A Guide to the Best Moving Companies in Japan in 2026

Relocating to a new location in Japan? Looking for a Japan moving company that can handle packing, shipping, and general relocation services in English?

This article provides a look at the top 10 moving companies in Japan, along with their features and whether or not they provide English support.

Let's get to it.

Moving companies in Japan: comparison table

How much do moving companies in Japan cost?

Moving costs in Japan depend on three main factors: how much you're moving, how far you're going, and when you move. Prices can swing dramatically based on all three. A local move in October and a cross-country move in March can easily differ by 10x.

Here's a breakdown of what to expect.

Average costs by household size

These figures are averages for normal season (May–January) moves. Treat them as a starting point, not a fixed quote.

Sources: Hikkoshi Samurai, SUUMO, Star Moving Center (2025 data)

How timing affects your price

Timing is one of the biggest levers you have on moving costs, and it is arguably more impactful than which company you choose.

Peak season (February–April): prices can double. This is when students, new graduates, and corporate transfers all move at once. March is the single most expensive month of the year. A move that costs ¥50,000 in October can easily run ¥100,000+ in March. Book as early as possible if you have no choice but to move during this window. Ideally, aim to book 4–6 weeks in advance.

Shoulder season (September–October): A mini-peak driven by corporate transfers. Not as extreme as spring, but prices tick up noticeably compared to summer.

Off-season (June, November, and January): The cheapest months to move. January is typically the quietest month of the year for moving companies. If you have flexibility on timing, aiming for one of these months can save you ¥20,000–¥50,000 or more on a standard move.

Weekdays vs. weekends

Moving on a weekday is generally cheaper than on a weekend, though the difference is less dramatic than seasonal variation. If you can take a day or two off work, a mid-week move can shave a meaningful amount off the final bill.

"No time specified" discount

Most Japanese moving companies offer a cheaper rate if you don't specify a pickup time. Instead, they'll contact you a couple of days in advance with your assigned time window. This flexibility saves you anywhere from ¥2,000 to ¥5,000, which is a small but easy win if your schedule allows for it.

What affects your quote beyond distance and timing

• Volume of items: The number and size of your belongings is the single biggest cost driver. Movers assess this during a pre-move survey (most large companies offer these for free).

• Floor and elevator access: A 5th-floor apartment without an elevator will cost more than a ground-floor unit.

• Add-on services: Packing, unpacking, appliance installation (washing machines, A/C units), furniture disassembly/reassembly, and disposal of unwanted items all add to the base cost. These are optional at most companies but can add ¥10,000–¥50,000+ depending on scope.

• English-language support: Companies that offer full English support (phone, on-site) often price slightly higher to account for the additional staffing. It is a reasonable premium if it saves you stress, but worth factoring in.

How to get the best price

Get at least 3–5 quotes. Use a comparison site like Hikkoshi Samurai (Japanese only) to request quotes from multiple companies at once. Be prepared for follow-up calls.

Mention competing quotes. Japanese moving companies will often negotiate if you let them know you've received a lower quote elsewhere. This is widely practiced and not considered rude.

Pack yourself. Opting out of the packing/unpacking service is the easiest way to reduce cost. Most companies will still provide free cardboard boxes even if you're doing the packing.

Book early. Prices rise as your move date approaches, particularly in peak season. Locking in a quote 3–4 weeks out gives you more leverage and availability.

When is payment due?

Payment is typically expected in cash on the day of the move, before the movers begin. Some companies accept card payment, so confirm this in advance if you'd prefer not to handle a large cash transaction.

What to know when choosing a moving company in Japan

Finding the right moving company for your move comes down to the following key points. Here's what to consider when picking a moving company in Japan.

• Language support—Moving can be complex—and it's even more challenging when there's a language barrier. If you can't speak Japanese, choose a moving service that offers English support to ensure smooth communication. 👉 Go here for more English-speaking services in Japan!

• Services offered—Most of the large moving companies include packing, unpacking, and furniture assembly, while some of the smaller moving companies simply transport your items from point A to point B.

• International or domestic—If you're moving within Japan, this article is for you? If you're relocating overseas, then I recommend you read our article on International Shipping from Japan.

• Reputation and reviews—Read reviews and testimonials from previous customers and spot red-flags early on.

• Pricing—How much are you OK with spending? Keep in mind you'll pay more for movers who provide English support. Compare prices from different companies, but also consider the services they offer and their reputation.

• Insurance—Accidents happen. Most large moving companies provide insurance as part of their package but always double-check.

What services do moving companies in Japan offer?

Moving services in Japan offer a variety of services, including:

• the transport of furniture or household goods

• packing and unpacking

• disposal of unwanted items

• special handling services

• house cleaning

Depending on the company, they'll offer these services as part of a set moving service or as an additional add-on.

Best moving companies in Japan

Sakai Moving Service

Sakai Moving Service (サカイ引越センター) English page

One of Japan's most well-known moving services is Sakai Moving Service (サカイ引越センター), which provides a pre-move survey for quotation, customer support throughout the moving process, and careful packing and transportation of your belongings.

They also offer some optional services such as appliance disposal, dismantling and installation of air conditioners or washing machines, packing services, house cleaning services, piano transport, and free cardboard boxes based on the volume of your moving goods.

Additionally, this moving company in Japan also provide assistance with international moves.

English support: Website, contact form, and phone support are available in English.

Coverage: All of Japan

Fukuoka Soko

Fukuoka Soko Group English home page

Fukuoka Soko Group is a moving service that operates throughout Japan, from Hokkaido to Okinawa and a solid option for anyone relocating to a new home on the other side of the country.

In addition to their standard moving services, this Japanese moving company offers a range of optional services. These include appliance removal, disposal of items, packing and unpacking, and furniture assembly.

They also offer storage solutions for personal belongings.

If your business is moving to a new address, Fukuoka Soko Group offers office moving services, including furniture assembly, removal of fixtures and fittings, and document storage and management.

English support: English support is available, and you can contact them via phone or email for any questions or to request a free survey.

Coverage: All of Japan

Best Moving Service

Best Moving Service (ベスト引越サービス) English page

Best Moving Service (ベスト引越サービス) is a moving company that provides full-service English language support, helping with individual relocations to office moves, and moves with few items.

They pride themselves on their 'on-site force' and their ability to meet various customer needs through customer feedback solutions, which allows them to offer competitive industry pricing.

Add-on services include air conditioner removal, furniture and document disposal, document storage and packing, and furniture assembly. Other addon services include the disposal of unwanted items and an optional cleaning service.

English support: Services in English, inquiries, website, etc.

Coverage: Main areas of service are Tokyo, Kanagawa, Chiba, Saitama, Osaka, Kyoto, Hyogo, Nara, and Fukuoka.

Tokyo Helping Hands

Tokyo Helping Hands English page

Tokyo Helping Hands is a relocation service based in Tokyo that offers moving and delivery services for both small and large items. They will provide a free ride for one person as part of their service.

Add-on services include packing, unpacking, furniture disassembly and reassembly, and installation of certain appliances like washing machines. They offer discounts for multiple trips if more than one trip is required.

Their Japanese moving company services start from 8,800 yen for one driver and one truck, with prices increasing based on the size and complexity of the move. For example, a service including one driver, one truck, and one assistant starts from 18,800 yen.

If you are looking for a service with English-speaking movers, Tokyo Helping Hands might be a good option.

English support: Full

Coverage: Tokyo, Chiba, Saitama, Kanagawa

Yamato Home Convenience

Yamato Home Convenience English page

This moving company in Japan is the relocation arm of Yamato Transport that specializes in moving small to medium-sized household goods all over Japan.

Yamato Home Convenience offers a service based on the amount of household goods customers have, utilizing a special box system. This makes them an excellent choice for customers who have fewer large household goods or small household goods as customers can choose only the services they need.

Inquires and website are available in English. However, your movers are not guaranteed to be fluent in English.

English support: Website, inquiries

Coverage: All of Japan

Nippon Express

Nippon Express English page

Nippon Express offers a wide range of services, including domestic moving within Japan and storage facilities for goods not intended for overseas shipment. They also provide specialized services for the transportation of cars, motorcycles, and pianos.

Addon services include packing, unpacking, furniture disassembly and reassembly, and installation of certain appliances. They also offer air-conditioned storage facilities with full control of temperature and humidity.

Ideal for individuals or families looking for a moving service with a global reach. Their range of services make them a good option for both local and international moves.

English support: Yes. The website is available in English, and they also provide an inquiry form for further questions.

Coverage: All of Japan

Art Moving Service

Art Moving Center (アート引越センター) English page

Art Moving Center (アート引越センター) is a popular Japanese moving service that caters to a variety of moving needs and has consistently good reviews on the Hikkoshi Zamurai site (Japanese).

This is a recommended option if you're OK with reading a little bit of Japanese or are handy with Chrome's browser translation feature.

Movers are known to be polite, and the move itself is conducted speedily according to reviews.

You can order a basic course—where you do all the packing and unpacking yourself, and they will just transport your belongings. A half course—has them wrap and box your belongings. The full course—does both packing, unpacking and transporting of all your items.

English support: None.

Coverage: All of Japan

Frequently asked questions

What are some recommended moving companies in Japan?

Popular moving companies in Japan that are well-known and have consistently good reviews include Yamato Transport, Fukuoka Soko, Mission Movers, Nippon Express, Sakai Moving Service, Tokyo Helping Hands, and Best Moving Service.

Which moving companies in Japan offer English support?

Moving companies in Japan that offer English support include Fukuoka Soka Group, Yamato Home Convenience, and Tokyo Helping Hands. Also, check out MailMate's service directory for bilingual moving and relocation companies in Japan.

What is the most famous moving company in Japan?

Sakai Moving Center, known for its panda logo, is arguably the most famous moving company in Japan.

How much do movers cost in Japan?

Moving services in Japan costs are based on item volume and move distance. According to Hikkoshi Samurai, a Japanese moving service comparison site, the average cost for a single person with fewer items ranges from 25,486 to 30,000 yen from July to September. For those with more items, it's around 31,700 to 38,000 yen. These are average prices and can change based on your specific move details.

Is there a difference in cost between moving on a weekday and a weekend?

For a single person, there is not a significant difference in cost between moving on a weekday and a weekend. The cost is around 40,000 yen for a local move and 70,000 to 80,000 yen for a long-distance move.

What is the cost of moving during different times of the year?

The cost of moving for a single person is highest in March, with an average cost of 60,000 to 70,000 yen. The cheapest month to move is October, with an average cost of 30,000 to 40,000 yen.

Do you tip movers in Japan?

Tipping is not a traditional custom in Japan, and it is not necessary for moving services as the cost is already included in the moving fee.

What is the cost of optional services during a move?

Moving companies offer various optional services such as disposal of unwanted items and installation of washing machines. The cost of these services depends on the specific services required.

When is the payment for moving services due?

The payment for moving services is typically due in cash before the start of the move.

In closing

Picking one Japan moving company will make the overall moving process much easier. 

Other items you'll want to take care of when relocating in Japan:

1. Update your address—Update your address with your local ward office, employer, bank, and any other institutions that need to know your new location. In Japan, updating your address on your Residence Card is necessary if you're a foreign resident.

2. File a moving out form—It's called a tenshutsu todoke. You must file this moving out form at your old city office.

3. File a moving in form—When you arrive in your new city, file a tennyu todoke, a moving in form, at your new city office.

4. Utilities—Get your utilities turned on in your new location and request cancellation at your old location.

5. Internet and phone—Arrange for your internet and phone services to be set up at your new home. This might involve transferring your current services or setting up new ones.

6. Health insurance—If you're enrolled in Japan's National Health Insurance system, the city office will issue you a new health card when you file your moving-in form.

7. Mail forwarding—Japan Post offers a mail forwarding service that can forward your mail to your new address for a certain period.

Want to make life in your new location a lot simpler? Consider redirecting your Japanese mail to MailMate's virtual mail service and get translation summaries and your physical mail online, where it should be.