5 tips to ship goods from Vietnam to Japan cheaply and safely

Need Shipping from Vietnam to Japan is increasing, especially in the community of international students, export workers and Vietnamese people living in Japan. Whether it is gifts, food, or business goods, everyone wants the goods to arrive quickly, safely and at a reasonable cost. In this article, T-Connect will help you learn about popular forms of transportation, reference price lists, shipping processes, and especially 5 tips for sending goods to Japan at low prices while still ensuring service quality.

Introduction to shipping service from Vietnam to Japan

Japan is one of Vietnam's major trading partners, and also has a large Vietnamese community. Therefore, the shipping service from Vietnam to Japan has developed strongly, meeting the diverse needs of individuals and businesses:

• Service users: International students, export workers, overseas Vietnamese, e-commerce businesses and export companies.
• Types of goods commonly shipped: Dried food, clothing, cosmetics, electronic components, personal gifts and small business goods.
• Service provider: From international express delivery corporations (DHL, FedEx, UPS, EMS) to Vietnamese logistics enterprises with international connections.
• Compliance requirements: Goods must comply with import and export regulations of both Vietnam and Japan, and must not contain prohibited items (flammable liquids, drugs, live animals, weapons, etc.).

Thanks to the variety of services and flexible prices, shipping from Vietnam to Japan today is easier, faster and safer than ever.

3 popular forms of shipping goods from Vietnam to Japan

Currently, shipping services from Vietnam to Japan are implemented with many different methods. Depending on the needs of time, cost and type of goods, you can choose one of the three popular forms below:

Airline

This is the most popular form today, especially for orders that require speed and high safety. Goods will be transported directly by plane to Japan, then forwarded to the recipient.

• Advantage: Fast shipping time (3 – 7 days), low risk rate, suitable for high value goods or urgent delivery.
• Disadvantages: High cost, weight limit (usually under 100kg/package) and size.
• Application: Commonly used for important documents, clothing, cosmetics, dry foods, small personal items and e-commerce goods.

Seaway

Suitable for those who want to ship goods from Vietnam to Japan in large quantities at lower costs. Goods are transported by container on ships, can be shipped together or in full containers depending on needs.

• Advantage: Cheap rates, especially when sending heavy, bulky or large quantities of goods.
• Disadvantages: Long shipping time (3 – 6 weeks), depends on shipping schedule and can easily incur storage costs.
• Application: Machinery, industrial equipment, furniture, and bulk export goods. This is an economical choice for businesses and long-term customers.

International Express Delivery

This is a premium service of global carriers such as DHL, FedEx, UPS, EMS or domestic logistics companies with international partners. Suitable for individual customers who want convenience and speed.

• Advantage: Extremely fast delivery time (2-5 days), simple procedures, with tracking code to track the detailed journey of the goods. Some services also support pick-up and delivery.
• Disadvantages: The most expensive of the three, limits weight and size of packages.
• Application: Gifts, important documents, small samples, commercial goods that need urgent delivery. Very suitable for international students and workers who want to send personal items to Japan for relatives.

Latest price list for shipping from Vietnam to Japan

Treatment cost Shipping from Vietnam to Japan depends on many factors: weight, package size, form of transportation (air, sea, express), as well as the type of goods. Below is the latest reference price list in 2025 for two popular forms: airline , and international express delivery.

Important note:

• Prices are for reference only and vary depending on shipping company, time and type of goods.
• With sea freight, the cost is much cheaper (only about 1/3 of that of air freight), but the shipping time can last from 3-6 weeks.
• Some carriers charge by volume (m³) rather than weight, especially for bulky items.
• Freight may or may not include import tax and customs fees in Japan.

Shipping process from Vietnam to Japan

To ensure that your goods arrive in Japan on time, safely and without any procedural hassles, you should understand the steps in the process. Normally, the process of shipping goods from Vietnam to Japan will go through the following 5 steps:

Step 1: Contact and choose a shipping unit

• Find out about reputable shipping companies (EMS, DHL, FedEx, Viettel Post international, Vietnam - Japan logistics unit).
• Compare prices, delivery times and support services to choose the best option.

Step 2: Declare product information

• Provide detailed information about the type of goods, quantity, weight, value.
• Determine whether the item is on the list of restricted/not allowed to be imported into Japan.
• For commercial goods, it is necessary to prepare additional invoices and export documents.

Step 3: Pack goods according to standards

• Pack securely, use shockproof material if fragile.
• Ensure correct size and weight to avoid additional costs.
• Label clearly (sender, recipient, phone number, address in Japan).

Step 4: Submit application and pay shipping fee

• Documents include: goods declaration, invoice, detailed list (if any).
• Pay fees according to the shipping unit's price list.
• Some companies support pick-up, you just need to hand over the goods.

Step 5: Track and receive goods in Japan

• After sending, you will be provided with a tracking code to track the progress of your goods online.
• Delivery time depends on form:
  • Express delivery: 2 – 5 days.
  • Regular air: 5 – 10 days.
  • Sea route: 3 – 6 weeks.
• The recipient in Japan will sign for confirmation when the goods are delivered.

5 tips to ship goods from Vietnam to Japan at low cost

Cost is always a top concern when shipping internationally. With a little experience, you can save significantly while still ensuring that your goods arrive safely. Here are 5 useful tips when shipping from Vietnam to Japan:

• Choose the right shipping method:
  • If sending urgent or small items → should choose express delivery or air freight.
  • If you send large quantities of goods and are not in a hurry → sea freight is the most economical solution.
• Combine multiple orders at once: Instead of sending multiple packages, you can combine goods with acquaintances or combine many small packages into one large package to reduce the cost per kg.
• Compact and volume-optimized packaging: Shipping charges are usually based on weight or volume, so remove unnecessary packaging and use light but sturdy packing materials to reduce weight.
• Follow and take advantage of promotions: Many shipping companies (DHL, EMS, FedEx, Viettel Post international) often have seasonal discounts or promotions for loyal customers. Subscribe to not miss out.
• Compare prices between shipping companies: Before sending goods, consult at least 2-3 companies to choose the most reasonable price. Some domestic units with international links often have cheaper prices than global express corporations.

There are many options when shipping goods from Vietnam to Japan, from air, sea to international express delivery. Each form has its own advantages, costs and time, suitable for each type of goods. If you understand the process, prepare all the documents, and apply cost-saving tips, you can easily send goods to Japan both safely and economically.

To track the shipment, contact the shipping company and update the delivery status in real time when shipping from Vietnam to Japan, you should have a stable connection in Japan. T-Connect – a telecommunications unit for Vietnamese people in Japan – providing high-speed SIM/data and Vietnamese support, helping you track smoothly, chat/call easily with shippers and customer service throughout the shipping process.