Japan’s biggest exports are cars, integrated circuits and petroleum in refined form. Imports include petroleum gas, coal, food items like fish & meat and wood.
Do you want to transport your goods from China to Japan or ship to other countries from Japan? Keep reading because you will explore the 46 largest Japanese ports.
1. Port of Nagoya
Port of Nagoya sits on Japan’s Pacific coast, near the city of Nagoya. It is found between Mie and Aichi Prefecture. This port ranks as the busiest in Japan. Approximately 10% of Japan’s total trade is handled here.
Major products like cars and machinery are shipped from here. Toyota Motor Corporation mainly uses this port to export their automobiles and products. Port of Nagoya’s piers are in Nagoya, Tōkai, Chita, Yatomi, and Tobishima.
It was created in 1907 but became fully functional by 1934. Japan’s growing industries are depending on this port. China lies about 1,500 nautical miles away from this port. During World War II, the port supported military operations. Today, it ships goods like cars, machinery, and raw materials worldwide.
A variety of cargo is managed here, including cars and machinery. Major imports include oil, coal, and liquefied natural gas. Food products and raw materials like iron ore are also regularly imported. These supplies keep Japan’s factories running smoothly. Many shipments come from China, Australia, and the United States.
Total land area of the Nagoya Port is almost 43.0 million m². For water it covers up-to 81.7 million m². In 2023, total cargo throughput reached 157.8 million tons. This marked a 3.5% decline from the previous year. Despite this drop, the port is set to be Japan’s busiest for the 22nd consecutive year.
Container handling capacity is 2.70 million TEUs. Outgoing and incoming traffic is balanced at 1.35 million TEUs each.
Port Sites of Nagoya include the International Container Terminal. This terminal specializes in handling containerized cargo. Next is the Nagoya Port Ferry Terminal, serving passenger and vehicle ferries.
2. Port of Tokyo
Port of Tokyo is one of the largest trading ports of Japan. It is located on the Pacific Ocean side of central Honshu, in the middle of the Kanto Plain. Being a top performer in Japan, it ranks among the top 20 global ports. This efficiency ranking was given in 2023 by Container Port Performance Index (CPPI).
It was officially opened for international trade on May 20, 1941. During the Tokugawa Shogunate, this seaport played a vital role in the transportation of goods. Nippon Container terminal became the first container operator of this port in the late 1960s.
Tokyo Port manages a large share of Japan’s imports. It is a record breaker, handling 2.46 million TEUs of containers each year. Main import is coal, alongside metals. It supports domestic industries by managing cars, industrial materials, and consumer goods. Therefore, it is ranked 41st among the busiest ports in the world.
The total land area of the port is approximately 1,504,718 m², with a harbor size of about 2,600 hectares. There are a total of three terminals named as Oi, Aomi and Shinagawa. This hub provides employment to over 30,000 individuals and accommodates 32,000 ships yearly.
3. Port of Kobe
Port of Kobe is at the foot of Mount Rokkō. Artificial islands like Port Island were built because of the limited flat land in the area. The port offers beautiful views, especially from ships. Kobe is known for international trade and cultural diversity. Key spots include Kitano, Nankin Machi, and Arima Onsen. Mount Rokkō offers a stunning night view.
Kobe Port manages various imports and exports. Key imports include machinery, chemicals, iron ore, coal, and crude oil. Major exports are automobiles, machinery, electronics, and steel products.
Land area is extended at approx 3,894 hectares. Maximum draft reaches 18 meters. Large container ships can be accommodated. This seaport has 34 container berths, including two dedicated terminals for passenger ships. They are Naka Pier Passenger Terminal and Kobe Port Terminal.
4. Port of Osaka
Port of Osaka is located in the Kansai region of Japan. 10% of the country’s trade is managed by this port. Due to its strategic position, it covers the West and strengthens global maritime links.
First International trade was done in 1868 right after it was constructed. That favored local industries and trade. Over the years, huge investments were made to expand the area. Now it serves as a major hub for global trade and shipping.
Basically it handles bulk, rollovers and container cargoes. Major imports include chemicals, machinery, and crude oil. On the other hand, main exports consist of steel, automobiles, and electronics. Economic activity mainly focuses on strong trading relations with Asian markets.
Annually, Osaka Port receives over 2 million TEUs and about 80 million tons of cargo. That figure itself explains the importance in both domestic and international trade. The Harbor and land area is approximately 4,684 and 1,860 hectares respectively. The total of 50 berths are spread across four terminals.
5. Port of Hakata
Location of Hakata Port is in Fukuoka, Japan. It connects Fukuoka to many of the nearby islands as well as the Korean city Busan. You will see it as a calm and natural harbor facing the Sea of Japan. There are several public wharves like Island City, Chuo Wharf, and Hakozaki Wharf.
Port of Hakata was constructed in the Heitan period in 1151. But it took almost 750 years to become functional in the 1899 century. Even having a good position in global trade, still doesn’t have any worldwide rank.
Open for visitors, it offers relaxation and entertainment. That includes the nearby Namiha no Yu hot spring and scenic views from the seaside . Port Tower offers awesome views of the city free of charge.
The Fukuoka City government manages Hakata Port. It handles port development, facility construction, leasing, usage permissions, and fee collection.
Annual total container volume is around 917,172TEUs including Ro-Ro terminal. Container numbers have increased 4x, which is 900,000 almost as of now. Total land area is almost around 3,818,000 square meters. Harbor area extends to 11,092,000 square meters. It has 7 terminals that cover 52 berths.
6. Port of Kawasaki
Kawasaki seaport is located in Kanagawa prefecture, near the Tokyo Bay Area. It offers convenient access to Yokohama, Tokyo, and the northern Kanto Region via major highways. Kawasaki Port significantly contributes to industry and life in the Tokyo region.
The completion of a deep-water container terminal has boosted the port’s role in international trade. Number of coastal projects are being launched that will enhance its potential as a transport junction.
Port of Kawasaki was established in 1907. In March 2016, YKIP was designated to operate the container terminals of this port. Kawasaki handles Asian cargo with Japan’s largest refrigerated warehouses. And also, it is known as Japan’s most major commercial shipping and logistical hubs.
Port Container Terminal has completed 431 m of a 680 m wharf extension, allowing 50,000-ton ships to dock. Three gantry cranes also enhance cargo management.
7. Port of Kitakyushu
The Port of Kitakyushu is the main important port in the Western Japan Area. Because of its location, it is the international distribution base to Asia and all over the world. Economic development of the Kyushu and Yamaguchi area is also dependent on this port. Earliest traces of containerization were found in 1971.
Because of being an industrial area, it covers around 30 nautical miles of coastline. Tanoura container terminal was the first one to serve Physical International Distribution.
In April 2005, Hibiki container terminal was built to expand and enhance the services. Continuous investments of manufacturing industries have been active and still under process. Main purpose is to produce a wide variety of industries.
This seaport has been a major base for domestic ferry and RORO lines. That is why it has a higher proportion of inland trade than others. Being an industrial zone, it has exported almost 25 million tons of materials.
It has total 7 terminals, names are mentioned below:
- Tachinoura Container Terminal
- Hibiki Container Terminal
- Kokura RORO Terminal
- Tanoura RORO Terminal
- Asano Ferry Terminal
- Shinmoji Ferry Terminal
- Kitakyushu Freight Terminal Station
8. Port of Maizuru
Port of Maizuru is a naturally protected harbor located in West central Japan. It is almost in the center of the Sea of Japan. As a natural seaport, this is blessed with many things like low tide levels and peace. In World War II, it was used as a Naval Base. After the war ended, till now it is used as a commercial port.
When international routes were opened, the Government decided to work on development projects. Now two expressways link to this port that enhance convenience and functionality. We can now expect from this port to serve well in the Kinki region, which is an opening to Asian countries.
Maizuru Port has powerful cranes that are capable of lifting up to 150 metric tons. It is equipped with five wharves, a dry dock, and storage facilities for timber, grain, and refrigerated cargo. The port primarily deals with container ships and serves as a hub for goods. In 2023, Maizuru Port in Japan received around 156 vessels.
9. Port of Shimonoseki
Port of Shimonoseki is situated at the western tip of Honshu, on the Kanmon Straits, directly opposite Moji. Being a major commercial hub, it consists of 5 main areas. They include the Main Port, Nishiyama Port, Hananochi Port, East Port and Chofu Port.
Constructed in the early 19th century, Shimonoseki Port officially opened in 1889. Its strategic location and modern facilities facilitated significant international trade following Japan’s modernization during the Meiji Restoration.
A variety of cargo including, dry and liquid bulk, Ro-Ro, passengers, containers, and general cargoes are handled by the Main port. For serving international traffic, a new artificially reclaimed island is under construction. That also includes an oil terminal.
For handling equipment, it uses floating cranes. Whereas, storage consists of warehouses and transit sheds. Approximately this seaport receives 2,175,000t of cargo and 70,000TEU annually.
Main Port Berth No 10 can handle vessels up to 260 meters long. It can carry 20,000 tons and has a depth of 12 meters. East Port is for bigger passenger ships that are 335 meters long and can carry 50,000 tons. Offshore CBM is for big cargo boats up to 260 meters long. It has a water depth of 15.5 meters and can hold 95,000 tons.
10. Port of Yokkaichi
Yokkaichi Port, centrally present in Japan, serves as a gateway to tourist spots in Chubu, Kinki, and Hokuriku. The Shin-Meishin Expressway and R421 Ishigure Tunnel have significantly improved access to Kyoto and Shiga. It is also just 10 minutes from the Yokkaichi Higashi Interchange via a prefectural road.
During the Meiji period, Port of Yokkaichi was the largest commercial seaport in Ise Bay. A shipping route between Yokkaichi and Tokyo boosted its development. But then, two earthquakes in 1854 caused a lot of damage.
Initially focused on foodstuffs and fertilizers. But now, this seaport serves as a major import hub for crude oil, LNG, and coal in Japan. It also exports automobiles and petrochemicals.
This port transports crude oil from offshore sea berths through undersea pipelines. LPG is imported and stored at the Kasumigaura area, distributed across Japan by domestic tankers. Since the second oil crisis, the port has established a coal transfer station. It only contributes to local industry and economy.
You will see a total of 3 piers, one on the North and two on the South side. Total area is around 335,249 ㎡. Container storage capacity of all wharfs combined is almost 22,410 TEUs.
11. Port of Yokohama
If you are in Japan, you must visit this port once because of its structural elegance. Yokohama Port is a display of innovative civil engineering. You will not feel isolated in its passenger terminal. It is designed to merge this terminal with the landscape naturally. Approximately more than 172000 TEUs are handled here annually.
There are a lot of technical advancements in this port. Automated Kiosks are managing the immigration process. This passenger terminal is often used for public gatherings and events because of its unique building.
Yokohama port is located in Yokohama and opens onto Tokyo Bay. Two ports are very near to it, 1st is the Port of Yokosuka, and the second is Kawasaki. The Port and Harbor Bureau of Yokohama City is the responsible body for running its operations.
In June 1859, this seaport started working. There are a total of 10 piers, some of which have great importance like Detamachi ‘’Banana Pier’’ specialized in the fresh fruits and vegetables trade. Seven container berths with a wide warehouse occupy millions of square meters.
At Minami Honmoku Pier, two operational berths are available with a length of 350 meters allowing 16 meters of depth alongside. Big ships can be moored easily here. Seven berths of Mizuho Pier are under the use of the US forces. More than 37000 ships are received through this port annually.
12. Port of Yokosuka
Yokosuka port is famous for the US naval forces, which occupied its major part. In 1853 after the arrival of Commodore Matthew Perry, this port was used for defense purposes. Now American Naval and submarine defense forces have complete control over this port.
Seaport of Yokosuka is situated in Tokyo Bay south of the Yokohama port. It has 100 berths available for shipping. A huge area is covered by this port, from Oppama to Kurihama. In Kurihama Naval forces have been residing for 160 years.
You can visit the ships of naval forces through a special cruise trip. This is known as “A Cruise of Yokosuka Naval Trip”. A spectacular view of the US vessels can be seen through this cruise trip. Automobile units are also exported at the point of Oppama, where Nissan cars are built.
Several types of trade are carried through this port including fishing, cargo, automobiles, and also used for passengers.
13. Port of Chiba
Chiba port is considered to be the largest port in Japan in terms of area. A total of 24800 ha covered the area. There are 94 berths with a total wharf length of 11600 meters. We can say that this port is divided into two major parts.
One is the Chiba Port ward which contains passenger piers, cargo, and container terminals. LPG, petroleum, and chemical manufacturers are also part of this port. Second, is Katsunan port ward which mainly caters to sand, gravel, metal, and steel trades. Some parts of this ward are also involved in food and automobile trade.
This seaport is full of amusement, you will find Chiba Park here, which has a famous tower known as Chiba Port Tower. You can see a different world from the top of this tower. The tower is 125 meters high from where you can see Tokyo Skytree, Rainbow Bridge, etc.
Almost 167 million tons of cargo is handled annually at this port. Approximately 42000 TEUs and 66000 vessels are managed through Chiba Port. It can manage a maximum draft of up to 20 meters alongside.
14. Port of Ibaraki
Ibaraki Port is located in the northeast region of Honshu Ibaraki Japan. Three ports are integrated through this single port. The Port of Hitachi, the Port of Oarai, and the Port of Hitachinaka are considered its main docks.
- Hitachi Port with 4 wharves and 17 berths handles the trade of petroleum, minerals, etc.
- Oarai Port is a recreational point with a main attraction for passengers, car ferries.
- Hitachinaka handles Ro/Ros and has container terminals.
Ships with a maximum draft of 14 meters are allowed. The maximum LOA is 290 meters. There are state of art storage facilities including warehouses, transit sheds, timber pools, etc. Maximum DWT is 50000.
15. Port of Shimizu
One of the most scenic ports in the world with a spectacular view of Mount Fuji. This seaport has a cultural significance in Japan. Some old references are found in the old text about this port. Shimizu Port faces Mount Fuji, which is announced as a world heritage.
Approximately 43-44 thousand TEUs are handled monthly on this port. It is located in the center of Japan. In the past, tea was exported through this port. Now it manages fish, raw materials, and LPG trade through this port.
Shimizu Port is equipped with all recreation including a 4 story plaza. The S-Pulse Dream Plaza with a beautiful waterfront has museums, theaters, and clean food courts. A unique museum(the world’s first) Shimizu Sushi Museum. It guides the visitors about the latest Sushi dishes and its ingredients.
16. Port of Sendai
Sendai Port is located in Miyagi Prefecture. Sendai is a city itself and it is considered the largest in the Tohoku region. It has 17 berths and 8 terminals. Seaport city is mainly backed by strong industrial support.
You will get a lot of attractions at Sendai including a newly built aquarium, a beer factory, and an outlet park. Uminomori aquarium is equipped with amazing sea life. Dolphins dance, penguin enclosure, and different species of oyster.
You can also visit the Kirin Beer factory with a complete guide in Japanese language. You will observe all the processes of beer making. Mitsui shopping outlet is the biggest in the Tohoku region with almost 100 stores and restaurants.
The official LOCODE for Sendai is JPSDJ. Approximately more than 260000 TEUs are managed every year.
17. Port of Naha
Naha Port is located in the southwest of Japan, Okinawa island. It is in the middle of the East China Sea facing the Kokuba River. About 500 years ago this port was used for the trade of this whole region. China, Korea, and Japan were using this port as a combined state.
After World War 2, American troops occupied one part of this port and still they are operating it for security purposes. This seaport has 4 major terminals.
- Naha Wharf
- Shinko Wharf
- Tomari Wharf
- Urasoe Wharf
The south part of the port is operated for military purposes and the north part is for cargo and passengers. There are 12 berths at Naha military port. 7 berths are considered to be deep water for big ships. In windy weather, the first 2 berths are not considered safe.
At Tomari Wharf passenger cargos are shipped mostly. It has a depth of up to meters. Shinko Wharf with a maximum depth of 15 meters is a deep water port that allows RoRo ships, international cargo containers, and big vessels. Uraseo Wharf has a depth of up to 9 meters and it receives cargo tempers and Roro ships.
Port of Naha is also famous for its cruise berths, cruises are moored at the port. Passengers visit the whole city and then return to the cruise. More than 8 lac TEUs are managed annually here.
18. Port of Ishinomaki
Ishinomaki Port is situated on the Japanese coast. It is located in the east of Sendai in Miyagi Prefecture. This port was once used for rice shipping in old times. But in recent times it has designated the status of a city with a port facility in 1964.
This seaport is a world record holder in terms of the largest fishing market, which is 875.47 meters. Businesses of steel, the shipping industry, and fertilizers were grown in the region. It became a busy port with time.
The fishing industry is also established in the city due to this port. This port allows ships with a maximum draft of 10 meters. 15000 DWT is allowed maximum. Drydocks with 8000 GT. Medical facilities are available at this port all the time.
Ishinomaki is also famous for an artist named Ishinomori Shotaro. A museum is also built in his name, where you can see his collection.
19. Port of Mizushima
Mizushima is another important seaport in Japan. It is located near Okayama City. This is just 32 Km away from the airport. JPMIZ is the official LOCODE of this port. All the operations are run by the Mizushima Port Authority.
Multiple types of vessels that visit this port like gas carriers, tankers, cargo, etc. Chemicals, LNG, black products, grain, and crude are traded through this important port. Anchorage depth is maximum up to 14-15 meters. Ships with lengths up to 500 feet are allowed on this port.
The oil terminal depth is 12-13.5 meters. 28 berths are available for vessels. This port plays a vital role in trade between China and Japan. It was the 4th busiest port back in 2005.
20. Port of Moji
Mojiko is the district of the City of Kitakyushu. It is nestled in the Fukuoka Prefecture. This port has great historical significance. In 1889 it was designated a special port. Coal was traded through this port and it became one of the most important ports strategically.
A railway station was also built in the city to connect it to other parts. After this railway station, different investors started investing in this city. In that era, this port was one of the three largest ports in Japan. Sulfur, rice, and coal were traded through this port.
In 1942 after the construction of the larger Shin Moji port, its importance declined. But despite all that trade transition, it is still a very important historical point due to its German-style buildings. Mojiko station is one of the historical buildings.
A maximum draft of 9-10 meters is allowed on the port. Maximum LOA is 160 meters. This port sometimes manages RoRo, general cargo, and tankers. Containers with a maximum GT of 40000 are allowed.
21. Port of Kashima
Kashima Port covers a vast area. It starts from Kamisu City to Kashima in Ibaraki Prefecture. It faces the Pacific Ocean connecting it to the rest of the world. This seaport is operationally run by Ibaraki Prefecture. There is a strong industrial zone backing it which includes the steel industry, petrochemicals, and automobiles.
Raw materials from the different regions are imported through this port, and final units are exported. There are four main docks of the port. One is North Public Wharf, the second is South Public Wharf, 3rd is Fukashiba Wharf and the fourth is Ammonia Quay.
Approximately 55 million tons of cargo is handled annually at this port. Maximum draft of up to 19 meters are allowed at oil berths with maximum DWT OF 300000. Ships with a maximum LOA of 340 meters are allowed.
22. Port of Abashiri
Abashiri Port is nestled on the northeastern side of Hokkaido. It faces the huge sea of Okhotsk. This seaport is important for the trade of the Hukomo region including Abashiri and Kitami. The Hukomo region is famous for fisheries. It has almost all kinds of seafood.
In 2012 Salmon of this region got the number one award. Abashiri also handles passenger cargo, bulk, and breakbulk, There are 5 Wharves in this port. Cruise ships have a separate terminal here for passengers. You can enjoy a cruise trip through this port.
Approximately 8 lac tons of cargo is handled annually at this port. It allows a maximum draft of 10.5 meters and an anchorage depth of 12 meters. Maximum LOA is 235 meters. It is just 30 km away from Memanbetsu Airport.
23. Port of Akita
Akita port is located on the west of this city facing the Omono River. This port is considered in some big ports of Japan. It covers almost 662.5 ha. Akita Cruise Terminal is another big thing about this port. It has recently started its operations, just 15 minutes away from Akita station.
Around 2540 vessels are managed annually at this port. Approximately 8 million tons of cargo are handled here. It has a capacity of more than 50 thousand TEUs. Maximum anchorage is 7.6 meters. A ship should not exceed 500 feet in length to Moore at this port.
Selion Port Tower is another attraction for visitors to this port. This tower has a height of around 100 meters. You can watch the mountains of the Oga Peninsula and Mt. Chokai from the top. This port also has a passenger terminal that deals with visitors only.
24. Port of Aomori
Aomori Port is nestled in the southern part of Mutsu Bay. It is in the extreme north of Honshu. This seaport is easily accessible through the airport and bullet train. It is famous for cruise ships that are the main attraction for the visitors.
The Aomori International Passenger Terminal is located just in the center of the city. People have easy access to the cruise. Visitors can also visit the museum of this city and enjoy the natural beauty. Beautiful mountains have surrounded the whole city.
Anchorage’s depth is 17-18 meters. The oil terminal depth is 7-9 meters. 500-foot-long ships are acceptable at this port. RoRo ships, tankers, and cargo ships are allowed on this port.
25. Port of Chosi
On the eastern edge of Chiba Prefecture, the Port of Chosi is located. It is nestled 4 km southeast of Chosi City. It is situated on the easternmost tip of the Kanto region. This port is famous for being one of the largest fishing trade centers.
The maximum anchorage depth is 3-4 meters. Ships having lengths of more than 500 feet are allowed at the port. Mackerel and sardines are the specialty of this region. Larger fishes like Tuna are also found here. You can enjoy the best and fresh seafood here.
26. Port of Fukui
Seaport of Fukui is situated on the Sea of Japan in Fukui prefecture, Honshu. It handles mainly tankers (57.58%) and general cargo ships (42.42%), with a maximum vessel length of 130 meters. Max anchor depth is 9.17 meters, and it has a deadweight capacity of 13,459 tons. From 2016 to 2018, no vessels have cruise vessels called at the port.
27. Port of Hachinohe
Hachinohe Port, located in northern Japan, is highly accessible by highways, Shinkansen, air, and ferry services. It is the largest industrial port in northern Tohoku. Whole area serves as feed production, paper, metals, shipbuilding, and energy, like the LNG terminal development hub.
Being a leading fishing port, it landed around 142,000 tons of seafood in 2004. And in 2002, it ranked first in the country for squid and olive flounder catches. Hachinohe port is advancing to meet diverse demands. Plans include enhancing logistics facilities and creating public waterfront spaces for tourism.
The total land area is approx 85,000 m2. Port also serves around 50,100 TEUs annually, and the storage capacity is around 2,830 TEUs.
28. Port of Hakodate
Port of Hakodate, situated in the southern tip of Hokkaido, is one of northern Japan’s main ports. As Japan’s first international-trade port, it is known for its unique shape that provides a safe harbor. Here you will see a 280-meter-long and 14-meter-deep cruise ship berth for large vessels.
In 1859, It started its service alongside Yokohama and Nagasaki. Hakodate port’s strategic location facing the Tsugaru Strait has made it important for shipping traffic.
And it played a key role in Hokkaido’s modernization, facilitating trade with many countries across the Pacific Ocean.
Consisting of a total three terminals, around 270,000 TEUs are managed by the port efficiently.
Names of the terminals are mentioned below:
- Nishi Terminal
- Wakamatsu Termina.
- Minato-cho Terminal
29. Port of Hannan
Hannan Port, located on the eastern shore of Osaka Bay, has been a major port since the Meiji period. After a lumbar industrial complex was built in 1966, it became a hub for the lumber industry. As part of its development efforts, this seaport has been attracting businesses to the Hannan 4th district.
Port of Hannan takes part in foreign trade, importing/exporting approx 0.49 million tons of cargo. That mostly includes steel, scrap metal, gravel, wood chips and raw lumber.
The domestic trade weighs around 0.43 Million tons annually. The trade includes petrochemicals, gravel and sand and reusable materials.
30. Port of Hiroshima
You will find Hiroshima Port on the scenic Seto Inland Sea. It offers easy access to tourist sites like Itsukushima Shrine and the Atomic Bomb Dome. The Ujina Foreign Trade Wharf provides multiple services like free Wi-Fi etc.
In 2014, the completion of Itsukaichi Wharf enabled 100,000-ton passenger ships to dock. There are three main terminals. Names are listed below:
Hiroshima Port International Container Terminal
This terminal has the deepest quay in Chugoku and Shikoku. It features 3 gantry cranes, 2 freight stations, and the HiDECS system for efficient operations.
Kaita Container Terminal
The terminal is equipped with 3 gantry cranes, two -7.5 m quays, and a container freight station. It primarily handles automobile parts as a second international terminal.
Hiroshima Port New International Container Freight Station
Main facility handles co-loading and unloading of small cargo into containers. With the solar panels, it generates 1,500 kW that is enough to power around 500 homes.
31. Port of Kanazawa
Kanazawa Port is found on the Japan Sea coastline in Ishikawa Prefecture. It supports vital goods circulation like food, clothing, and gasoline. City attractions and sites like Noto Peninsula and Shirakawa-go enhance its tourism appeal.
This seaport has been a key gateway since the Edo period, contributing to the prosperity of Kanaiwa and Ono towns. The nearby towns retain their trading heritage, with soy sauce storehouses. Now it is serving as galleries and cafés.
Kanazawa Port has three wharfs and can accommodate up to a 170,000-ton class cruise ship. Names are:
- Muryoji Wharf (Capacity: 120,000 G/T)
- Tomizu Wharf (Capacity: 80,000 G/T)
- Ohama Wharf (Capacity: 170,000 G/T)
32. Port of Kisarazu
Kisarazu seaport is located in Chiba Prefecture on the eastern shore of Tokyo Bay. Port handles iron ore, coal, automobiles, and liquefied gas mostly supporting nearby steel industries. It has 6 berths, with the largest capable of handling ships up to 310,000 dwt.
Approximately 26,500 vessels arrive each year, and 64,834,000 tonnes of cargo are handled. Features both bulk and liquid terminals along with large storage for large shipments. Public and private berths are utilized for both import and export activities. Its strategic location near Tokyo makes it essential for regional industrial logistics
33. Port of Kochi
Kochi port lies on Shikoku Island’s southern coast facing the Pacific Ocean. It manages many cargoes including timber, cement, and limestone which support the local construction industry.
There are 11 berths including deep-water options for large vessels. Kochi features 2 main terminals one for bulk and another for general cargo. Marine ports play a major role in regional exports and domestic trade. Also offers storage facilities for long-term cargo holding.
34. Port of Kokura
You can locate Kokura port in Kitakyushu on Kyushu Island’s northern tip. It supports exports like steel, chemicals, and automobiles. There are also 4 berths. Each is designed to handle different cargo types including bulk and breakbulk.
Kokura is provided with modern container terminals and multipurpose facilities for handling a variety of shipments. Port’s storage areas are tied to its industrial activity particularly for steel and automotive goods.
35. Port of Kushiro
Kushiro port is located on the eastern coast of Hokkaido and mostly handles coal, timber, and seafood. It has 17 berths with a total cargo handling capacity of 7.4 million tons per year. Large storage areas for refrigerated goods are available in its container terminal for the fishing industry.
Having a maximum draft of 14.3 meters, it can handle vessels up to 50,000 DWT. Seaport’s location gives it a strategic advantage for trade with Russia.
36. Port of Mutsuogawara
This small seaport is located in Aomori and specializes in industrial cargo, mostly oil and petroleum products. There is 1 main berth for cargo handling and it can accommodate vessels up to 40 meters long.
Main focus is on regional trade and supplies for local industries. This docking facility allows you to dock ships with a capacity of 5,000 DWT and offload components weighing up to 1,000 DWT.
37. Port of Nagasaki
Situated on Kyushu Island, Nagasaki Port is famous for its shipbuilding and repair industries.
Offers 28 berths with a total capacity to handle 9 million tons of cargo annually. Their multiple terminals include facilities for containers, bulk cargo, and a passenger terminal for cruise ships, making it a versatile hub. 130,000 passengers visit this place every year.
38. Port of Nanao
Port of Nanao is located on Honshu’s eastern coast along the Sea of Japan, and handles around 4.5 million tons of cargo per year. Major commodities include coal, oil, timber, and liquefied gas.
Seaport has many terminals, including the Hokuden Ohta Pier which can handle vessels up to 60,000 DWT with a draft of 12.8m. There are multiple berths, such as an LPG terminal for ships up to 231 m LOA with a draft of 13.09 m. Nanao’s infrastructure includes timber yards, LPG tanks, and transit sheds.
39. Port of Naoetsu
Naoetsu seaport in Niigata Prefecture is used as a hub for petroleum, coal, and bulk materials. It has a dry bulk terminal and multiple berths, allowing ships up to 88,000 DWT. Maximum draft for vessels is 14.9 m which is suitable for large cargo ships.
Naoetsu also handles a significant volume of coal and petroleum with specialized storage facilities for these materials. The port uses gantry cranes for efficient cargo handling.
40. Port of Niigata
Niigata is one of Japan’s major trade hubs located along the Sea of Japan. Manages 28 berths including container and bulk cargo terminals. Maximum handling capacity is around 30 million tons of cargo annually which supports both local and international trade.
Niigata port can handle vessels up to 85,000 DWT and is provided with modern container cranes. Storage facilities are designed for bulk cargo including agricultural and energy products. The port’s efficiency makes it an important hub for shipping in northern Japan.
41. Port of Niihama
This seaport is situated on Shikoku Island. Niihama port mostly serves industries dealing in chemicals, petroleum, and containerized goods. There are 12 berths with the largest terminal accommodating ships up to 50,000 DWT.
Niihama features specialized storage for chemicals and petroleum which are necessary for the local chemical industry. Infrastructure of the port supports both liquid bulk and container cargo making it suitable for a range of industries. Significant part of domestic maritime logistics is played by it.
42. Port of Oita
Oita seaport is located on Kyushu’s northeastern coast and is known for handling steel, chemicals, and oil products. Total berths operated are 32 that can receive vessels up to 100,000 DWT.
Oita’s bulk and liquid cargo terminals serve large industries with specialized storage for oil and chemicals. About 50 million tons of cargo are managed each year. You will also see modern cranes and bulk handling facilities. They make it critical for Japan’s energy and steel sectors.
43. Port of Onahama
Port of Onahama is located on the east coast of Honshu, Japan. Various cargo, including breakbulk, containers, dry bulk, and LPG are handled here. It also has multipurpose terminals, with berths accommodating vessels up to 120,000 DWT.
Ohtsurugi Wharf is one of its major terminals. Total of 13.45 million tons of cargo are received yearly. Offers storage for dry bulk, liquid cargo, and general cargo.
44. Port of Sakai
Sakai Port is a busy industrial hub on the Sea of Japan. A variety of cargo, including iron, steel, chemicals, and general goods come here.
Berths are 10 in number with the largest terminal able to receive ships of up to 15,000 DWT. Seaport has dedicated storage areas for both dry and liquid bulk. Annually, around 39,000 boats and 73 million tons of freight are traded here.
45. Port of Sakaide
Port of Sakaide is located on Shikoku Island and specializes in industrial goods, particularly steel, machinery, and petrochemicals.
With a depth of 14 meters, its terminal is capable of handling vessels up to 20,000 tons. Seaport includes several warehouses for bulk and general cargo. There are 6 berths supporting efficient loading and unloading processes.
46. Port of Sakata
Sakata is a major port in the northern part of Honshu Japan. It is a multipurpose port handling seafood, grains, and industrial products. Port has a container terminal with 4 berths for vessels up to 30,000 DWT. Also offers refrigerated storage for perishable goods and is equipped with large grain silos.
To Conclude
We hope you gathered all the relevant shipping details about the 46 largest ports of Japan. Our team at BanSar China will help you in transporting your products from China to any other country of this world. If you want customs clearance or warehousing services, contact us today and get the most affordable quote.
