Shanghai to Ha noi.
 

I am planning a trip and for now just checking the how’s and what’s of the idea!

Is there anybody how has experience in taking the boat from Japan to Shanghai and then driving towards Vietnam?

And of course the financial issue, is anybody else also planning this so we could split costs? Planning on leaving from Japan around June, July 2015.

Cheers, Branco

Once upon a time.... http://www.tokyotolondon.com
The info is outdated and they took a different route but interesting web-link.

Osaka to Shanghai Ferry
 

I live in Kobe and have taken this ferry numerous times but not for a couple of years now and it's a nice relaxed way to travel to China and absolutely the best way to arrive in Shanghai as the ferry docks within sight of The Bund.

I haven't driven in China but have been over plenty of it by train and bus which is a great way to mix with the locals, especially sleeper trains.

Mingtown Etour Hostel in Shanghai is brilliant value and has a really nice atmosphere, or at least that was so when I used it last.
55 Jiangyin Lu, near Chongqing Bei Lu, Huangpu district.