Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > Northern and Central Asia
Northern and Central Asia Topics specific to Russia, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Mongolia, China, Japan and Korea
Photo by Daniel Rintz, Himba children, Namibia

The only impossible journey
is the one
you never begin

Photo by Daniel Rintz,
Himba children, Namibia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 14 Jun 2007
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Belgrade, Serbia
Posts: 21
Xross-Siberia2007

My first post, so HI to all!

My friend and I are planing trip to Japan. We plan to leave Belgrade, Serbia at 8th of July. Our route will go through Romania, Ukraine, Russia, Mongolia, again Russia and then Japan. We will travel by train from Vlad to Moscow on our way back.
If there is someone on the road there at same time we could meet. We will have satellite phone, so I'll post number here when we get one.

You can see our route at Xross-Siberia 2007 Allso, our reports and progres will be posted on this site!

QUESTIONS:

1. We plan to enter Mongolia from Russia trough Altai mountains. I heard that it is not possible to exit Russia at this border crossing. Have someone cross this border or know something about that?

2. Does someone know cheap accommodation in Japan, specially in Tokyo? This will help a lot since we are on limited budget?

Thanks for your answers!
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 14 Jun 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Berkeley, CA USA
Posts: 312
In Japan you can camp just about anywhere. In big cities, like Tokyo, there are loads of homeless people living in the big city parks. Oueno park in Tokyo has a mini village of them. Just put all your gear in a subway station locker and take what you need to the park. Find a discrete place to set up your tent and you are done. Elsewhere, just set up your tent someplace that you are not bothering anyone. Generally speaking everyone is too shy and polite to give you any problem.

I was on a budget too and by never once staying in a hotel and not eating in resturants, Japan is a beautiful and affordable place to ride.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 15 Jun 2007
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: Gunma, Japan
Posts: 1,104
If you want to meet with other riders and maybe find a place to say, contact
World Touring Network-Japan
http://www.wtn-j.com/html/english/aboutwtnj.htm
Or the Horizons Japan community
http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/com...tEnglish.shtml
Note that there are special procedures for entering Japan (carnet, etc.)
See this for details.
http://www2.gol.com/users/chrisl/japan/index2.html
__________________
Japan touring information
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 15 Jun 2007
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Ulaan Baatar, Mongolia
Posts: 33
Mongolia

Hi,
you can cross the border in the Altai. In UB try Oneway Guesthouse from Sabina. They have special prices for bikers and Sabina knowa where to repair.....
You can visit my friend in Tokio:
Ricarda Heubel
Please write me an mail at naadam90@yahoo.com
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 15 Jun 2007
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Belgrade, Serbia
Posts: 21
Thanks for answers.
I heard about Sabina, we will sleep there when we reach UB. I have GPS coordinates of that place

Here in Japan embassy they told us we do not need carnets, just valid registration and international driving licence. The other thing is, there is no one issuing carnets here

Gursed I'm sending you email.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 15 Jun 2007
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: Gunma, Japan
Posts: 1,104
Quote:
Originally Posted by dane@ View Post
Thanks for answers.

Here in Japan embassy they told us we do not need carnets, just valid registration and international driving licence.
That is wrong.
The embassy probably does not have correct information (very few people come to Japan with their own vehicle).
You may have a very hard time without a carnet.
Last time someone tried on the ferry from Vladivostok, it took 3 days to pass customs with a Japanese person helping to find a way.
Maybe they will remember how to do it...
If you find a way without a carnet, please let us know.
__________________
Japan touring information
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 23 Jun 2007
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Belgrade, Serbia
Posts: 21
We have CARNETS!!! In our AutoMoto Federation at call center they didn't hear about Carnets. But when I got answer from JAF (they answered next day) that our AM Federation issue them and showed it to them, they found out that they really do. The last one they issued was in 2002. The dark side is that we need to deposit 8 000 Eur for our bikes in order to have Carnet.
So, luckily we will not experiment with passing customs without it.

Can we have problems with fully opened loud exhausts in Japan?
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 08:50.