Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has landed in Sydney to begin a brief visit for meetings focusing on trade, security, and the implications of the impending Trump US presidency.

Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has described Saturday's planned discussions as "a very important agenda," and says the two countries have great relations and collaboration.

Mr Abe arrived with wife Akie on Friday night, joined by a delegation of leaders from Japanese banks, resources firms and education institutions.

On Saturday, Mr Turnbull and Mr Abe are expected to meet and talk about the effects of a Donald Trump presidency on the Asia-Pacific, the Trans-Pacific Partnership, the nuclear threat from North Korea and rising regional tensions around activity in the South China Sea.

The two countries are also due to sign a revised acquisition and cross-servicing deal, under which the Australian defence force will be able to supply ammunition to the Japanese military for the first time.

Mr Abe last visited Australia in July 2014.

This weekend's trip comes after Japan lost out to a French ship builder for the lucrative contract to construct Australia's new fleet of submarines.

Mr Abe and his wife are due to depart on Sunday to continue their six-day diplomatic tour through the Philippines, Indonesia and Vietnam.