TL;DR: As a foreign resident, moving in Japan means 6 steps — secure housing, book a mover, file your move-in notice and update your residence card within 14 days, set up utilities, clear out unwanted items, and update your address everywhere. IeGo handles it all bilingually.
Moving in Japan for Foreigners
Updated: October 2026
How much does it cost to move your belongings to Japan?
TL;DR: Cost mainly comes down to three things — shipping method (sea freight, air freight, or baggage), the volume of your belongings, and the distance from your origin country — so quotes vary widely between movers. Used personal effects are generally duty- and tax-exempt if you declare them as unaccompanied baggage on arrival. Once your things land in Japan, IeGo helps you compare local movers for the final leg to your new home.
Shipping method changes the cost the most
- Sea freight: the cheapest option, usually priced by volume (cubic meters) or container size, but takes several weeks to a few months to arrive.
- Air freight: costs more than sea freight but typically arrives within days to about a week — often used for smaller or time-sensitive shipments.
- Accompanied or unaccompanied baggage (extra suitcases, international courier): suits small shipments, such as a student or single person moving with only a few boxes.
Customs duty usually doesn't apply to used belongings
Used personal effects you bring when relocating to Japan — furniture, appliances, clothing — are generally exempt from customs duty and consumption tax within reasonable quantities. You still need to declare anything arriving separately (bessouhin) on the customs form when you enter the country, even if it follows by sea weeks later. New items, commercial quantities, or business goods can be taxed, so check the official rules for your situation. (Japan Customs, official site)
What drives the price
- Total volume or weight of your shipment
- Which mover you use (a large international van line vs. a regional firm)
- How much packing and insurance you pay for
- Distance and route from your origin country
- Whether you're moving during a mover's peak season
It's often cheaper to buy common furniture and appliances new in Japan than to ship them. Anything you decide not to bring can be listed on IeGo Marketplace or picked up by a disposal service. Once your shipment (or you) arrives, the remaining leg — from the port, airport, or storage facility to your new home — is a domestic move, so compare quotes from several local movers on IeGo for free.
- 1
Secure housing and understand the contract
Budget 4–6 months' rent upfront: deposit (shikikin), key money (reikin), guarantor-company fee, and agency fee. Most rentals require a guarantor or guarantor company.
- 2
Compare and book a mover
IeGo is fully bilingual — find single-item plans and English-friendly movers, and compare free quotes from several at once.
Learn more → - 3
Register your move at city hall
File a move-out notice (tenshutsu-todoke) at your old ward, a move-in notice (tennyu-todoke) at your new ward within 14 days, and update your residence card (zairyu card) address within 14 days.
- 4
Set up utilities and internet
Electricity and water need only a call; gas usually needs an in-person appointment. Internet can take 2–4 weeks, so arrange it early.
- 5
Deal with unwanted furniture and appliances
Sell on IeGo Marketplace or book junk removal. Fridges, washers, TVs, and ACs fall under Japan's appliance-recycling law and can't go out as regular garbage.
Learn more → - 6
Update everything else
Change your address with your bank, phone carrier, My Number, and set up mail forwarding (tenso-todoke) at the post office.
Frequently asked questions
Can foreigners hire movers in Japan?
Yes — anyone can, regardless of visa status or nationality. IeGo is fully bilingual, so you can request quotes, book, and pay in English or Japanese.
How much money do I need upfront to move?
Rental move-in costs (deposit, key money, guarantor fee, agency fee) typically run 4–6 months' rent. The mover itself is roughly ¥15,000–100,000 for a single person.
Do I need a guarantor (hoshonin)?
Most rentals require a guarantor or a guarantor company. A guarantor company (about 0.5–1 month's rent) usually lets you sign without a personal guarantor.
Do I need to update my residence card?
Yes. Within 14 days of moving, update the address on your residence card (zairyu card) at the municipal office for your new address.
Do I have to pay customs duty on my belongings when moving to Japan?
Used personal effects — furniture, appliances, clothing — are generally exempt from customs duty and consumption tax within reasonable quantities, as long as you declare them as unaccompanied baggage (bessouhin) on the customs form when you enter Japan. New items or commercial quantities can be taxed, so check Japan Customs' official guidance for your situation.
Who handles the Japan side of an international move?
The leg from your port, airport, or storage facility to your new home is a regular domestic move. Compare quotes from several local movers for free on IeGo.