Tokyo. The Tomei Expressway and the Daisan Keihin Road connect inland Kanagawa, and the Ken-O Expressway gives access to Narita without crossing the inner city. JR Freight serves the area with container rail links to other parts of Japan.
Industries in Yokohama and how we support them
Yokohama and the wider Kanagawa coast are part of the Keihin industrial zone. The city hosts the headquarters of a major Japanese carmaker, and the region has car plants, auto parts suppliers, chemical and petrochemical complexes in neighbouring Kawasaki, as well as food processing and port-centric distribution. Ziem Logistics supports these supply chains with sea freight FCL/LCL through the Port of Yokohama, air freight under our own air waybills via HND and NRT, Next Flight Out and On-Board Courier for urgent automotive parts, and customs clearance through our Japanese network partner team.
Operational logistics facts for Yokohama
| Hub | Specialisation | Local advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Port of Yokohama (Honmoku, Minami-Honmoku, Daikoku Pier) | Containers, vehicles, general cargo | Direct container access for manufacturers in Kanagawa |
| Haneda Airport (HND) | Urgent belly cargo, small consignments | Short road distance from Yokohama for time-critical shipments |
| Keihin industrial zone (Kawasaki and Yokohama) | Automotive, chemicals, food processing | Pick-up at plants and chemical sites, including dangerous goods planning |
| Narita International Airport (NRT) | Freighter capacity and long-haul connections | Heavier air shipments routed via the Ken-O Expressway |
Customs clearance in Japan
Ziem network
Customs clearance in Japan is handled by a partner team in the Ziem network, under the Ziem Logistics brand and to our procedures.
For air freight to and from Japan we issue our own air waybills.
Importers in Japan need an importer code registered in NACCS (recommended) and, for some goods, product-specific notifications.
Frequently asked questions
Which airport is better for urgent shipments from Yokohama?
Haneda (HND) is closer and suits smaller urgent shipments on passenger flights. Narita (NRT) has more freighter capacity for heavy or bulky freight and dangerous goods. We decide per shipment and confirm cut-off times with every booking.
Can chemicals from Kawasaki or Yokohama go by air freight?
Yes, provided the goods are classified, packed, marked and documented according to the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations. We check the safety data sheet and UN number before booking and select airlines that accept the relevant class, usually via Narita.
Do you offer sea-air solutions combining Yokohama and Tokyo airports?
Yes. Where a shipment needs part of the transit by sea and part by air, we can combine sea freight through the Port of Yokohama with air freight from Haneda or Narita, managed under one shipment file.
Can containers be cleared directly at the Port of Yokohama?
Yes. Our partner team in the Ziem network clears containers and LCL cargo arriving in Yokohama under the Ziem Logistics brand and to our procedures. Declarations go to Japan Customs through NACCS based on the data we prepare.
What do I need to import automotive parts into Japan via Yokohama?
Usually a commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading and correct HS classification. Regular importers benefit from a NACCS importer code. We help with tariff classification and check whether any additional permits apply before the goods leave origin.
Can export customs be handled in Yokohama for goods going by air?
Yes. Export declarations for goods collected in Yokohama are prepared by our Japanese network partner team, whether the shipment leaves by sea from Yokohama or by air from Haneda or Narita. Clearance depends on complete and accurate export documents.