How to bring a german bike into Japan?

[Hund]

Hello,
I would like to travel with my BMW R 1100 GS (3/99) through Japan. I´m currently in Mongolia and might be in Japan around mid september. I will pick up my Carnet de passage in Vladivostok but since my bike is registered in germany i would have to inspect and register it in japan as it says on the homepage of the JAF (JAF For Visitors Bringing Vehicles with Carnet de Passages en Douane).

Does anyone know how the inspection looks like (brakecheck, emission test...) and how much it costs?
Do i have to get a japanese license plate because of the registration? How much does that cost and how does it work?

I can´t find an eMail contact of the JAF to ask them directly.

Thank you in advance!

Matthias

[Chris of Japan]

The short answer is:
You cannot register bike as a tourist.
The important thing to remember is do not ask questions.
Customs doesn't care (it isn't their job).
The police don't know (there are less than 20 travelers on their own bikes a year in Japan).
The inspection agency had never registered a tourist's vehicle (tourists don't have the necessary resident documents).

I know a German arrived in Fukuoka this year via Korea with no problems. I can't count the number of Germans I have seen over the years. Nobody had any problems.
If you are really concerned, search the HUBB. But the answer will be the same:
http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...ke-japan-74702

[mika]

The important thing to remember is do not ask questions.

Very good advise Chris.

Matthias: The carnet should be enough for Japan, but maybe you have to get a certificate of authenticity from the JAF, but search on the Hubb and ask Chris about it. I have been to Japan a long time ago by bike and cant really say how it is done today. Enjoy Japan.

Mika

[Hund]

Cool, thanks Chris!
At least it´s not a big deal to get into japan...just not totally legal.
I talked to a guy and he said i´m not allowed to ride off the custom zone. I need a van or pick up to get out of the zone. After the custom zone they don´t care anymore. Do you know anything about that?

I think i need to get a certificate of autenticity by the JAF of my carnet. But i think i just need to go and see what´s happening. Heard that entering via Hokkaido is supposed to be the easiest. I´ll catch one of the ferries in september.

Thanks for your help!

[Chris of Japan]

Hund,
Yes, you normally need to have JAF authenticate your carnet (certificate of authenticity).
I don't know how they do it in Hokkaido now, as the nearest JAF office is like 100 km away from Wakkanai port (in the past, they allowed without carnet, but the rule changed this year). There is a JAF office nearby if you arrive at Sakaiminato from Vladivostok.

Who told you that you need a van to get out of the Customs zone? Did this person say from personal experience. At some ports, if you ship by container, they don't like you to uncrate in the warehouse. But if you ask nicely (or beg if you need to!) they usually let you do it. Arriving by ferry, this is not an issue.

[klausmong1]

Question: I was reading about a port, where it is not possible to get out with a bike on the regular street/Motorway. And you have to take a Truck to bring you out from the port.

Is this the port in Japan?

I am asking because I am also planning to go further to japan on the next journey.

[Hund]

Yes, the guy i was talking to new it from other travellers coming into japan. He said that customs don´t like it when you ride it off the custom zone. What else i could do is, i tell them that a friend is picking me up and just push it off the zone.

But i think that all depends on the day and who want´s to get out of customs. I just won´t ask and go...or push.

It´ll work out anyhow.

thanks for you help guys!

[klaus]

Matthias,

you found the right place here to get the answers to all your questions. Especially Chris is the most knowledgable and helpful person!!

Anyway, as people already said: don't ask questions! Heidi and Bernd Kleine, Diethard am Ende and many others did it and had no problems.

You might want to check the "Kleine's" website here: welt-tour.com - Japan Even though it is a little older, maybe it helps!?!

Elsewise, hope you will make it to Japan on your bike .... it is so much fun!

Fuer e-mails, bitte hier schreiben: klausdorth(at)web.de! Das (at) mit dem normalen Zeichen ersetzen!!

[CYEK]

If using the car ferry from South Korea you shouldn't need a truck. You just do what the cars do and park in a parking area and then make your way to JAF. Which isn't easy to get to by public transport and takes a few hours. Just make sure JAF know when you are arriving so the paperwork can be done and prepared. Helped some friends use the Korea route a few years back and it wasn't that hard.