I bypassed the Oura Ring 4 stock shortage in Japan by shipping directly from a US store
Table of Contents
The Urgency of Oura Ring 4
As we move through early 2026, the demand for the Oura Ring 4 has reached a critical level that I did not anticipate. I have been tracking us trends for months, and the Gen 4 hardware is currently the most sought-after health tracker on the market. With its fully recessed sensors and all-titanium interior, the Oura Ring 4 provides a level of comfort and data accuracy that its predecessors simply cannot match. We saw the initial stock in the United States vanish within hours of the February launch.
I decided that waiting for an official distribution partner in Japan was not a viable option. Experience has taught me that regional releases for specialized health tech often lag by three to six months. I needed the improved cycle tracking and stress management features now, not in the summer of 2026. This urgency led me to look at US retailers who still had stock available for immediate dispatch to a freight forwarder.
Why I Sourced from the US
My decision to shop us store options was driven by both availability and the exclusive finishes. In my research, I found that the US market often receives a larger allocation of premium colors like Brushed Gold and Rose Gold. I knew that if I waited for the local Japan release, these specific styles would likely be backordered or simply unavailable for our region.
You might also like to Read more: Is buying the Oura Ring 4 from the US the secret to avoiding the Japan price hike? I found that even with shipping costs, the price difference was manageable compared to the inflated reseller prices I am seeing on Japanese auction sites. I chose to use comGateway to provide a tax-free us address in Oregon, which allowed me to avoid US sales tax entirely before forwarding the package to Tokyo.
Exclusive Finishes and Stock Alerts
Check our guide on the availability of specific colors if you are looking for something unique. Read more: Can you get the Oura Ring 4 Brushed Gold in Japan without the wait? I personally opted for the Brushed Rose Gold finish, which is a US exclusive at the moment. You might want to consider if the Read more: Is the US-exclusive Oura Ring 4 Brushed Rose Gold worth the ¥18,000 international shipping cost to Japan? is worth the investment for your specific needs.
Logistics and Shipping Estimates
When I planned this import, I had to be precise about the weight and dimensions to ensure my Japan delivery remained within budget. I used the shipping calculator to get a clear picture of the costs before the ring even left the US warehouse.
| Factor | Estimate Detail |
|---|---|
| Box Weight | Approx. 0.5 lbs (0.23 kg) including the ring and charging kit. |
| Box Dimensions | Small (approx. 5 x 5 x 3 inches). It is a very compact package. |
| Volumetric Warning | Low risk. The Oura Ring 4 packaging is dense and small; you will likely be charged by actual weight rather than volumetric weight. |
| Battery Check | Contains one small Lithium-ion battery. This is classified under PI967 (Lithium ion batteries contained in equipment). Most international shipping service providers like DHL or FedEx can handle this for Japan, but check for any carrier-specific surcharges. |
How I Managed Japan Customs
Importing electronics into Japan requires an understanding of import duties. For a single Oura Ring 4, I found that I was generally exempt from duty because the value was below the personal import threshold for certain categories, though I still had to account for Japan's Consumption Tax (10%).
I made sure that my package forwarding service provided a clear invoice for the customs officers in Japan. This prevented any delays at the Narita or Haneda ports. When you forward packages of this value, always ensure the description accurately reflects "Smart Ring" to avoid unnecessary inspection hold-ups.
The Fastest Path to Delivery
To get my Oura Ring 4 as quickly as possible, I followed a specific protocol. First, I secured my order through a major US retailer that offered overnight shipping to my comGateway address. Once the package arrived at the warehouse, I immediately selected the express shipping option. This international shipping route took only three business days to reach my door in Japan.
We must emphasize that speed is critical right now because the global supply chain for these sensors is under immense pressure. By using a professional parcel forwarding service, I avoided the month-long wait times associated with standard international retail shipping. My experience shows that if you are serious about your health data, the US-to-Japan import route is currently the only reliable way to secure the Oura Ring 4 without waiting for a local release that may not happen for months.
I suggest you use the estimate shipping cost tool today if you are planning to follow my lead. The stock levels are fluctuating rapidly, and we do not know when the next batch will be available for export.
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