Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Planning, Trip > Trip Transport
Trip Transport Shipping the vehicle and yourself.
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 11 Jan 2010
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Australia
Posts: 95
ferry Wakkanai-Sakhalin before 8th. june?

Does anyone know if there is a ferry service other than the Heartland Ferry that runs between Wakkanai and Sakhalin Island. We think that we will be in Wakannai around mid May and do not want to spend 2 weeks waiting for the first Heartland ferry which starts 8th June.

Simon
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 11 Jan 2010
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: Gunma, Japan
Posts: 1,104
No other ferry service.
You may be able to find a fishing or cargo vessel that would take you, but I doubt it would be easy to do.
You know, it is still pretty cold in May. Take the 2 weeks to travel around Hokkaido and Tohoku. That has some of the best riding in Japan.
Or go to Vladivostok and deal with their notorious customs house...
__________________
Japan touring information
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 11 Jan 2010
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Australia
Posts: 95
Hi Chris,
does "still pretty cold" mean snow / ice still on the ground. At this stage we are tenatively booked to fly into Tokyo on 21st. April, ride around the 3 major islands for about 3 weeks then hop over to Sakhalin which was going to be around mid May.

Would the same weather apply to Vladivostok? I don't really want to start the russian leg there as it sounds like a big expensive port city and not much else.

Simon
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 11 Jan 2010
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: Gunma, Japan
Posts: 1,104
When I went in June 2003, I had one night below freezing near Chita.
Average May temp. in Wakkanai, the northernmost city in Japan, is 8.7 degrees C.

But really your choices are either wait for the Sakhalin ferry on June 8 (and enjoy more of Japan ), go to Vladivostok (nice group of bikers , unpleasant customs house), go to Korea (extra ferry ride, sometimes hard to get a one-way ticket from Japan), attempt to hitch a ride on a fishing boat (not sure if legal so Japan customs may not stamp out your carnet).
__________________
Japan touring information
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 11 Jan 2010
colebatch's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: London / Moscow
Posts: 1,913
Not only may Japan customs have an issue with it ... My guess is Russian customs and immigration would take a VERY dim view of a guy arriving on Sakhalin on a fishing boat. That sounds too much like asking for trouble. Stick to scheduled commercial vessels if at all possible.

If you can talk your way out of trouble in Russian, easily, it "might" be worth a go. But don't expect it to be easy even if you can speak good Russian. If you cant speak good Russian, then don't expect it to be possible.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 12 Jan 2010
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Australia
Posts: 95
thanks for the advice guys I think we will delay our departure from sydney until early May giving ourselves a five week run to get to the first ferry in June. not keen on the hassles of Vlad.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 13 Jan 2010
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Coffs Harbour
Posts: 3
Quote:
Originally Posted by Chris in Tokyo View Post
When I went in June 2003, I had one night below freezing near Chita.
Average May temp. in Wakkanai, the northernmost city in Japan, is 8.7 degrees C.

But really your choices are either wait for the Sakhalin ferry on June 8 (and enjoy more of Japan ), go to Vladivostok (nice group of bikers , unpleasant customs house), go to Korea (extra ferry ride, sometimes hard to get a one-way ticket from Japan), attempt to hitch a ride on a fishing boat (not sure if legal so Japan customs may not stamp out your carnet).
Can the Sakhalin ferry be prebooked or it is first come first serve. I had a look at their website but couldn't find the "bookings" like as I cannot read Japanese. Cheers, Cain
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 13 Jan 2010
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: Gunma, Japan
Posts: 1,104
Quote:
Originally Posted by Cain View Post
Can the Sakhalin ferry be prebooked or it is first come first serve. I had a look at their website but couldn't find the "bookings" like as I cannot read Japanese. Cheers, Cain
Best to make reservations in advance. I heard of someone being turned down in the past by showing up the day before.
They don't accept online reservations it seems. They don't even list an email address in Japanese.
Best to call the head office in Sapporo.
+81-11-233-8010 (011-233-8010 within Japan) FAX +81-11-233-2783 (011-233-2783)
or Wakkanai branch office
+81-162-23-3780 (0162-23-3780 within Japan) FAX +81-162-23-6730 (0162-23-6730)
__________________
Japan touring information
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 13 Jan 2010
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Coffs Harbour
Posts: 3
Thanks Chris I will call them today.
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 24 Feb 2010
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: Gunma, Japan
Posts: 1,104
Quote:
Originally Posted by Cain View Post
Thanks Chris I will call them today.
Cain,
Did you manage to make reservations for the ferry?
I was just wondering if they handled English OK.
It is not a problem for me, as I speak Japanese, but I would like to be able to tell others what the situation is.

Chris
__________________
Japan touring information
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 24 Jun 2010
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: May 2009
Location: California
Posts: 1
hey!
Get the ticket in advance!!!

I just got turned down to buy a ticket for the next ferry. The only ticket they will let me buy, is for the ferry a week from now :@

Now I am here waiting, in a city with nothing to do
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 24 Jun 2010
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: Gunma, Japan
Posts: 1,104
Quote:
Originally Posted by lakers6902 View Post
hey!

Now I am here waiting, in a city with nothing to do
Then get out of the "city" (if you can call Wakkanai a city).
Some of the best riding in Japan is in Hokkaido. Why would anyone spend a week sitting around Wakkanai??

Going between Japan and Russia is not like traveling between European countries. You don't just show up at the dock and expect to get on an international ferry here. In fact, Japan and Russia never signed a peace treaty after WWII.
__________________
Japan touring information
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


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
newcastle to Norway ferry starting in June 2009? uk_vette Europe 40 19 Nov 2013 22:19
Ferry from Kholmsk on Sakhalin Island to Port Vanino Brett Dean Northern and Central Asia 6 22 Dec 2010 02:49
Ferry from Japan to Sakhalin (Russia) Travelbug Northern and Central Asia 12 31 Aug 2009 01:47
ferry from Japan to Vlad - June?? jj Northern and Central Asia 5 21 May 2007 06:21
Sakhalin Island - safe? GreenLaner Northern and Central Asia 5 23 Aug 2005 01:06

 
 

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 02:02.