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 Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



Like Tree9Likes

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 17 Feb 2014
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Switzerland
Posts: 29
Inspection and Temporary Import of Bike to Japan

Hi all,

I am currently planning a longer trip to asia.
I intended to stop by in Japan. All information states, that a CDP is required to enter Japan and use your bike temporarly.

The JAF website (JAF For Visitors Bringing Vehicles with Carnet de Passages en Douane) states under Note 5
Quote:
4. Anyone who drives a temporarily imported vehicle must always keep a “Registration Certificate” with him/her, issued for the vehicle, which certificate is prescribed in the 1949 Convention on Road Traffic.
5. If a temporarily imported vehicle is registered in a country that is not a party to the aforementioned Convention, it must be inspected and registered in Japan on arrival, even if imported under cover of CPD.
So far so good, unlucky for me is, that I am Swiss and my Motorbike is registerd in Switzerland. And not the big deal, we signed the 1949 convetion but never ratified it.
If others are unsure if there country is part of it check the UN webiste https://treaties.un.org/Pages/ViewDe...mtdsg5&lang=en

So now back to my question, anybody there who has an Idea on how Inspections and registration in Japan works?
And how much this would cost aproximately?

Thanks for any help or websites for clearer information.
Unfortunantly the JAF-Website also only states a FAX-No. No E-Mail.

I hope to get some Information before I have to make an international longdistance call to Japan.

Thanks
Eagle
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 18 Feb 2014
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: Gunma, Japan
Posts: 1,104
Read this:
http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...915#post450963

The short answer is: Do not volunteer any information. Say "yes, of course I will register." The costs of registering are tremendous. I know many Swiss and Germans who visited, but nobody has ever inspected or registered the bike. Customs does not know all the road rules (and it is not their business what you do after importing), so you will probably be OK.
__________________
Japan touring information
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 19 Feb 2014
klaus's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Ehime-ken, Japan
Posts: 273
As always, Chris gave the appropriate answers already!

Had German bikers coming to Japan and it was never a (big) problem. Best way maybe coming in from Hokkaido. You may want to check out Heidi & Bernd's webiste: welt-tour.com - Japan. This is the Japan part, but they travelled more or less all over the world.
__________________
Klaus D. Orth
A German in Japan
1992 Honda TA
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 25 Feb 2014
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: May 2012
Location: earth
Posts: 35
I am biking with a German license plate since a month in Japan (even in the snow) and had no problem so far. Some people wonder about it and I just say, yes yes, its fine. Two cops in a car spotted it as well, I saw, but they didnt bother to check any closer. I hope it stays like that.
Greetings, Thomas
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 25 Feb 2014
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Switzerland
Posts: 29
Hi Guys thanks for the info
I will do that too :-)
Hope everything goes well next august.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 12 Mar 2014
Guy Jinbaiquerre's Avatar
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Posts: 15
Question

If you avoid the bike inspection/registration process upon entering Japan, are you putting yourself at risk of your insurance (Japanese or otherwise) not paying out in the event of a crash?

I could see an insurance company saying something like "Well, your bike wasn't properly registered to be ridden in Japan, so we don't have to pay."
__________________
1997 Honda X4 2009 BMW R1200GS Adventure IBA #42657
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 12 Mar 2014
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Switzerland
Posts: 29
hi Guy

true that this could be a problem. But I don't know how the registration and inspection works. I did not find any procedure nor price on how to do this nor how much the costs are.
Only information I found so far is, that you cant register a bike in Japan without living there. So this is not really an option, as I don't plan to move to Japan, as I only do a bit longer vacation ;-)

If you know how the inspection works, please let me know

Greets
eagle
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 13 Mar 2014
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: Gunma, Japan
Posts: 1,104
Quote:
Originally Posted by Guy Jinbaiquerre View Post
If you avoid the bike inspection/registration process upon entering Japan, are you putting yourself at risk of your insurance (Japanese or otherwise) not paying out in the event of a crash?

I could see an insurance company saying something like "Well, your bike wasn't properly registered to be ridden in Japan, so we don't have to pay."
A bit of a "Catch 22" in this case. It is pretty much impossible to have a temporarily imported bike inspected and registered. It would cost thousands of dollars.
The important thing is to not injure anybody, as that is all jibaiseki thrid-party insurance covers.
__________________
Japan touring information
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 13 Mar 2014
klaus's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Ehime-ken, Japan
Posts: 273
Just a short update:

Max, a biker from Germany who air-transported his bike to Japan is running into more than enough problems.

He cannot get a mandatory insurance, because his bike has German registration.

He cannot get Japanese registration (even if he wanted) because he does not have insurance.

It seems that they are getting more strict over here - or maybe they are getting their act together?

All previous German bikers came via Hokkaido - (again) maybe those folks up there are more flexible?

Anyway, for bikers from Germany ... don't expect it to be as easy as it was in the past. Maybe "you" want to contact the German government to finally sign that treaty ;-)
__________________
Klaus D. Orth
A German in Japan
1992 Honda TA
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 14 Mar 2014
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: Gunma, Japan
Posts: 1,104
Klaus

Did Max get his bike from customs? Or will they not release it without insurance?

I never heard of being German as a reason for not getting insurance. Many shops just don't want to deal with a foreign bike, no matter what country.
Tell him to try other shops. I will send you a copy of insurance doc from a past traveler. With an "example" they may give him insurance.

Chris


Quote:
Originally Posted by klaus View Post
Just a short update:

Max, a biker from Germany who air-transported his bike to Japan is running into more than enough problems.

He cannot get a mandatory insurance, because his bike has German registration.

He cannot get Japanese registration (even if he wanted) because he does not have insurance.

It seems that they are getting more strict over here - or maybe they are getting their act together?

All previous German bikers came via Hokkaido - (again) maybe those folks up there are more flexible?

Anyway, for bikers from Germany ... don't expect it to be as easy as it was in the past. Maybe "you" want to contact the German government to finally sign that treaty ;-)
__________________
Japan touring information
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 27 Mar 2014
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jun 2012
Posts: 45
Chris is totally right...

I did say the same thing to Max but he went for shaken... I don't think japanese are getting tougher on law, I just think he did the mistake to enter the japanese redtape system instead of following the other way...
The solution is still simple, many world traveler friends have done it last year, Including germans:
1) Go to a bike shop, without your bike.
2) Say you want insurance for 6month, Give the serial number of the bike (Not the plate number), your name in Japanese( katakana), address in Japan. This is enough for the basic insurance.

The guy will give you the paper in the hour, and that's it, DO NOT mention your bike is with foreign plate.
Then with this paper, the temporary importation paper and the driving licence translation.
You will "legally" drive in Japan. That being said in case of an accident the only thing you are covered for is the physical injury of the third person not the material damage.
All the world riders that I know of ( 8 in the last two years) had this coverage and had no problem at all.

Last edited by YGio; 28 Mar 2014 at 00:55.
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 28 Mar 2014
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: Gunma, Japan
Posts: 1,104
Good advice Yan.
I should change the insurance information on my website.
I forgot that you only need the serial number, not plate number!
As for address, any address will do.
Your insurance doc from Wakkanai had your French address. But I have seen Japanese addresses too. The major obstacle is getting SHORT term. Most shops only want to sell 2 years, as that is the requirement for shaken inspection.

As for Max, I gave up on him.
He won't take anybody's advice.
He will probably screw it up for future travelers by informing the authorities of things they have never paid attention to in the past.

Quote:
Originally Posted by YGio View Post
Chris is totally right...

I did say the same thing to Max but he went for shaken... I don't think japanese are getting tougher on law, I just think he did the mistake to enter the japanese redtape system instead of following the other way...
The solution is still simple, many world traveler friends have done it last year, Including germans:
1) Go to a bike shop, without your bike.
2) Say you want insurance for 6month, Give the serial number of the bike (Not the plate number), your name in Japanese( katakana), address in Japan. This is enough for the basic insurance.

The guy will give you the paper in the hour, and that's it, DO NOT mention your bike is with foreign plate.
Then with this paper, the temporary importation paper and the driving licence translation.
You will "legally" drive in Japan. That being said in case of an accident the only thing you are covered for is the physical injury of the third person not the material damage.
All the world riders that I know of ( 8 in the last two years) had this coverage and had no problem at all.
__________________
Japan touring information
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 2 Apr 2014
klaus's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Ehime-ken, Japan
Posts: 273
Quote:
Originally Posted by Chris of Japan View Post
As for Max, I gave up on him.
He won't take anybody's advice.
He will probably screw it up for future travelers by informing the authorities of things they have never paid attention to in the past.


There you go. How was that saying: don't wake up sleeping dogs!
For the past couple of years there had not been any problems. We were able to welcome / homestay 5 German bikers. They all came in via Wakkanai. They never had any problems, whether it was insurance or riding in Japan. And of course, they didn't worry that much either! Don't ask too many questions and you won't get stupid answers (or answers you don't want / like)! Anyway, again a big thank you to Chris for all his efforts!!
__________________
Klaus D. Orth
A German in Japan
1992 Honda TA
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 3 Apr 2014
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Apr 2014
Posts: 3
Max has not ruined anything for anyone. His inquiries were made at a small regional office in Yamanashi. The staff wanted to get Max on the road and made every effort to find a way, but at the end of the day they have to live within the law.

The law is you cannot legally ride a German registered motorcycle in Japan. If you do you are breaking the law and accordingly accepting the risks/liability. If that is the type of RTW traveler you want to be that is fine, but i suggest respecting other who think differently.

It is possible to register a bike in Japan, if you have a Japanese resident who will allow you to do in their name. It costs around $600 ( excluding any agent fees ) including Jibaiseki, and some of that, possibly up to $200 can be got back when the Jibaiseki is cancelled. This applies to older bikes only, like the Africa Twin ( 90's and earlier bikes ). Newer bikes require emissions, brake and noise tests and can cost up to $2000 due to the test costs. This would be a breach of the CDP, however, unless you tell someone, no one else here is likely to, as it is not their business and most like to see crazy RTW travelers. Further, if you did get the bike registered, i suspect the Japanese resident would require you buy Ninihoken, so that they were not liable for any accidents the bike was involved in.

The police in Japan, generally do not know which countries bikes are legal and which are not. Asking them about it will change nothing, as they still will not know and not even know where to look.

When people here mention insurance, it is Jibaiseki. Most foreigners in Japan do not consider it insurance and would not ride with it as their sole cover. This is what it does cover ( from Mike at Gaijinriders );

1. Pays ZERO for property damage
2. Pays only for the other party's injuries - not yours ( limited to $40K )
3. They send you a bill for any payouts they make due to your accident
( for anything above the $40K and any property damage ).

Most riders in Japan have Ninihoken and this covers property damage as well as other parties injuries to substantial amounts, depending on premium. It is only available to legally registered vehicles. A copy of a Japanese shaken ( registration paper is required ). My wife received her insurance license recently and inquired about Ninihoken for foreign registered motorcycles and was told it was not available, by Mitsui and Sompo. Ninihoken ranges in price from around 26,000 for around $150k cover to 43,000 for unlimited cover.

I strongly suggest, it is better to talk about and know the risk, no matter what path you decide.

Last edited by Apexmoto; 4 Apr 2014 at 04:51. Reason: grammar correction
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 4 Apr 2014
klausmong1's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Vienna
Posts: 734
And sometimes it helps if you inform yourself before you bring a bike in and get stuck.....
__________________
www.klausmotorreise.com
Reply With Quote
Reply

Tags
cdp, inspection, temporary import


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
Buying Used Bike in Santiago Chile lachy South America 187 5 Dec 2023 14:53
Buying and registering a motorcycle in Chile timyarb Trip Paperwork 16 2 Jan 2018 19:55
Provisions for driving in China. - facts. uk_vette West and South Asia 2 24 Jul 2014 08:58
Information wanted from experienced bikers in South America joentje100 South America 35 1 Jan 2010 04:00
Looking for some help in getting started TotalTomination South America 20 30 Oct 2009 18:02

 
 

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

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-14
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

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...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

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 06:35.