Shipping Costs from Japan to the US

From
Japan
To
USA
Category Documents
Weight
kilograms
Dimensions
centimeters
USPS FirstClassPackageInternationalService
$22.99
2
USPS PriorityMailInternational
$63.91
USPS ExpressMailInternational
$89.25
DHL ExpressWorldwide
$30.42 4 days Mon, 13 Apr
1
DHL ExpressWorldwideNonDoc
$38.46

* The information provided here is for reference only and is not a public offer

How to use the shipping cost calculator

1
Enter the departure and destination points.
Enter the data or select from the suggested list.
2
Enter the weight and dimensions of the cargo, including packaging.
These parameters are necessary for the calculation in our calculator.
3
Click the CALCULATE button.
The calculation of the freight transportation will begin. You will need to wait a few seconds for the calculation result to appear.

How to Choose Transport Companies for Calculation?

When you’re pricing shipping costs from Japan to the US, the “right” answer depends on 4 things: weight, dimensions, speed, and carrier. This guide gives you real Japan Post rate examples for the USA (Zone 4), delivery-time benchmarks, and a practical comparison of FedEx vs DHL vs USPS—plus an easy way to calculate your exact route with Track.Global’s delivery calculator

How much is shipping from Japan to USA?

In practice, there are two main paths:

  • Postal route (Japan Post → US delivery): usually cheapest for light parcels and non-urgent delivery.

  • Express couriers (DHL / FedEx): faster, more predictable, typically higher price.

To avoid guessing, calculate based on your parcel details (weight + size) and destination ZIP.  

What drives the cost to ship from Japan to US?

Shipping cost drivers you can actually control

  • Actual weight vs dimensional weight (big box = higher price even if light)

  • Service speed (express vs economy vs surface)

  • Package type (small packet vs parcel vs courier shipment)

Drivers that can add “surprise” fees

  • Fuel / remote area surcharges (common with couriers)

  • Customs paperwork + duties/tariffs

  • Declared value & insurance needs

Japan Post rates to the USA (Zone 4): real examples

Japan Post treats the United States as “Zone 4” for its international rate schedules. 
Below are published postage rates in JPY (your bank/payment method converts to USD).

1) Small Packets (up to 2 kg)

Small packets are capped at 2 kg and are typically the most cost-efficient format for lightweight goods.  

Airmail – Small Packets (Zone 4)

Weight (up to)

Postage (JPY)

500 g

1,670

1.0 kg

2,720

2.0 kg

4,820

 

Economy Air (SAL) – Small Packets (Zone 4) (availability can vary)

Weight (up to)

Postage (JPY)

500 g

1,470

1.0 kg

2,320

2.0 kg

4,020

 

Surface Mail – Small Packets (Zone 4)

Weight (up to)

Postage (JPY)

500 g

800

1.0 kg

1,300

2.0 kg

2,200

 

Note on tracking: Japan Post indicates tracking availability can depend on destination/service, and it recommends tracked options (e.g., International ePacket Light) where applicable.  

2) International Parcel Post (up to 30 kg)

Parcel Post supports larger/heavier boxes (up to 30 kg, subject to country limits).  

Airmail – Parcel Post (Zone 4) (includes tentative extra charges)  

Weight (up to)

Postage (JPY)

1.0 kg

4,200

2.0 kg

6,700

5.0 kg

14,200

 

Economy Air (SAL) – Parcel Post (Zone 4) (not available for some countries) 

Weight (up to)

Postage (JPY)

1.0 kg

2,900

2.0 kg

4,100

5.0 kg

7,700

 

Surface Mail – Parcel Post (Zone 4)

Weight (up to)

Postage (JPY)

1.0 kg

2,600

2.0 kg

3,300

5.0 kg

5,400

 

3) EMS (Japan Post Express Mail Service)

EMS is Japan Post’s priority international service and includes tracking (where supported). 
EMS rates (Zone 4) (include tentative extra charges)  

Weight (up to)

Postage (JPY)

500 g

3,900

1.0 kg

5,300

2.0 kg

7,900

5.0 kg

15,100

 

How much is shipping from Japan to California?

In most pricing systems, California is priced as “United States” (not a special country zone), but delivery time can be quicker on the West Coast depending on the route and customs workload.

Official Japan Post delivery-day examples (from Tokyo dispatch):

  • Letter-post Airmail: USA (Los Angeles / San Francisco) — 18 days average 

  • International Parcel Post (Air): USA (Los Angeles) — 14 days average 

  • International Parcel Post (SAL): USA — about 2 weeks 

  • Surface parcels: USA mainland — 2 to 3 months 

FedEx vs DHL vs USPS (and when each makes sense)

Carrier

Speed (typical)

Cost positioning

Best for

DHL Express

Time-definite service, delivered before end of next possible working day (route-dependent)  

Usually premium

Urgent, high-value, predictable delivery

FedEx

International Priority: typically 1–3 business days; International Economy: typically 2–5 business days  

Premium to mid

Fast shipping with multiple service levels

USPS

Best for USA-origin international shipping (returns/gifts). See service comparison below 

Often lower than private express

Shipping from the US (not Japan)

For Japan → US pricing, start with Japan Post tables (above) or get an express quote (DHL/FedEx). For US → Japan returns, USPS is often the simplest.  

USPS PriorityMailInternational vs USPS ExpressMailInternational

These labels are commonly used to describe the two most popular USPS international services:

  • Priority Mail International (PriorityMailInternational)

  • Priority Mail Express International (ExpressMailInternational)

USPS service

Delivery target

Starting price

Weight limits (examples)

Tracking / insurance

Priority Mail International (PriorityMailInternational)

6–10 business days  

From $30.90  

Flat Rate Envelope up to 4 lb; Flat Rate Box up to 20 lb; by weight up to 70 lb 

USPS Tracking; insurance included (limits vary)  

Priority Mail Express International (ExpressMailInternational)

3–5 business days 

From $59.50 

Flat Rate Envelope up to 4 lb; by weight up to 70 lb  

Faster express option with tracking 

 

Important customs update affecting Japan → USA shipping (Aug 2025)

Japan Post reported that due to U.S. customs changes, it temporarily suspended acceptance of certain US-bound postal items (small packets, parcels, EMS goods) including:

  • Gifts over $100 value

  • Goods intended for sale
    …and stated that tariffs would apply starting Aug 29, 2025 under the referenced executive order. 

Before you ship, always confirm current acceptance rules for your item category (especially if you’re shipping merchandise).  

Calculate your exact shipping cost with Track.Global

If you don’t want to manually compare tables, use Track.Global’s delivery calculator to:

  1. Enter Japan → United States (or a specific state like California)

  2. Add weight + dimensions

  3. Compare rates, delivery times, and services in one place 

This is the fastest way to answer “how much is shipping from Japan” for your exact package—without rounding errors or outdated screenshots.  

FAQ

What’s the cheapest way to ship from Japan to the US?

Usually Surface Mail (slow) or Small Packet/Parcel Post (economy options) for lighter parcels. Surface parcel delivery to US mainland can be 2–3 months.   

How much is shipping from Japan to USA for 2 kg?

Japan Post published examples to the USA (Zone 4):

  • Small Packet (Airmail): 4,820 JPY (2.0 kg) 

  • Parcel Post (Airmail): 6,700 JPY (2.0 kg) 

  • EMS: 7,900 JPY (2.0 kg) 

How much is shipping from Japan to California?

Postage is usually calculated for “United States”, but delivery days to CA cities are listed in Japan Post benchmarks (e.g., Los Angeles).  

Do duties/taxes apply when shipping from Japan to the US?

They can—especially after the U.S. de minimis-related changes noted by Japan Post for 2025. Always factor potential duties/tariffs into your “landed cost.”

FAQ

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