This article aims at identifying some commonalities and differences in intermodal freight in France and Japan, focusing on urban zones. This comparison puts into perspective two spatial situations tinged with land pressure. It helps us identify opportunities for knowledge and transfer of best practices for the promotion of modal shift and for land use and planning policies that favor intermodal freight. Research works have been carried out on intermodal logistic policies at national scales. However, in urban areas, the use of intermodal services has specific characteristics. Intermodal services are difficult to implement for last mile deliveries, as waterway and railway are used for high volume flows. Nevertheless, during the last decade, an increasing number of projects including intermodal services for the 'mile before last' have been set up.