Ashes transport guide
Bringing ashes home from Japan
You have ashes in Japan and need to bring them to the UK. This page covers what Japan requires before they can leave.
Quick reference
3-10 days to arrange
What Japan requires before ashes can leave
Requirements for taking ashes out of Japan depend on where the cremation took place and on whether any investigation is still open. Contact us and we will confirm the current position.
The rules that apply on any route, and what you may do with ashes once home, are covered in bringing ashes into the UK.
Airline rules
Export requirements from Japan
Cremation is available in Japan. Crematoriums will issue a cremation certificate, which is the core document for export. In some countries, additional certificates from health or foreign affairs authorities are required. The funeral director who handled the cremation will guide you on this.
What affects the cost
Carrying ashes home yourself is the least expensive way to bring someone back from Japan, and for many families it costs little more than the return flight they are already taking. We do not publish a figure, because what you pay depends on the case.
| What changes the cost | Why |
|---|---|
| Whether the cremation has already taken place | Arranging it locally adds funeral director and crematorium involvement |
| Where the death happened | Distance to the nearest crematorium changes local transfer |
| Carrying versus shipping | Hand luggage costs nothing extra; a specialist courier is a separate arrangement |
| Documentation Japan requires | Export permits and translation, where they apply |
Send us the details of your situation and we will give you a figure, with no obligation.
Full repatriation guide
Complete guide: repatriation from Japan
Deciding on cremation?
Cremation in Japan: full guide including costs and what to expect
Official support
British Embassy in Japan: contacts and what consular staff can do
Need guidance?
We can help with ashes transport
If you are unsure about the paperwork or airline requirements, we can take it from here.
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