Moving Services
- Moving to Japan

Moving Process from Overseas to Japan: Step by Step

Yamatane’s international moving service covers everything from overseas packing and pickup to delivery at your new Japanese residence.
(Door-to-Door Service)

1. STEP 01When Your Relocation to Japan Is Confirmed / Home Survey / After Selecting Your Mover

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   • When Your Relocation to Japan Is Confirmed

     Start by requesting quotes from moving companies.
     To request our services, simply call us at +81-3820-1292 or use the contact form below.

     Contact Us

     

   • Home Survey

     Our overseas office or agent will contact you to schedule a survey visit.
     We’ll assess your shipment volume and explain required documents, Unaccompanied Baggage Declaration, customs duties, and prohibited or restricted items.

     

   • After Selecting Your Mover

     Once you’ve chosen your moving company, let’s set the moving date.
     Peak seasons and holidays vary by country, so we recommend booking early.

     

2. STEP 02Preparing for Your Move (Sorting) / Required Documents / Other Important Notes

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   • Preparing for Your Move (Sorting)

     “Sorting” means clearly separating items going to Japan from those staying behind, so our staff can easily identify everything on moving day.
     When returning to Japan, items are typically sorted as follows:
     
     Poor sorting can lead to items being shipped to the wrong destination or delays in completing the work. You need to be especially careful with carry-on items such as passports and house keys. On moving day, please double-check that you have all family members’ passports and airline tickets on hand.
     
     For successful sorting, check out our sorting tips.

     Sorting Tips

     

     • Moving to Japan

       • Carry-on
         Luggage

         • - Items you’ll use until departure
         • - Items you’ll need immediately upon moving to Japan

       • Air Shipment

         • - Clothing and personal items you’ll need soon after moving to Japan

       • Sea Shipment

         • - Items for carry-on or that can’t go by air

     • Overseas

       • Garage sale/
         giving away

         • - Items not returning

     • Items to remain

       • Warehouse

         • - Items stored in Japan

       • Items from parents’ or relatives’ homes

         • - Items sent to family homes

   • Required Documents

     Export documentation varies by country and city.
     Your local coordinator will explain the requirements.
     For the Unaccompanied Baggage declaration needed for Japanese import customs, see ◆Moving to Japan for details. This is extremely important. Please review carefully.
     
     Download other required documents (varies by employer and contract)

     

     Packing List for Insurance

     Personal Information Consent Form

     For insurance-related questions, click here

   • Other Important Reminders

     Moving generates a lot of waste.
     Please dispose of items systematically before moving day in accordance with your local area’s regulations.

     

     Here’s some helpful information for your return move to Japan!

     When bringing back large furniture, make sure it will fit in your Japanese home.
     Be careful to avoid situations where items won’t fit through the door or look different than expected once placed!
     For smoother unpacking, if you have furniture stored in a warehouse in Japan or at your parents’ home, we need to deliver those first. This makes it easier to put away dishes, books, and other items arriving from overseas.

3. STEP 03Moving Day / Once Work Is Complete / Your Departure / Arrival at Destination

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   • Moving Day

     Our movers will arrive at your home.
     The team leader will check with you where each item is going.
     Please make sure you have all valuables and carry-on items with you before the work begins.
     Our staff create packing lists in English while packing.

     Moving FAQ

     

   • Once Work Is Complete

     Once packing is complete, we’ll ask you to sign the packing list.
     Thank you for your cooperation.

     

   • Moving to Japan

     IMPORTANT: This is an explanation about the Unaccompanied Baggage Declaration. Please read it carefully.

     1. 01Fill Out the Declaration on Your Flight

        

        Complete two copies of the Unaccompanied Baggage Declaration distributed by the cabin crew on your return flight.
        If they don’t distribute them, ask the cabin crew directly.
        Make sure to check “Yes” in Section A, Item 3 “Unaccompanied Baggage.”

     2. 02Immigration Procedures

        After immigration, collect your luggage and submit both declaration forms to customs.
        The customs officer will stamp them. They’ll keep one copy and return the other.
        You’ll need the returned original for customs clearance of your Unaccompanied Baggage.

     3. 03Submit Required Documents

        After leaving customs, visit our partner counter in the airport terminal.

        Our Partner Counter Locations

        Partner counters vary by airport, so please check.
        Submit your declaration form and passport there. Please tell them, “Handled by Yamatane.” Staff will copy the necessary passport pages and return it.
        Required passport pages for customs:

        • ＊Photo page
        • ＊Page with Japan entry stamp (matching the date on the Unaccompanied Baggage Declaration)
        • ＊Page with Japan departure stamp (dated over one year ago)
        • ＊Copy of visa page (proving stay over one year) or equivalent documents (ID card, work permit, etc.)

        The declaration form and passport copies will be forwarded to us.
        All are necessary for customs clearance of your shipment, so we appreciate your cooperation.

   • Import Customs Clearance

     We’ll handle import customs clearance when your shipment arrives at Japanese ports or airports.
     If alcohol or tobacco exceeds duty-free limits, you’ll need to pay customs duties.

     About customs duties click here

     Questions about moving procedures (timing, etc.) click here

     

   • Delivery

     Our import team will contact you to arrange delivery.
     We’ll unpack and set up your items according to your instructions and remove packing materials.
     We also handle simple furniture assembly.

     Disposal