Moving to Japan from Hawaiʻi:

Stress-Free International Relocation

Safe, Easy, and Affordable International Relocations

Thinking about moving to Japan from Hawaiʻi? Whether it’s for work, family, military service, or a new adventure abroad, Royal Hawaiian Movers makes international relocation easy, safe, and affordable. With decades of experience handling and coordinating household moves across the Pacific, Royal Hawaiian along with our sister company, specialize in comprehensive door-to-door service between Hawaiʻi and Japan. From full-container shipping to expert customs guidance and trusted Japanese partners, we’ll coordinate your entire move so you can focus on settling into your new life in Japan.

Get a FREE Quote Now

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
  • MM slash DD slash YYYY

Why Choose Royal Hawaiian Movers for Your Move to Japan?

No one knows Hawaiʻi better than Royal Hawaiian Movers. With crews and warehouses on Oʻahu, Maui, Kauaʻi, and both sides of the Big Island, we can handle moves to or from anywhere in Hawaiʻi.

With the international expertise of our staff—and the assistance of our preferred partner in Japan—we deliver safe, easy, and affordable moves between Hawaiʻi and Japan. We’ll handle your move with the highest levels of service throughout, and you’ll always know who to reach out to if you have a question. Let us custom-tailor a Hawaiʻi–Japan move to your needs and your budget.

Royal Hawaiian Movers is not a licensed Ocean Transportation Intermediary (OTI); however we work closely with our sister company, DeWitt Move Worldwide, a licensed OTI, and other licensed OTIs, who provide all OTI services for international moves.

Flexible Moving Options for Your Japan Relocation

Full Container Moves

Want to fill a 20-foot or 40-foot container with your belongings? We can help you move your entire household between Hawaiʻi and Japan.

Less-Than-Container Moves

If you don’t have enough to fill a dedicated container, we’ll create a custom solution. Only pay for the space you need!

Military Moves

Whether you’re headed to Japan or Hawaiʻi, let us simplify your PCS move. We’ll help you manage every detail.

Packing/Unpacking Services

If you’re short on time or looking for maximum convenience, let our crews do the heavy lifting for you.

Secure Storage

Need a little more time to find your perfect home? We can securely store your belongings until you’re ready for them.

We Only Partner with the Best

For the Japan portion of your relocation, we’ll partner with a local moving company in Japan, one we trust to execute your move impeccably. We only work with international partners who we know well—and who share our commitment to customer care.

We’ll Be with You, Every Step of the Way

Even though our local partner will handle the Japan side of your move, your dedicated Royal Hawaiian Movers specialist will manage your move throughout. They’ll be available as a dedicated point of contact to answer questions, schedule move-in and move-out dates, and provide timely updates until the final box is unpacked.

Simple & Smooth Customs Clearance

Our international experts stay up to date on all the latest customs regulations. We’ll help you assemble the right paperwork for duty-free clearance of your household goods. We’ll also help you avoid any speedbumps where prohibited or restricted items are concerned, paving the way for fast and easy customs clearance.

Prompt, Clear Communication

We’ll stay in touch throughout your move. If you have a question or need an update, simply reach out to your dedicated Royal Hawaiian Movers specialist. They’ll get you the answers you need at every phase of your Japan–Hawaii relocation.

Let Royal Hawaiian Movers Simplify Your Japan Move

Whether you’re leaving Hawaiʻi behind or making Hawaiʻi your new home, let the Royal Hawaiian team assist with a safe, easy, and affordable Japan move. We’ll manage every aspect of your relocation from start to finish so you can make a simple, stress-free transition between Hawaiʻi and Japan. Reach out today for a complimentary quote to get started.

Get My Free Quote

Frequently Asked Questions About Moving to Japan

Ocean Transportation Intermediaries (OTIs) are either Ocean Freight Forwarders or Non-Vessel-Operating Common Carriers and are regulated by the FMC pursuant to the Shipping Act of 1984.

Royal Hawaiian Movers is not a licensed Ocean Transportation Intermediary (OTI); however we work closely with our sister company, DeWitt Move Worldwide, a licensed OTI, and other licensed OTIs, who provide all OTI services for international moves.

Yes, U.S. citizens and permanent residents may be able to move to Japan, as long as they have the appropriate long-term stay visa. Those staying longer than 90 days will also have to get a Resident Card (“Zairyu Card”) and carry it at all times. Resident Cards are available at Narita Airport, Haneda Airport, and many of Japan’s other major airports.  

Japan is generally more affordable than Hawaiʻi in terms of housing, food, and transportation. However, costs can vary widely depending on where you live. Urban areas like Tokyo tend to be more expensive, while Japan's smaller cities and rural areas can be more budget friendly.  

When moving to Hawaiʻi from Japan, you'll want to carefully review the Can I Bring It? website to avoid bringing prohibited agricultural items to Hawaiʻi, such as plants, seeds, soil, meats, fruits, and vegetables. It's also important to ensure your shipment is free of dirt, insects, and plant material. Carefully clean any gardening tools, outdoor furniture, bicycles, etc. If soil or insects are found, your shipment may need to be fumigated or frozen—an expensive process that can mean extra costs for the owner of the items. 

For a complete list of prohibited items—and more on customs regulations for Hawaiʻi and Japan—check out our article on moving to Japan. 

If you're only moving personal belongings that have been in your use for at least a year, your goods may qualify for duty-free import to Japan. Your moving company will work with you to assemble the necessary paperwork to secure duty-free clearance when your goods enter Japan. Note that you must physically be in Japan before your goods can clear customs. 

Japan has strict regulations for importing cats and dogs. However, Japan recognizes Hawaiʻi as a rabies-free designated region, so it will be easier to bring your cat or dog with you. To avoid a mandatory quarantine for your pet, you will need to: 

  • Ensure your pet is microchipped. 
  • Give advance notification of at least 40 days before arrival. 
  • Have your pet examined by a veterinarian in Hawaiʻi.  
  • Complete additional paperwork and send it to the Japan Animal Quarantine Service for approval.  

Review the complete regulations on Japan's Animal Quarantine Service website carefully to ensure a smooth transition for your dog or cat.  

Yes, you can ship your car from Hawaiʻi to Japan. Under certain circumstances, if the car is imported along with household goods, it may be exempt from taxes. (However, if you sell the car within two years of import, you may end up paying duties on the car.) You'll also need to register the car with the Land Transportation Authority before you can drive the vehicle in Japan. Talk with your moving company for more details. 

As with many international living situations, living in Japan as a U.S. citizen can be both rewarding and challenging. A long stay in Japan offers the opportunity to immerse yourself in Japanese culture and gain a better understanding of the country than any short-term visit could. Having some familiarity with the Japanese language will make it easier for you to get around, fully experience life in Japan, and make new friends. If you haven't spent a lot of time in Japan previously, make time to research Japanese culture to help with an easier transition.