Hiroto
Hiroto, Director BJUC, Japan
Compare Shipping Routes Yokohama vs Kobe Which Is Faster for Your Island?
When it comes to car shipping from Japan to the Caribbean or other islands, one of the most common questions customers ask is:
Both ports are among Japan’s busiest car export hubs, but each has its own advantages depending on your destination island, shipping line, and sailing frequency. We’ll break down the differences between Yokohama and Kobe, so you can choose the route that saves you time and cost when importing your Japanese vehicle.
1. Overview: Yokohama vs Kobe
| Feature | Yokohama Port | Kobe Port |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Eastern Japan (near Tokyo) | Western Japan (near Osaka) |
| Main Use | Car exports to the Americas & Caribbean | Car exports to Africa & Southeast Asia |
| Average Shipping Time (Caribbean) | 25–30 days | 28–35 days |
| Frequency of Vessels | Very frequent | Moderate |
| Vehicle Handling | High volume, modern facilities | Excellent handling, slightly less congested |
2. Yokohama Port: The Speed Leader for Caribbean Islands
If your destination is Jamaica, Trinidad, Bahamas, or nearby islands Yokohama is often the faster and more convenient port.
Advantages:
More direct sailings to Caribbean regions
Shorter transit times on most shipping lines
Close to Tokyo and major car auctions (like USS Tokyo and TAA)
Faster inland transport for cars purchased in Eastern Japan
Average Time:
→ Yokohama to Kingston, Jamaica: around 25–28 days
3. Kobe Port: Reliable for Africa and Southern Routes
Kobe Port, located near Osaka, is another major export hub, ideal for buyers in Africa, Pakistan, or southern islands.
Advantages:
Close to KAA and JU Kansai auctions
Less port congestion
Competitive shipping rates for long-distance routes
Average Time:
→ Kobe to Kingston, Jamaica: around 30–35 days
So, if you buy cars from Kansai region auctions, it’s cheaper and simpler to export via Kobe Port, even if it takes a few extra days.
4. Which Route Is Faster for Your Island?
The answer depends on where your island is located:
| Destination | Recommended Port | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Jamaica | Yokohama | Shorter transit, more vessel options |
| Trinidad & Tobago | Yokohama | Direct routes available |
| Bahamas | Yokohama | Frequent sailings |
| Barbados | Kobe | Sometimes cheaper rates |
| Africa (Kenya, Tanzania) | Kobe | Closer to African routes |
| Pakistan | Kobe | Western Japan is geographically closer |
5. Shipping Tip: Balance Time vs Cost
If you want your car as quickly as possible, choose Yokohama.
But if your vehicle was bought near Osaka, Kyoto, or Kobe, shipping from Kobe Port can save inland transport costs even if it takes a few extra days at sea.
At BJUC (Buy Japanese Used Cars), we help our clients choose the best port and route for their location ensuring your car reaches you fast, safely, and cost-effectively.
1. Which port is cheaper for car shipping from Japan to Jamaica?
Kobe can sometimes be slightly cheaper, but Yokohama offers faster and more frequent sailings, making it the better overall choice for Jamaica.
2. How long does shipping from Japan to Jamaica take?
Typically 25–35 days, depending on the vessel route and port (Yokohama is usually faster).
3. Can I choose the port when buying from BJUC?
Yes! We help you select the best port based on your vehicle’s auction location and destination.
4. Which port handles more cars for the Caribbean?
Yokohama Port it’s the most active hub for exports to Caribbean destinations.
A Little Bit About Us
Buy Japanese Used Cars is a trusted Japan-based vehicle export company, delivering high-quality, affordable Japanese cars to customers across the Caribbean, Europe, Africa, and Pakistan.
With years of experience in the global automotive export industry, we offer a complete car import solution from vehicle sourcing and quality inspection to documentation and worldwide shipping.
Our mission is to make importing cars from Japan simple, transparent, and reliable, helping individuals and dealerships access top Japanese brands at competitive prices.
Whether you’re in the Caribbean, Europe, Africa, or Pakistan, Buy Japanese Used Cars is your dependable partner for safe, fast, and professional vehicle shipping worldwide.
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