3 months in Tokyo. Simple solution for buying a <250cc?
 

Hello! I'll be visiting Tokyo for 3 months, and would love a bike.

After poking around the Hubb, it seems renting in Japan is expensive. But everything I've read seems geared to bikes over 250cc's. Which means subject to "shakken" inspection. As the >250cc bikes aren't subject to that, I'd hope they are much less of a hassle.

Anyone have feedback on simply buying a used, small bike/mini bike in tokyo? I'm happy to sell it for nothing, assuming they're not expensive to begin with.


The link below implies that with just my (U.S. issued) "international drivers license", I could register in Tokyo as a temporary resident and get an "alien registration certificate." And it seems (from Hubb) that getting the required minimum insurance is pretty simple. So how complicated is registration for under250cc bikes? (only need it for 2-3 months.)

https://www.japan-guide.com/forum/qu...ay.html?0+5133

Could a used dealer solve these details for me?
Or is registration simple enough that I could buy it from a private seller and deal with it myself?

Thanks for reading,
Blase

The alien registration system changed a few years back. Now you can't register unless you have a visa for longer than 3 months I believe. Your best option would be to keep the bike registered in the name of a resident. If you are content to sell it for nothing, you can probably find someone who will be willing to register it in their name and take it off your hands when you leave the country.

Hmm, ok. Thank Chris. Appreciate that.

Maybe you want to check with APEXMOTO or on the "gaijinriders" Facebook site. Always some people willing to help!