Introduction
Japan’s air and sea ports play a pivotal role in its global trade, especially in its extensive exchange with China, its largest trading partner. The country’s advanced infrastructure, featuring state-of-the-art facilities and strategic locations, supports a vast network of cargo movement, thereby fueling its economic engine. This overview delves into the significant air cargo hubs and seaports, highlighting their capacities, operational highlights, and contributions to Japan’s trade and commerce.
Major Airports in Japan
There are several major airports in Japan that handle a significant amount of air cargo shipments each month. The top cargo airports in Japan include the following :
- Narita International Airport (NRT)
- Haneda Airport (HND)
- Kansai International Airport (KIX)
- Chubu Centrair International Airport (NGO)
According to the Narita International Airport website, they handled over 171,000 tons of air cargo in 2022. Haneda Airport handled over 424,000 tons of air cargo in 2020, which was a decrease of 10.1% compared to the previous year. Kansai International Airport handled over 583,000 tons of air cargo in 2020, which was a decrease of 13.5% compared to the previous year. Chubu Centrair International Airport handled over 197,000 tons of air cargo in 2020, which was a decrease of 6.4% compared to the previous year.
Here is a list of the major international cargo seaports in japan:
Narita International Airport (NRT)
Narita International Airport (NRT) is located in Chiba, Japan, and is the primary international airport serving the Tokyo metropolitan area. It is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and features a variety of amenities, including duty-free shops, restaurants, and lounges. The airport is also known for its efficient and well-organized cargo facilities, making it a popular choice for air freight services.
NRT handles a significant amount of cargo traffic, with an average of 150 cargo flights per day, transporting a range of goods, including electronics, auto parts, and pharmaceuticals. The weight of daily cargo imports from China to NRT varies, but it is estimated to be around 3,000 to 4,000 tons per day.
In terms of rankings, NRT is consistently ranked among the top airports in the world. In 2020, it was ranked as the 29th busiest airport globally and the 5th busiest in Asia by passenger traffic, according to Airports Council International. Additionally, it was ranked as the 2nd best airport in the world for airport dining and the 8th best airport in the world overall by Skytrax in 2020.
In Japan, NRT is the second-busiest airport after Haneda Airport, serving over 30 million passengers and handling over 2 million tons of cargo in 2020. It is also a hub for several major airlines, including Japan Airlines and All Nippon Airways.
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| IATA Code | NRT |
| ICAO Code | RJAA |
| City | Narita, Chiba Prefecture, Japan |
| Elevation | 41 meters (135 feet) above sea level |
| Runways | 2 |
| Longest Runway | 4,000 meters (13,123 feet) |
| Airlines | Over 80 airlines operate at Narita, including Japan Airlines, ANA, Delta, United, and Cathay Pacific. |
| Destinations | Narita offers non-stop flights to over 120 destinations worldwide. |
Haneda Airport (HND)
Haneda Airport (HND), also known as Tokyo International Airport, is one of the two main airports serving Tokyo, Japan. It is located in the Ota ward of Tokyo and is the closest airport to the city center, making it a popular choice for both domestic and international travelers. In terms of cargo operations, HND primarily handles domestic cargo within Japan, but it also has a significant amount of international cargo traffic, particularly from China.
Haneda Airport has two runways and four terminals, including a dedicated cargo terminal called the “Cargo Terminal Building.” The cargo terminal covers an area of approximately 23,000 square meters and is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including temperature-controlled storage, X-ray machines, and a customs clearance area. The cargo terminal is connected to the airport’s other terminals via underground tunnels and automated people movers.
While there is no specific data available on the weight of daily cargo imports from China at Haneda Airport, it is estimated that a significant amount of the airport’s international cargo traffic comes from China. In 2020, the total amount of cargo handled at the airport was 384,580 tons, with international cargo accounting for approximately 170,000 tons.
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| IATA Code | HND |
| ICAO Code | RJTT |
| City | Tokyo, Japan |
| Elevation | 6 meters (20 feet) above sea level |
| Runways | 4 |
| Longest Runway | 3,700 meters (12,139 feet) |
| Airlines | 69 |
| Destinations | 98 (domestic and international) |
Kansai International Airport (KIX)
Kansai International Airport (KIX), located on an artificial island in Osaka Bay, serves as a pivotal gateway to Japan’s Kansai region. It’s an important node for both international and domestic flights, boasting advanced passenger amenities like extensive shopping, dining, lounges, and complimentary Wi-Fi.
Despite a pandemic-related dip in 2021, KIX maintained a substantial cargo throughput, averaging 72,000 tons monthly, facilitated by a specialized cargo terminal. The airport is a key link for cargo between China and Japan, with a considerable number of flights dedicated to this route, indicating its strategic importance in Asia-Pacific trade.
Recognized for its excellence, KIX has earned top spots in Asian airport rankings, reflecting its significance beyond cargo to passenger service. As the second busiest in Japan and a regional leader, KIX is set to remain an essential hub in global aviation logistics.
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| IATA Code | KIX |
| ICAO Code | RJBB |
| City | Osaka, Japan |
| Elevation | 20 feet (6 meters) above sea level |
| Runways | 2 |
| Longest Runway | 13,123 feet (4,000 meters) |
| Airlines (Passenger) | 53 |
| Airlines (Cargo) | 15 |
| Destinations (Passenger) | 82 (domestic and international) |
| Destinations (Cargo) | 9 |
Chubu Centrair International Airport (NGO)
Chubu Centrair International Airport, positioned on an artificial island near Nagoya, Japan, stands as a major conduit for air cargo in the region. Its cargo terminal, sprawling over 32,000 square meters with a yearly capacity of 260,000 tons, is a hub of activity, equipped with automated systems and specialized storage to manage diverse cargo types.
The airport sees over 100 cargo flights weekly, thanks to its substantial facilities, including a cargo apron that accommodates the aviation industry’s giants. Although specific figures for daily imports from China are not disclosed, China’s significant trade with Japan suggests a hefty volume of these imports pass through Chubu Centrair.
As a recognized air cargo hub, Chubu Centrair is the third busiest in Japan and ranks in the top 25 for the Asia-Pacific region. Its global standing reflects its strategic importance in international logistics, cementing its role as a cornerstone of cargo transport within the vast network of global trade.
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| IATA Code | NGO |
| ICAO Code | RJGG |
| City | Tokoname, Japan |
| Elevation | 4 meters (13 feet) |
| Runways | 2 |
| Longest Runway | 3,500 meters (11,483 feet) |
| Airlines | 32 |
| Destinations | 38 (domestic and international) |
Other Airports in Japan
List of other important air cargo ports in Japan:
- Fukuoka Airport (FUK)
- New Chitose Airport (CTS)
- Naha Airport (OKA)
- Sendai Airport (SDJ)
- Hiroshima Airport (HIJ)
Major Seaports in Japan
Japan is an archipelago country located in the Pacific Ocean and surrounded by numerous seaports. These ports play a crucial role in Japan’s economy, as the country heavily relies on imports and exports for its economic growth. The trade relationship between China and Japan has also been significant, with China being Japan’s largest trading partner.
Some of the major seaports in Japan include the Port of Tokyo, Port of Yokohama, Port of Nagoya, and Port of Kobe. These ports are equipped with state-of-the-art technology, including automated container terminals and cranes, and have the capacity to handle large volumes of cargo.
The Port of Tokyo, for example, is Japan’s largest port and one of the busiest seaports in the world. It has a handling capacity of over 4 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) and is a major hub for sea freight from China to Japan. The Port of Nagoya, on the other hand, is Japan’s busiest port in terms of automobile shipments and is responsible for a significant portion of Japan’s automotive exports.
Overall, the seaports of Japan are essential to the country’s economy and play a crucial role in facilitating trade with China and other countries. As such, shipping by sea from China to Japan remains a popular and cost-effective option for businesses looking to transport goods between the two countries.
The Port of Tokyo
The Port of Tokyo is among the largest and busiest seaports in Japan. It is equipped with modern facilities and infrastructure to handle a wide range of cargo, including containers, bulk cargo, and automobiles. The port has several terminals that are equipped with advanced technology to ensure efficient cargo handling and management. Additionally, the port is supported by an extensive network of highways and railroads, making it an important gateway for sea freight from China to Japan.
In terms of cargo volume, the Port of Tokyo handles around 100 million tons of cargo annually. This includes a significant amount of sea freight from China to Japan. The port is ranked as the 12th busiest seaport in the world, and the 4th busiest in Asia, according to the World Shipping Council. It is also ranked as the 3rd busiest seaport in Japan, after the ports of Yokohama and Nagoya. The Port of Tokyo plays a crucial role in supporting Japan’s economy by facilitating international trade and commerce.
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Address | 2-1-1 Kaigan, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-0022, Japan |
| Port Authority | Tokyo Metropolitan Government |
| Phone | -10817 |
| Fax | -10804 |
| info@tokyo-port.or.jp | |
| Coordinates | 35.6518° N, 139.7737° E |
| Decimal Coordinates | 35.6518, 139.7737 |
| UN/LOCODE | JP TYO |
| Port Type | Seaport |
| Port Size | Large |
| Website | https://www.tptc.co.jp/english/ |
| Terminal Operator | Tokyo Port Terminal Corporation |
The Port of Yokohama
The Port of Yokohama is located in the city of Yokohama, which is the second largest city in Japan after Tokyo. It is one of the busiest seaports in Japan and is a major hub for international trade.
The seaport has modern equipment and facilities that can handle a variety of cargo types, including containers, vehicles, and general cargo. It has a total of 56 berths with a length of 9,098 meters and depth of 15.5 meters. The port also has advanced technologies, such as an automated cargo handling system and a computerized traffic control system, which enable efficient cargo handling and smooth vessel traffic.
The daily cargo intake at the Port of Yokohama is about 25,000 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units), which makes it one of the busiest ports in Japan in terms of container throughput. The port handles a wide range of cargo, including electronics, machinery, and automobiles.
The Port of Yokohama is ranked as the 41st largest container port in the world, according to the World Shipping Council’s 2020 report. In its own country, it is the second busiest container port after the Port of Tokyo. In terms of seafreight from China to Japan, the Port of Yokohama is an important gateway for goods entering the Tokyo metropolitan area and surrounding regions.
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Address | 1-1, Shinko-cho, Naka-ku, Yokohama 231-0001, Japan |
| Port Authority | Yokohama City Government |
| Phone | -7671 |
| Fax | -5495 |
| kowan-k@city.yokohama.lg.jp | |
| Coordinates | 35.4446° N, 139.6456° E |
| Decimal Coordinates | 35.4446, 139.6456 |
| UN/LOCODE | JP YOK |
| Port Type | Seaport |
| Port Size | Large |
| Website | https://www.city.yokohama.lg.jp.e.sj.hp.transer.com/kowan/en/ |
The Port of Nagoya
The Port of Nagoya is one of the largest seaports in Japan and is located in the city of Nagoya, Aichi prefecture. The port is equipped with modern facilities and advanced technologies, including container terminals, a large warehouse, and extensive railway and road networks. The port can accommodate large vessels and has a water depth of up to 16 meters.
In terms of daily cargo intake, the Port of Nagoya is one of the busiest ports in Japan, with an average daily throughput of around 40,000 TEUs. The port mainly handles containerized cargo, including automobiles, machinery, and chemicals.
Internationally, the Port of Nagoya is ranked as the 18th busiest container port in the world and the 3rd busiest in Japan, after the Port of Tokyo and the Port of Yokohama. In its own country, the Port of Nagoya is one of the most important ports, handling about 10% of Japan’s total seaborne trade. The port is also a major hub for sea freight from China to Japan, as it is strategically located in the central region of Japan.
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Address | 1-1 Kanareto-cho, Minato-ku, Nagoya 455-0848, Japan |
| Port Authority | Nagoya Port Authority |
| Phone | -2314 |
| Fax | -6690 |
| info@port-of-nagoya.jp | |
| Coordinates | 35.0797° N, 136.8794° E |
| Decimal Coordinates | 35.0797, 136.8794 |
| UN/LOCODE | JP NGO |
| Port Type | Seaport |
| Port Size | Large |
| Website | https://www.port-of-nagoya.jp/english/ |
The Port of Osaka
The Port of Osaka is a major seaport in Japan, located in Osaka Bay, serving as a gateway to the Kansai region. The port is well-equipped with state-of-the-art facilities for handling various types of cargo, including containerized, bulk, and general cargo. The port has a total of 34 berths, and its facilities include cargo-handling cranes, warehouses, and storage yards. The port also has a modern and efficient transportation network that connects it to major industrial and commercial centers in the Kansai region.
In terms of daily cargo intake, the Port of Osaka handles a significant volume of sea freight, with a total cargo throughput of approximately 130 million tons in 2020. This includes a significant amount of containerized cargo, as the port is one of the largest container ports in Japan.
Internationally, the Port of Osaka is ranked as the 24th busiest container port in the world and the 3rd busiest port in Japan, following the Port of Yokohama and the Port of Tokyo. In its continent, the port is ranked as the 4th busiest container port in Asia, after Shanghai, Singapore, and Shenzhen. In its own country, the port is considered as one of the major gateways for sea freight from China to Japan, contributing significantly to the economic growth of the Kansai region.
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Address | 1-1-18 Shiromi, Chuo-ku, Osaka 540-0001, Japan |
| Port Authority | Osaka Port Authority |
| Phone | -7651 |
| Fax | -7650 |
| opa-info@osakaport.or.jp | |
| Coordinates | 34.6621° N, 135.4288° E |
| Decimal Coordinates | 34.6621, 135.4288 |
| UN/LOCODE | JP OSA |
| Port Type | Seaport |
| Port Size | Large |
| Website | https://www.osakaport.co.jp/en/index.html |
Conclusion
Japan’s network of air and sea ports is a testament to its dynamic role in global trade, particularly emphasizing the critical trade relationship with China. These gateways, exemplified by advanced facilities like Narita, Haneda, Kansai, and Chubu Centrair airports, along with pivotal seaports such as Tokyo, Yokohama, Nagoya, and Osaka, are not just transit points but key cogs in the machinery of international commerce. Their robust infrastructure and strategic operations facilitate seamless movement of a diverse range of goods, playing a crucial role in sustaining Japan’s economic vitality.
For businesses and individuals looking to leverage this efficient and reliable trade route, exploring the options for shipping from China to Japan presents a wealth of opportunities. Whether it’s for large-scale commercial shipments or smaller, personal consignments, the shipping services between these two economic powerhouses offer tailored solutions to meet diverse logistical needs. We encourage you to explore these services, tap into the efficiency of Japan’s logistic hubs, and propel your business forward in this thriving corridor of international trade. Take the first step today and discover how shipping from China to Japan can unlock new potentials for your ventures.
FAQ
Narita International Airport (NRT) is the primary international airport serving the Tokyo metropolitan area, located in Chiba, Japan.
Seaports in Japan play a crucial role in the country's economy, facilitating trade with major partners like China and handling large volumes of imports and exports.
The Port of Tokyo is Japan's largest seaport, handling over 4 million TEUs and serving as a major hub for sea freight from China to Japan.
Seaports in Japan play a crucial role in the country's economy, facilitating trade with major partners like China and handling large volumes of imports and exports.
