carnet/japan
 

two of us are riding to magadan and then on to saklin island and would like to know what would happen if we then get a boat to japan without a carnet.i believe the terecirca boys did it is it posible?

You may not be allowed on the ferry...
I know of only one person who has managed to get into Japan (via Vlad) using a little-known customs loophole for international ferries. But it took almost a week in customs with a Japanese friend helping out.
If you don't have a carnet, you better have a backup plan in case they don't let your bikes in. MAYBE (and I emphasize MAYBE) you can get in by filing form C 5014. But don't count this as a guarantee. Sorry to be negative, but I don't want anyone coming back to me later saying "But you said it was OK!"
Attachment 2147

Korean Ferry to Japan (Busan to Shimonoseki)
 

I am an American living and working in South Korea. Has anyone successfully taken a ferry from Korea to Japan with their bike recently? Any success with Customs Form C5014 ?

I could pack up and ride down to Busan and just try it...but that is a full day's ride, and I would like to know I have a decent shot. Communication will be difficult.

Maybe I can declare the bike as "carry on" luggage? :thumbup1:

Jason

If you are a Korean resident, try calling the ferry company.
They probably won't let you on the boat in the first place if you don't have a reservation. If you don't stand a chance of getting through customs, again they won't let you on the boat.

If you are in Seoul, would probably be cheaper and less hassle to get on an airplane to Tokyo and renting a bike in Japan.

Chris,
I'll try calling the Ferry operator. I don't speak much Korean, so it is difficult to ask them about Japanese customs.

Booking a flight and renting a bike would probably triple the cost of my excursion. Also, it precludes the opportunity to ride my own bike. I'm hoping to take advantage of the opportunity to ride Japan since I am so close.

so... my question is...

Has anyone successfully taken a ferry from Korea to Japan with their bike recently? Any success with Customs Form C5014 ?

Thanks all ~
Jason in Korea

As per your original question,
I know of two people who succeeded last year, but they had friends in Japan "guarantee" them. They also came via Russia to a different port. The port that handles from Korea is a different customs office, so it may have different procedures. They may have streamlined rules for Korean registered vehicles as they come fairly often. However, I tired to get some Aussies with Aus. registered bikes in at Shimonoseki port from Korea w/o carnet a few years ago to no avail. The ferry wouldn't let them on the boat without prior approval by Japan customs (reason I said to call the ferry company). I speak fluent Japanese and probably could have managed something in person, but it just got to be too much hassle over the phone and we gave up.
... which is why I recommended flying and renting (Seoul - Tokyo flights start at about $200 round trip) even though rental is expensive. Less stress and chance of failure.