relocation in Japan

[Emanuela]

We will be relocating to Japan for 2 years and would like to take our bikes...do you think we can get away with not reregistering them? And with not converting our driving licence? Or do we have to go by the book as they'll find out and it would be trouble? Anyone that has done this PLEASE give me a few pointers!! Thank you!
Emanuela

[klaus]

Hi there,

hope I am not too late to answer (or at least trying to) your questions.

If I were you, especially because you are planning to stay for 2 years, go thru the normal (legal) process. Register the bikes over here, have at least an international driver's license with you and so on. No big deal to get your drivers license "re-written" (changed) to a Japanese. Makes things easier sometimes!! Also, are you sure you want to bring your bikes over here? Used bikes are very cheap in Japan.... considering the shipping fees, re-registartion, inspection and so on....! Give it a thought. In case of more questions, use my private e-mail. I will try to answer your questions to the best of my knowledge. Take care and safe riding!

[klaus]

Emanuela, just came to this thread...maybe it will also help you???

http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/northern-asia/no-german-vehicles-in-japan-20921

CU around and looking forward to hearing from you folks,

Klaus

[Chris of Japan]

Originally Posted by Emanuela

do you think we can get away with not reregistering them? And with not converting our driving licence?

The short answer: Don't bring your bikes. Get new (used) bikes here.
It is a really big hassle to register foreign bikes. I was considering it myself, and found the process is way to complicated and expensive. And I speak fluent Japanese! Some bikes (i.e. my USA model KLR 650) cannot be registered without a very expensive (US$1000 or more) testing process.

You need a carnet to bring a bike in temporarily. This is also expensive and is only valid for 6 months maximum.

As for driver's license, you are required by law to switch to a Japanese license if you stay a year or more. Get an IDP and worry about that after you are settled in. I know guys who have been using an IDP in Japan for 10+ years, but this is illegal and can result in a fine and jail time (after one year it is considered driving without a license).

Sorry, this isn't the good news you wanted to hear, but it is the facts....