Moving Between Hawaiʻi & Japan | What You Need to Know

Considering about 21% of the Hawaiʻi population identifies as Japanese or part-Japanese, it’s no surprise that moves between Hawaiʻi and Japan are popular. If you’re moving to Japan from Hawaiʻi (or vice versa), we’ll show you what you need to know for a safe, easy, and affordable move. 

If you plan to continue the threads of these cultural exchanges by moving to Japan from Hawaiʻi, let’s talk about what you need to know.  

Moving Between Japan and Hawaiʻi: What’s Different Between These Two Locations?

To set your expectations and pave the way for a smooth move between Japan and Hawaiʻi, let’s compare and contrast these two destinations.

Size & Population of Hawaiʻi vs. Japan

Both Japan and Hawaiʻi are archipelagos—chains of islands. However, the size of these two island chains differs pretty significantly:

137 Islands

14,000+ Islands

The Hawaiian archipelago includes 137 islands.

• Seven of those islands are populated: Oʻahu, Maui, Molokaʻi, Lānaʻi, Kauaʻi, Niʻihau, and Hawaiʻi (also known as the Big Island). Kahoʻolawe is often also included in the list of “major” Hawaiian Islands, but the island is unpopulated.

The Japanese archipelago includes more than 14,000 islands, more than 400 of which are inhabited.

• The four main islands of Japan are Hokkaido, Honshu (where you’ll find Japan’s capital of Tokyo), Kyushu, and Shikoku.

Japan has a population of around 124 million people spread across those 400 inhabited islands. Hawaiʻi, the 50th US state, has a population around 1.4m million—quite a contrast!

1.4 Million

124 Million

Cost of Living in Hawaiʻi vs. Japan

If you’re moving from Hawaiʻi to Japan, you’ll likely enjoy a lower cost of living in Japan. In Mercer’s 2024 cost-of-living study, Honolulu, Hawaiʻi was ranked as the 12th most expensive city in their list, while Tokyo was ranked 49th.

12th most expensive

City: Honolulu

49th most expensive

city: Tokyo

Cultural Notes

As you move between Japan and Hawaiʻi, you’ll naturally encounter some cultural differences in both locations:

• While smoking indoors is still allowed in certain places in Japan, you’re not allowed to smoke on the street in Japan. Instead, look for designated smoking areas. In Hawaiʻi, smoking indoors is not allowed in enclosed or partially enclosed places. Additionally, smoking is banned in all Hawaiʻi state parks. However, you still might be able to find a spot on the street to smoke, if need be.

• If you’re moving to Japan, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the country’s public transportation network—and the efficiency at which it operates. In Hawaiʻi, you’ll have to rely almost entirely on a car to get around, although some public transportation options are available on each island.

• Speaking of transportation, cars drive on the right in Hawaiʻi, while cars drive on the left in Japan. (By the way, if you miss your little Japanese keitora / kei-class truck, you’ll find a few of these cruising around the Hawaiian Islands!)

• Tipping culture is mostly non-existent in Japan. A 15-20% tip for good service is expected for many service-oriented jobs in Hawaiʻi, including servers, bartenders, hair dressers, taxi/Uber drivers, tour guides, etc.

• Punctuality is extremely important in Japan. Those used to “island time” in Hawaiʻi may need to work on timeliness to avoid insulting any new friends or acquaintances.

Thanks to the influence of Japanese culture in Hawaiʻi, you’ll also find some similarities in the two destinations. Removing your shoes before entering someone’s home is considered polite in both locations. You’ll also find plenty of Japanese food options in Hawaiʻi—including izakaya-style eateries—in case you need a little taste of Japan after you move.

Long-Term Stay & Working Visas for Moving to Japan

Non-citizens who will be in Japan longer than 90 days need a visa that allows for an extended stay. Check out this list of work and long-term stay visas from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan to see where you might fit in.

Note: You’ll also need to get a Resident Card (“Zairyu Card”) for stays longer than 90 days—and carry this card with you at all times. Cards can be obtained at Narita Airport, Haneda Airport, Chubu Airport, Kansai Airport, as well as several other airports in Japan.

Long-Term Stay & Working Visas for Moving to Hawaiʻi

Like Japan, the US requires visitors from Japan who wish to stay for longer than 90 days to obtain a visa. Take a look at the US visas available on the US Department of State website to figure out which visa will be right for you—and anyone you’re bringing with you.

Moving Your Household Goods to Japan from Hawaiʻi

It’s hard to feel settled in a new place without all your favorite belongings. To help you move all of your personal possessions to Japan with ease, we put together the following tips for moving to Japan.

Your Options for Moving Household Goods to Japan from Hawaiʻi

If you’re moving your entire household to Japan from Hawaiʻi, you’ll likely be looking at shipping your belongings via ocean freight:

Customs Procedures in Japan

No matter how they arrive, all your household goods will go through customs procedures when they arrive in Japan.

You Must Be in Japan

The owner of the household goods (i.e., you) must be physically present in Japan before your household goods can clear customs.

You’ll Receive Customs Forms on the Plane to Japan

When you fly to Japan, you’ll get a customs form from the cabin crew on the plane. You’ll need two copies, both of which will get stamped by the Customs officer at the airport. The officer will keep one copy and return the other to you. You’ll give this other copy to the company that will deliver your household goods to your home in Japan.

Your Belongings Will Not Arrive in the Same Container in Japan

If you packed a full container in Hawaiʻi, you may expect to see that same container show up at your new house in Japan.

If you don’t see that same container, don’t worry. When your shipment arrives in Japan, the Customs agents will take everything out and inspect it in a bonded warehouse. Then, everything will get repacked for delivery. In many areas of Japan, there isn’t enough room to accommodate a container. Instead, your items may be packed into a smaller van for delivery. Everything will be accounted for on the master inventory sheet, so don’t be concerned if your belongings arrive this way.

Customs Fees in Japan

If you’re planning on staying more than a year, your household goods can be imported free of duties/taxes, within reasonable limits. Note: Your items must have been in use for more than a year prior to their arrival. (In other words, new items will not be eligible for duty- and tax-free import.)

Documents Needed for Your Move to Japan:

• Customs declaration forms C5360 (which you’ll get on the plane)
• A copy of your passport
• A detailed packing list/inventory of your household goods, which your mover will help you prepare
• Ocean bill of lading or air waybill, which your mover will provide
• Keys and combinations to any locked baggage/items

Duty-Free Allowances

• Alcohol: Three bottles of 760ml per adult
• Tobacco: 200 cigarettes, 20 individual packages, 50 cigars, and 250 grams per adult, all of which must be under a total allowance of 500 grams
• Perfume: 2 ounces

Prohibited Items

• Opium, cannabis, magic mushrooms, and other narcotic drugs and utensils for opium smoking; stimulants (including Vicks inhalers and Sudafed); psychotropic substances (excluding those designated by Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare Ordinance); and designated substances except those imported for permitted purposes including medicinal ones.
• Firearms (pistols, rifles, machine guns, etc.), ammunition (bullets), and pistol parts
• Weapons (swords, daggers, bows/arrows with blades more than 15 centimeters in length)
• Counterfeit, altered, or imitation coins, paper money, bank notes, or securities, and forged credit cards
• Books, drawings, carvings, and any other articles which may harm public safety or morals (obscene or immoral materials, e.g., pornography)
• Goods which infringe intellectual property

Restricted Items

• Plants and animals must be presented to the plant or animals quarantine officer for quarantine inspection prior to Customs examination.
• Bones, eggs, fat, blood, skins, hides, pelts, fur, hair, feathers, down, horns, antlers, hooves, etc. are subject to an animal quarantine inspection
• Medicine and cosmetics must be for personal use and can be limited in quantity: internal medicine: limited to the amount required for a period of two months; quasi-drugs: 24 pieces or less per one item.
• Fresh meat including poultry, sausage, ham, bacon or any other meat products requires an animal health certificate issued by the animal health authority of the exporting country.

For more information about customs rules and procedures, refer to the Japan Customs website or reach out to one of our experts for help.

Moving Pets to Japan from Hawaiʻi

Like Hawaiʻi, Japan has strict regulations for importing cats and dogs. Since Hawaiʻi is a recognized rabies-free “designated region,” it will be easier to bring your cat or dog with you.

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

Moving Your Household Goods to Hawaiʻi from Japan

Next, let’s take a look at the moving process if you’re headed in the opposite direction—from Japan to Hawaiʻi. 

Your Options for Moving Household Goods to Hawaiʻi from Japan

The easiest—and most cost-effective way—to move all of your household belongings will be to ship them via ocean freight to Hawaiʻi:

US Customs Procedures in Hawaiʻi

Because Hawaiʻi is a US state, your household goods will pass through US customs procedures on arrival.

Hawaiʻi Agricultural Restrictions

Agricultural items entering Hawaiʻi are regulated by both local and federal agencies, including the Hawaiʻi Plant Industry Division and the USDA. To determine whether your plants, flowers, seeds, and cut plant parts can enter Hawaiʻi—and the US overall—refer to the Can I Bring It? website.

All of the items in your shipment must be free of dirt, insects, and plant material. If you’ve hired professional movers, you may see them carefully cleaning any gardening tools, outdoor furniture, or bicycle tires to ensure that they’re free of these items.

If you’re packing your own household goods shipment, be sure to clean everything carefully. If soil or insects are found, your shipment may need to be fumigated or frozen. This process can be expensive, and the owner of the household items would be responsible for the cost.

Duty-Free Clearance

Your household items—including furniture, carpets, tableware, books, artwork, and other household effects—can clear duty-free into the US, as long as they:

• Were used abroad for not less than one year.
• Are not intended for any other person or for sale.

For more information, see the US Customs & Border Patrol website.

Specific Animal Materials May Require a CITES Permit

Items made with ivory, animal skins, feathers, and shells may fall under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). Enforcement in the US is overseen by the Fish & Wildlife Service.

If you have any questions about items made of animal parts, make sure to mention these to your movers up front so they can assist in helping you obtain the correct permits, if needed.

Documents Needed for Your Move to Hawaiʻi from Japan:

• Copy of passport
• Copy of visa or permanent resident card, if applicable
• I-94 stamp / card, if applicable
• Form CF-3299 – Declaration for Free Entry of Unaccompanied Articles (if applicable)
• CBP form 7501 – Customs Entry Summary
• Form CF-6059B – Customs Declaration Form
• Copy of bill of lading (OBL) / air waybill (AWB)
• Detailed inventory in English
• Importers Security Filing (ISF)
• Food questionnaire
• Permit C – household goods permit, required only if importing alcohol to Hawaiʻi
• Customs Supplemental Declaration
• For diplomats: A-1 visa and Form DS-1504

Restricted Items

• Plants and seeds (requires an import permit and plant and plant product declaration form)
• Soil (requires an import permit)
• Meats and meat byproducts
• Medications
• Fruits and vegetables
• Game and hunting trophies
• Gold
• Merchandise from embargoed countries
• Textiles and clothing
• Biological materials of public health or veterinary importance (requires an import permit)
• Wood packing materials (materials from China must be fumigated and verified by documentation)
• Used beekeeping equipment
• Alcohol – Permitted, but may require a permit from the county liquor commission
• Inherited Goods – Can be imported if the items are documented to be more than 100 years old and were available for use for at least 12 months prior to entry to the US
• Food Items – Importation is strongly discouraged and will require a detailed inventory.
• Items that include animal parts—including ivory, skins, feathers, and shells—may require CITES permits
• Some types of weapons can be imported, with restrictions

Prohibited Items

• Tuna
• Drug paraphernalia
• Haitian animal hide drums
• Cuban cigars
• Blank tapes and CDs from Iran
• Absinthe
• Counterfeit items or items inappropriately using a federally registered trademark
• Products made from dog and cat fur
• Flavored cigarettes, including cloves

Moving Pets to Hawaiʻi

Hawaiʻi is a rabies-free destination. If you wish to bring your dog or cat to Hawaiʻi from Japan, you’ll need to follow the guidelines of the Hawaiʻi Animal Industry Division. Pets arriving from Japan do NOT qualify for exempt status.

Instead, you’ll need to follow all of the department’s testing and documentation requirements to prevent quarantine for your pet. Check out our step-by-step guide to moving your pet to Hawaiʻi. We’ll show you what you need to know.

Making a Smooth Relocation Between Japan and Hawaiʻi

Moving can be a stressful experience. When you add in the paperwork and logistics of an international move, it can start to feel overwhelming. However, with a little research, you’ll be well on your way to executing a seamless move between Japan and Hawaiʻi.

Need some help on your Japan-Hawaiʻi move? Our experienced team would be happy to help with a safe, easy, and affordable relocation. Just reach out to our team for a quote to get started.Hahhha