Prioritize transit and distribution reach, SLA reliability, inventory visibility, and facility capabilities. Assess: carrier connectivity and transit times, fulfillment tech (WMS integrations), available value‑added services (kitting, QC), capacity scalability for peaks, and labor skillset and turnover. Also review contingency plans for modal disruptions and local regulatory or bonded requirements.

Shiga’s proximity to the Meishin Expressway and short drayage to Osaka and Kobe ports supports efficient container movements and lower inland transport costs. Rail freight options and easy access to Kansai airports enable flexible inbound options, while highway connections shorten last-mile legs to regional urban centers, improving carrier scheduling and reducing dwell times.

Yes. The region hosts modern DCs offering temperature-controlled rooms, bonded customs facilities, and cross-dock operations. These capabilities support perishable goods, regulated imports/exports, and fast-throughput operations—critical for grocery eCommerce, pharma distribution, and SKU‑rich omnichannel assortments.

Operating costs in Shiga typically undercut central Osaka or Nagoya due to lower land and facility rents, while offering access to a regional labor pool commuting from adjacent municipalities. Expect competitive wage rates, room for shift expansion, and potential incentives for large DC investments—factors that improve cost-per-order as volumes scale.

Retailers can secure same-day or next-day delivery windows across Kansai metropolitan areas and reduced two‑day reach to central Honshu when inventory is staged in Shiga. Short highway drives to major cities and coordinated carrier networks lower transit variability and improve on‑time delivery performance for both B2C and B2B channels.