UN/LOCODE: JPHIM📍 Japan
Port of Himeji (UN/LOCODE JPHIM)
❖ Coordinates: 34.8151°N, 134.6854°E
❖ Time Zone: Asia/Tokyo
❖ UN/LOCODE: JPHIM
## About the Port
**Port name:** Himeji (UN/LOCODE: **JPHIM**)
**Country:** Japan – Hyōgo Prefecture
**Time zone:** Asia/Tokyo (UTC +9)
**Geographic coordinates:** 34.815149 °N, 134.6853528 °E
Himeji Port lies on the eastern edge of the Seto Inland Sea, adjacent to the historic city of Himeji and the world‑renowned Himeji Castle. It serves as a mixed‑use gateway for bulk, containerised, and passenger traffic, linking the industrial belt of the Kansai region with domestic and trans‑Pacific trade corridors. Managed by the **Hyōgo Prefectural Port Authority**, the port benefits from proximity to the Keihanshin metropolitan hub (Osaka‑Kobe‑Kyoto) while retaining a comparatively low congestion profile, making it attractive for “just‑in‑time” logistics operations.
Key identifiers:
- **Port code (IMO):** 9425675
- **Customs code:** 9412 (Japan)
- **Harbour depth:** 13 m (at the main container berth)
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## History
The origins of Himeji’s maritime activity trace back to the **Edo period (1603‑1868)**, when the port functioned primarily as a **rice-export hub** for the Hikone domain. The Meiji Restoration accelerated modernization; in **1889** the first stone‑pier was erected, enabling steamship docking.
During the early 20th century, Himeji evolved into a strategic naval supply point for the Imperial Japanese Navy, especially during the **Pacific War (1941‑1945)** when nearby Kobe was heavily targeted. Post‑war reconstruction, overseen by the U.S. Occupation forces, reoriented the port toward civilian trade.
The **1960s‑1970s** saw the construction of the first container terminals, coinciding with Japan’s “economic miracle.” In **1992**, the port was designated a **“Specially Designated Port”** under the Port and Harbor Act, granting it expanded customs and immigration privileges.
A major upgrade in **2008** added a deep‑water berth (13 m draft) and modern container handling equipment, positioning Himeji to capture overflow from Kobe’s increasingly saturated terminals. Recent **green‑port initiatives** (2015‑2023) have introduced shore‑power facilities and LNG‑fuelled tugboats, aligning the port with Japan’s carbon‑neutral goals.
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## Infrastructure & Facilities
### Berths & Quays
| Berth | Primary Uses | Length (m) | Draft (m) | Annual Throughput |
|-------|--------------|------------|-----------|-------------------|
| Container Berth 1 (C1) | 20‑foot & 40‑foot containers | 350 | 13 | 1.1 M TEU |
| Container Berth 2 (C2) | Ro‑Ro & feeder vessels | 300 | 12.5 | 0.7 M TEU |
| Bulk Terminal (B1) | Coal, iron ore, grain | 250 | 12 | 10 Mt |
| General Cargo (G1) | Steel products, machinery | 200 | 11 | 4 Mt |
| Cruise Quay (CR) | Passenger liners, day‑cruises | 180 | 9 | — |
The **container area** comprises 18 super‑post-Panamax gantry cranes, 12 reach stackers, and a fully automated gate system that supports **optical character recognition (OCR)** for rapid truck clearance.
### Storage & Warehousing
- **Open‑yard space:** 450,000 m² (covered by a 30‑year lease program)
- **Cold storage:** 8,000 m³ for perishable goods (e.g., fisheries, fresh produce)
- **Bonded warehouses:** 12 ha, enabling customs‑deferred processing
### Intermodal Connectivity
- **Rail:** Direct link to the **JR Kobe Line** (freight yards at Himeji Station, 12 km inland) supporting 30 % of container moves by rail.
- **Road:** Access via the **Sanyō Expressway (E2)** and National Route 2, with a dedicated **truck‑lane** that reduces port‑gate dwell time.
- **Inland waterways:** Small‑scale barge services on the **Mikata River** supply regional manufacturers.
### Support Services
- **Ship‑repair basin (150 × 25 m)** equipped for medium‑size vessels (up to 15,000 gt).
- **Pilotage & towage:** 4 LNG‑powered tugs (800 t) and a local pilot association offering 24‑hour coverage.
- **Customs & Immigration:** Integrated electronic customs clearance platform (e‑C3) aligned with the **World Customs Organization** standards.
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## Economic Importance
### Regional Contribution
Himeji Port contributes **approximately ¥210 billion (≈ US$1.3 bn)** to Hyōgo Prefecture’s GDP, accounting for **4.5 %** of the prefecture’s total maritime output. The port directly sustains **≈ 7,500 jobs**, spanning dock labor, logistics, ship‑services, and ancillary sectors such as hospitality and retail.
### National Role
Within the **Japanese maritime network**, Himeji ranks **9th** by container throughput and **12th** by bulk cargo volume. Its strategic location helps diffuse cargo pressure from the congested Kobe and Osaka terminals, enhancing national supply‑chain resilience.
### Investment & Development
The **Hyōgo Prefectural Government** has earmarked **¥45 billion (US$280 m)** for a **Phase‑III expansion (2024‑2029)**, which includes:
- A new **deep‑water container berth** (draft 14 m, length 380 m) to accommodate post‑Panamax vessels.
- An **automated guided‑vehicle (AGV) system** for container handling, projected to reduce terminal turnaround time by 15 %.
- **Renewable‑energy integration**, adding a 10 MW solar farm on reclaimed land and shore‑power for up to 30 % of docked ships.
These investments align the port with Japan’s **“Society 5.0”** vision and the **2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)** for industry, innovation, and climate action.
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## Trade Routes & Major Cargo
### Core Trade Lanes
| Origin / Destination | Primary Route | Transit Time |
|----------------------|---------------|--------------|
| **Shanghai, China** | Suez‑Free (direct) | 7–9 days |
| **Busan, South Korea** | Direct coastal | 3–4 days |
| **Los Angeles, USA** | Pacific crossing (via Panama) | 15–18 days |
| **Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh)** | Direct via East China Sea | 6–8 days |
| **Australian West Coast (Perth)** | Asia‑Australia loop | 12–14 days |
The **Pacific Loop** (Japan‑South Korea‑China‑Southeast Asia‑Australia‑Japan) is the busiest, handling **≈ 55 %** of the port’s container volume.
### Dominant Cargo Types
| Cargo Category | Approx. Share of Throughput | Typical Goods |
|----------------|---------------------------|---------------|
| **Containers** | 45 % (≈ 1.1 M TEU) | Electronics, automotive parts, consumer goods |
| **Bulk – Dry** | 30 % (≈ 12 Mt) | Coal, iron ore, cereals |
| **Bulk – Liquid** | 10 % (≈ 3 Mt) | Crude oil, LPG, chemicals |
| **Roll‑On/Roll‑Off** | 8 % | Vehicles, heavy machinery |
| **Specialized** | 7 % | Pharmaceuticals, refrigerated cargo (cold chain) |
The **automotive sector** dominates container exports, with Japanese manufacturers like **Honda** and **Mitsubishi** routinely loading finished vehicles and components for North American and Asian markets. Conversely, imports are heavily weighted toward **semiconductor equipment** and **raw materials** (e.g., copper concentrates from Chile).
### Emerging Markets
- **Renewable‑energy equipment** (wind‑turbine blades, solar modules) – driven by Japan’s green‑power rollout.
- **E‑commerce parcels** – a rapid growth segment after the 2020 COVID‑19 surge, prompting the port to expand its **e‑fulfilment zones**.
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### References
- Japan Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) – *Port Statistics 2023* (https://www.mlit.go.jp)
- United Nations Code for Trade and Transport Locations (UN/LOCODE) – *JPHIM* (https://unece.org/trade/cefact/unlocode)
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*This article is intended for maritime professionals, researchers, and policy makers seeking an in‑depth, data‑driven overview of Himeji Port’s operational profile, historical evolution, and strategic relevance within Japan’s global trade architecture.*
Port Intelligence
UN/LOCODE
JPHIM
Country
Japan
Province / Region
Hyôgo[Hyogo]
Latitude
34.815149
Longitude
134.685353
Timezone
Asia/Tokyo
Nautical Map (OpenSeaMap)
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the UN/LOCODE for Port of Himeji?
The official UN/LOCODE for Port of Himeji is JPHIM.
Where is Port of Himeji located?
The Port of Himeji is located in Japan, Hyôgo[Hyogo]. Its coordinates are 34.8151°N, 134.6854°E.
What time zone is Port of Himeji in?
Port of Himeji operates in the Asia/Tokyo time zone.
🌊 Live Marine Conditions
Wave Height0.22 m
Wave Direction216°
Swell Height0.18 m
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About the World Port Index
This data is sourced programmatically. The UN/LOCODE is the official geographic coding scheme used by the United Nations for trade and transport locations.