Prioritize multimodal connectivity (expressway and rail access), multi-temperature capability, WMS and carrier integrations, scalable footprint for seasonal peaks, and cross-dock capacity. Also evaluate local labor availability and SLA guarantees for order accuracy and same/next-day fulfillment.

Road and rail links from Nagano enable competitive transit times into Kanto and Chubu regions; expressway access supports daytime trunking to Tokyo/Nagoya and incoming LTL/FTL networks. For international flows, carriers connect to nearby ports and airports for air/sea gateways with predictable drayage windows.

Assess ceiling heights, dock-door counts, racking type, seismic reinforcement, temperature zones, and pest control. Confirm certifications (food safety, pharma handling), security systems, hazardous-material handling capability, and IT/API compatibility for EDI/WMS integration.

Nagano typically offers lower land rents and competitive labor rates versus Tokyo/Nagoya, which reduces fixed and occupancy costs. Combined with good regional access, these factors can lower per-unit fulfillment costs, though trade-offs include routing considerations for long-haul urban last-mile deliveries.