A Guide to the Best Moving Companies in Japan in 2026

Relocating to a new home within Japan? This article covers the top 7 moving companies in Japan for domestic relocations, whether you're a single person moving across town or a family moving to a new city, along with their features and whether or not they provide English support.

If you're moving into Japan from abroad, this isn't the right article for you, check out our guide to international moving companies in Japan instead for companies that handle overseas relocations, shipping, and customs.

Let's get to it.

Moving companies in Japan: comparison table

Company	English Support	Coverage	Best For
Sakai Moving Service	Partial to full ✅	All Japan	Full service domestic moves (also handles international moves separately)
Fukuoka Soko	Partial to full ✅	All Japan	Long-distance & cross-Japan moves
Best Moving Service	Full ✅	Tokyo, Osaka, Fukuoka and more	Budget-concious movers wanting full English support
Tokyo Helping Hands	Full ✅	Tokyo, Chiba, Saitama, Kanagawa	Small/single-person moves in Greater Tokyo
Yamato Home Convenience	Partial ⚠️	All Japan	Minimal belongings or students
Nippon Express	Partial ⚠️	All Japan	Specialty transport (cars, motorcycles, pianos) for domestic moves
Art Moving Center	None ❌	All Japan	Japanese speakers wanting flexible service tiers

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 2–3x in extreme cases.

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.

Household	Local move (under 50km)	Long-distance (over 200km)
Single person (few items)	¥30,000–¥62,000	¥60,000–¥120,000
Single person (many items)	¥50,000–¥80,000	¥80,000–¥140,000
Two people	¥70,000–¥140,000	¥100,000–¥200,000
Family of three	¥85,000–¥180,000	¥120,000–¥250,000
Family of four or more	¥90,000–¥220,000	¥150,000–¥380,000

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 1 to 2 months out for a single-person move, and 2 to 4 months out for a family move (see the booking guidance below for the full breakdown).

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 (November, December, and January): The cheapest months to move. According to SUUMO's 2026 moving cost data, December is typically the quietest and cheapest month of the year, single-person light-load moves average around ¥53,500, compared to roughly ¥82,700 in March, a difference of about ¥29,000 for the exact same move. For households with more belongings, the gap is even larger: December averages around ¥71,800 versus April's roughly ¥117,100, a difference of over ¥45,000. If you have flexibility on timing, aiming for one of these off-season months can meaningfully reduce your final bill.

Month	Price level	Notes
January	🟢 Cheap	Part of the off-season, though December tends to be slightly cheaper
February	🔴 Peak	Prices start climbing
March	🔴🔴 Most expensive	Avoid if possible
April	🔴 Peak	Eases toward end of month
May–August	🟡 Normal	Standard pricing
September–October	🟡 Slightly elevated	Corporate transfer season
November	🟢 Cheap	Good off-season window
December	🟢Cheapest	Lowest average cost of the year

Understanding Japan's moving season

If you've heard people talk about "moving season" in Japan, they're referring to the surge in relocations that happens every spring.

Japan's fiscal and school years both begin on April 1, which means late March through early April sees an enormous wave of corporate transfers, new graduates starting jobs, and families relocating before the new school year. Moving companies across Japan, from major nationwide operators like Nippon Express to smaller local companies, see their highest demand of the entire year in this narrow window. Trucks and staff members book up weeks in advance, and it's common for smaller companies to be fully booked out for the busiest dates.

What this means:

• If you can move outside of late March through early April, you should. Even shifting your move by two or three weeks, into early March or mid-April, can meaningfully reduce your cost and give you more choice of companies and available dates.

• If you're locked into moving during this window (a common situation if you're starting a new job or your child's new school year is fixed), book as early as possible, ideally 1 to 2 months out for a single-person move or 2 to 4 months out for a family, and get quotes from multiple moving companies rather than assuming the first quote you receive is competitive.

• A second, smaller surge happens in September and October, driven by mid-year corporate transfers, though it's far less extreme than the spring rush.

If your move date is flexible, this is the single biggest lever you have to reduce your moving costs in Japan, more so than which specific company you choose.

How far ahead should you book during peak season?

During Japan's late-March to early-April peak, moving companies routinely fill up their schedules well before the date itself. Industry sources recommend booking at least 1 to 2 months ahead for a single-person move during this window, and 2 to 4 months ahead for a family move, since larger moves require more trucks and staff, and popular weekend dates fill up fastest. Some larger companies accept booking requests up to 3 to 6 months in advance for peak-season dates. Outside of peak season, 2 to 3 weeks' notice is usually enough, a big part of why moving in the off-season isn't just cheaper, it's also far less stressful to schedule.

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, especially in peak season. Prices rise as your move date approaches. Outside of peak season, 2 to 3 weeks' notice is usually enough. During peak season (February–April), aim for 1 to 2 months out if you're moving alone, or 2 to 4 months out for a family.

Consider a local, regional mover for short-distance moves. Smaller, community-based moving companies often spend far less on advertising than the big nationwide names, and that savings can show up directly in their quotes for local, in-city moves.

Watch for "tsumikiri" (truck-capacity) plans. Some budget plans charge a flat rate based on truck size rather than exact volume, but if your belongings don't all fit, you'll be charged extra on the spot. Get an accurate item count during your estimate to avoid this surprise.

Negotiating is normal and often works. Mentioning a competing quote can shave ¥5,000 to ¥10,000 off your final price, and Japanese moving companies expect this kind of back-and-forth, it's not considered rude.

If you're flexible and not superstitious, consider moving on butsumetsu. In Japanese tradition, this is considered an unlucky day, so many people avoid it, meaning better availability and sometimes a slightly lower price due to lower demand. The price difference tends to be modest rather than dramatic, and fewer people track this calendar system than in the past, but it's a genuine, low-effort lever if your schedule allows it.

When is payment due?

Payment is often requested on the day of the move (before or after service), typically in cash, although many companies now accept credit cards or bank transfers.

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. Third-party ranking sites like Oricon's customer satisfaction survey are a genuinely useful independent check on a company's care during the move and how well staff communicate, since they're based on real customer responses rather than the company's own marketing. Sakai Moving Service, for example, has consistently ranked at or near the top of these industry surveys for over a decade, alongside its position as Japan's largest mover by both revenue and volume since 1971.

• 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:

• Free cardboard boxes and packing materials, typically included with a booked move rather than charged separately

• Packing and unpacking, ranging from full-service (they do everything) to self-pack options where you handle the boxes yourself

• Wall and floor protection (養生, yōjō) to prevent damage during the move, standard practice at most companies rather than an optional extra

• Disposal of unwanted items, and some companies also offer recycling services for furniture and appliances you no longer need rather than simply throwing them away

• Special handling for large or delicate items, certain companies specialize specifically in pianos, large appliances, and other items that need extra care or equipment

• Air conditioner removal and reinstallation at your new home

• House cleaning

• A range of vehicle sizes to match the scale of your move, from small vans for single-person moves up to large trucks for full households

Depending on the company, they'll offer these services as part of a set moving service or as an additional add-on. Most companies will also come back to collect your used packing materials and empty boxes after the move, so you don't need to figure out disposal yourself, and it means you can take your time unpacking rather than rushing to break everything down immediately.

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.

For readers who also need to move internationally, Sakai offers that as a separate service, see our international moving companies guide for details.

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.

Prices start from around ¥8,800 for very small jobs, but most moves will cost significantly more depending on distance, volume, and staffing. 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.

Best for: Small to medium moves, especially single-person relocations

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.

Nippon Express is a good fit for domestic moves involving cars, motorcycles, pianos, or other items that need specialized transport, backed by their nationwide network and full English-language support. They also handle international relocations, but if that's what you need, check our international moving companies guide instead.

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 Center

Art Moving Center (アート引越センター) Japanese site

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 Samurai 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

How to prepare for moving day

Once you've booked a company, a little planning in the weeks beforehand makes moving day itself much smoother.

• Start apartment hunting 2 weeks to 1 month before your planned move-in date. This gives you enough runway to secure a new place and coordinate your move date with your movers without rushing either decision.

• Packing materials typically arrive 1 to 2 weeks before your move. If you're handling any of the packing yourself, most companies will arrange to have boxes and materials delivered to your home in advance, so ask about timing when you book if it isn't mentioned upfront.

• Pack gradually rather than leaving everything for the night before. Start with items you use less often, seasonal clothing, books, decorations, and work toward daily essentials as your move date approaches. This reduces stress considerably and lowers the risk of forgetting something in the rush.

• On the day itself, the movers will handle the heavy lifting, if you've booked a full-service move, you can largely leave the packing, loading, and transport to them. If you've opted for a self-pack plan, make sure everything is boxed and ready before they arrive, since delays on your end can affect their schedule for the rest of the day.

• After the move, most companies will return to collect empty boxes and packing materials, so there's no need to rush your unpacking or figure out disposal yourself.

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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 Sakai Moving Service, Fukuoka Soko Group, Best Moving Service, Tokyo Helping Hands, Yamato Home Convenience, Nippon Express, and Art Moving Center.

Which moving companies in Japan offer English support?

Moving companies in Japan that offer strong English support include Sakai Moving Service, Fukuoka Soko Group, Best Moving Service, and Tokyo Helping Hands. Availability may vary depending on branch and staff. Yamato Home Convenience and Nippon Express offer partial English support via their websites and inquiry forms, but on-site movers may not speak English fluently. 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 Service (サカイ引越センター), known for its panda logo, is arguably the most famous moving company in Japan.

How much do movers cost in Japan?

According to Hikkoshi Samurai and SUUMO, moving costs for a single person with fewer items typically range from ¥30,000 to ¥62,000 for a local move and ¥60,000 to ¥120,000 for a long-distance move during normal season (May–January). Those with more items can expect ¥50,000 to ¥80,000 locally. Costs rise significantly in peak season (February–April).

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

Yes—moving on a weekday is generally cheaper than on a weekend, though the difference is less dramatic than seasonal variation. For a single person, a local move typically runs around ¥30,000–¥62,000 in normal season regardless of day, but choosing a weekday can meaningfully reduce the final bill. The bigger savings lever is always timing your move outside of peak season (February–April).

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

December is generally the cheapest month to move, according to SUUMO's 2026 data, averaging around ¥53,500 for a single person with fewer items. June, September, and November are also good low-cost windows. Prices climb sharply from February through April, Japan's "moving season," when the fiscal and school years both begin on April 1, driving a nationwide surge in relocations. March and April are consistently the most expensive months of the year.

What is Japan's moving season, and when does it happen?

Japan's moving season runs roughly from late February through early April, peaking in the final week of March and first week of April. It's driven by the fiscal and school years both starting on April 1, which triggers a nationwide wave of corporate transfers, new graduates starting jobs, and families relocating before the school year begins. If you can schedule your move outside this window, you'll typically pay significantly less and have an easier time booking your preferred moving company.

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?

Payment is usually requested on the day of the move (before or after service), often in cash, although many companies also accept credit cards or bank transfers.

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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.