The Five Biggest Ports in Japan

Japan, as one of the world’s largest economies, relies heavily on its ports to facilitate trade. These ports are vital for exporting automobiles, electronics, and machinery, as well as importing raw materials and consumer goods.

Here are the largest and most significant ports in Japan:

1. Port of Tokyo (JPTYO)

The Port of Tokyo is one of Japan's largest and most technologically advanced ports, playing a crucial role in the country’s economy by serving as a major hub for both import and export activities.

• Location: Situated in the Kanto region, the Port of Tokyo is located on Tokyo Bay, making it a central hub for trade in the eastern part of Japan.
• Key Commodities: Automobiles, machinery, electronics, consumer goods.
• ‍Annual Container Throughput: 4.4 million TEU in 2023 (Lloyd's List)‍

2. Port of Yokohama (JPYOK)

Yokohama is Japan’s second-largest container port and has strong ties to global trade, particularly with North America and Europe, supporting the country’s automotive and machinery industries.

• Location: Located in the Kanagawa Prefecture, just south of Tokyo, Yokohama is situated along Tokyo Bay and serves as a key entry point for goods entering Japan.
• Key Commodities: Industrial equipment, chemicals, food products.
• Annual Container Throughput: 3.0 million TEU in 2023 (Lloyd's List).‍

3. Port of Nagoya (JPNGO)

The busiest port in Japan by cargo volume, Nagoya is a major export center for Japan’s automotive industry, particularly for Toyota, which is headquartered nearby.

• Location: Situated in Aichi Prefecture along the Ise Bay, the Port of Nagoya is centrally located in Japan, making it accessible for shipping routes.
• Key Commodities: Automobiles, chemicals, machinery
• Annual Container Throughput: 2.7 million TEU in 2023 (Lloyd's List)‍

4. Port of Osaka (JPOSA)

Osaka is a crucial port for trade within Asia and handles a significant portion of Japan's manufactured goods and consumer products.

• Location: Located in the Kansai region, the Port of Osaka lies along Osaka Bay and is surrounded by a major urban area, facilitating trade in Western Japan.
• Key Commodities: Chemicals, textiles, electronics, food products.
• Annual Container Throughput: 2.4 million TEU in 2023 (Lloyd's List)‍

5. Port of Kobe (JPKOB)

Kobe Port is significant due to its historical role as one of Japan's first international trading ports. Kobe has a deep-water harbor, which allows it to handle large vessels.

• Location: Situated in Hyogo Prefecture on the southern side of the Osaka Bay, the Port of Kobe is strategically located to support trade in the Kansai region.
• Key Commodities: Steel, machinery, textiles.
• Annual Container Throughput: 2.9 million TEU 2023 (Lloyd's List)