Quick answers

What’s the cheapest way to send a package to Japan? For individuals, Canada Post surface/economy is usually the lowest cost.

How much does it cost? Pricing depends on size/weight and destination. A ~1 kg (2 lb) parcel can be ~$29–$42 via post; a 10 kg parcel by courier can be ~$180–$200 depending on discounts, fuel, and final address.

Low-Cost Shipping Solutions from Canada to Japan

Choose the option that fits your budget and timeline:

• Air courier (fastest, door-to-door).
• Ocean freight (best for pallets/FCL with several weeks’ lead time).
• Couriers (FedEx, DHL, UPS) for reliable tracking and support.
• Postal (Canada Post) for low-cost personal items.

Best Shipping Carriers for Japan from Canada

The best carrier depends first on the mode (post vs. courier vs. freight) and then on your shipment profile. See details below and compare quotes.

Jet Worldwide provides low-cost economy shipping from Canada to Tokyo, Yokohama, Osaka, Nagoya and across Japan—often within a week—with excellent support.

How much does it cost to ship to Japan?

Costs vary by dimensions, weight, destination, fuel and discounts. Examples:

• ~1 kg (2 lb): as low as ~$35 via Canada Post surface/economy.
• ~10 kg: around ~$250 via courier depending on service and address.

Get a Canadian Address to Receive Goods and Ship to Japan

MyUS-style forwarding — but from Canada

If you want North American shopping without US limitations, a Canadian address can be ideal—access Canadian suppliers and products exclusive to Canada, then forward to Japan (often with CPTPP duty-free eligibility for qualifying Canadian-origin goods).

Shipping Air versus Ocean to Japan

For small personal packages, Canada Post surface is typically cheapest. For heavier freight, economy air can beat ocean once minimums/surcharges are added. For large commercial orders or containers, ocean wins on unit cost.

Useful read: Ocean shipping to/from Canada: what to know.

LCL cargo to Japan

LCL shares container space with other shippers; allow extra time for loading/de-consolidation.

FCL ocean cargo to Japan

FCL (20’/40’) is the fastest ocean option and best for steady volume.

Shipping Terms & How to Lower Costs

Incoterms: Default for small parcels is often DAP (receiver pays import fees). Carriers can offer DDP (shipper prepays) but note import VAT/consumption-tax recovery considerations. Many carrier terms reflect EXW.

Deep dives: Incoterms for parcels and online orders and Declared value, CIF valuation.

How to get lower international shipping costs to Japan

1. Compare carriers (use a rate calculator).
2. Consider Canada Post surface for non-urgent low-weight shipments.
3. Reduce volume weight. What is chargeable weight?
4. Negotiate volume discounts or use a third-party with multi-carrier leverage.
5. Check if your goods qualify for CPTPP duty-free. Learn about CPTPP.
6. Use ocean for large commercial orders where timelines allow.

Documents & Customs: Shipping Canada → Japan

Include complete details on the commercial invoice and supporting documents for smooth clearance.

• Commercial invoice (clear description, HS code, value, origin, Incoterms).
• Packing list (contents by package).
• Waybill (courier/air) or Bill of Lading (ocean).
• Export declaration (CERS/B13A) when required. Read about CERS.

Japan import basics: confirm licenses where needed, understand classification (HS codes), and discuss potential import fees with the consignee.

Special Cases: Simple Tariff, Wine, Books and Schools

Simple tariff for low-value parcels (≤ JPY 200,000)

Japan offers a simplified tariff for low-value parcels that can reduce classification complexity and broker charges. Importers can choose the normal tariff or the simple schedule; amounts vary by product. (Consumption tax still applies.)

• Manifest clearance: ≤ JPY 10,000 (no restrictions)
• Low-value declaration: ≤ JPY 200,999 (incl. restricted items)
• High-value declaration: ≥ JPY 201,000

CIF value (cost + insurance + freight) is the usual taxable base. See: CIF explained.

Shipping wine from Canada to Japan

Requirements include alcohol content and whether the wine is sparkling. Canadian ice wine can qualify as Canadian origin under CPTPP. Contact our team for commercial vs. personal shipment guidance.

Shipping books to Japan (incl. Canadian schools in Japan)

Books can import to Japan duty-free. Consolidate and ship directly for lower cost. Read more: Shipping Canadian textbooks and related supplies to Japan.

Carrier Options shipping to Japan 

Canada Post → Japan

• Small Packet (Surface, Air, Tracked)
• International Parcel (Surface ~2–3 weeks)
• Xpresspost International (~5 business days)

Duties/taxes may be collected on delivery; amounts over JPY 10,000 often require prepayment.

UPS & FedEx (Canada → Japan)

• Priority Express Air
• Economy Air

Purolator Canada

Purolator provides international delivery to Japan via partners (e.g., UPS) with pickup across Canada.

Jet Worldwide

40+ years of international shipping. Options for parcels, pallets, e-commerce; transparent pricing and logistics support.

CPTPP Duty-Free Clearance to Japan

The Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) enables preferential duty rates between Canada and Japan.

Parcels under USD 1,000 (equivalent)

For consignments <= USD 1,000 (equivalent), a separate certificate may not be required. A statement certifying origin by the importer/exporter/producer on the invoice (or attached) can be sufficient—provided the goods meet the origin rules.

• Include certifier identity and contact details
• Exporter/Producer/Importer details
• Description & HS code
• Origin criterion
• Blanket period (if applicable)
• Authorized signature & date

Note: CPTPP affects duty, not consumption tax; Japan’s 10% tax can still apply.

Shipping Japan → Canada & Simplified Origin to Canada

For imports to Canada ≤ CA$3,300, proof of origin is generally not required at the time of import (record-keeping still applies). See Canada’s common Canadian import fees.

Japanese origin goods can qualify for CPTPP preferential duty to Canada when rules are met. 

Shipping Personal Effects between Japan and Canada

Excess baggage is often cheaper and simpler for travellers. For separate shipments, consider a moving specialist for ocean options. Jet Worldwide does not accept personal effects.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cheapest way to send a package to Japan?

For individuals, Canada Post surface/economy is typically cheapest. For heavier or urgent shipments, compare DHL, UPS, and FedEx.

How long does delivery from Canada to Japan take?

Express courier: ~2–5 business days. Economy air: ~5–9 days. Ocean: ~4–8 weeks including consolidation.

Does CPTPP make my shipment duty-free?

It can—if the goods meet origin rules and you include the required certification/statement of origin (for <= USD 1,000 a simplified statement may be enough). Taxes and carrier fees may still apply.

What documents are required?

Commercial invoice, packing list, waybill/BOL, and export declaration when applicable. Complete descriptions and HS codes improve clearance.

Should I ship DAP or DDP?

DAP (receiver pays import charges) is common. DDP improves delivery experience but the importer may prefer to self-account for taxes.