Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > Northern and Central Asia
Japan - Buy Register Vehicle? Japan - Buy Register Vehicle?
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Northern and Central Asia Topics specific to Russia, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Mongolia, China, Japan and Korea
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

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


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Like Tree3Likes
  • 1 Post By Lovetheworld
  • 1 Post By Lovetheworld
  • 1 Post By racer162

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 1 Jul 2019
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2016
Posts: 219
Question Japan - Buy Register Vehicle?
Hi

In a couple of years we are heading off on our trip from Australia via Asia, Japan, Russia, Mongolia etc.

We want to spend a year in Japan first on a long term visa and travel around by 4wd camper. There are tonnes of these for sale in Japan. I am aware that you can buy and register a Motorcycle in Japan through some bike business's.

Has anyone achieved this with a vehicle or now a contact?

I figure it would be the same as a bike, just needing a fixer I s'pose?

Cheers



Homer
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 1 Jul 2019
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Netherlands
Posts: 377
Why not follow the same path as the bikes?
The vans are cheap however, because it is costly to pay road tax + inspection. Better buy a van that has some inspection lasting on it for more than your travelling time in Japan.

However, the inspection/road tax will run out when you are abroad. So try not to use a private person for registration or address. Because I think they want the license plates back at some point.

About the vans:
Use yahoo auctions among other to find vans. But the car export sites have better pictures (pictures of bottom, very important).

You have to choose between luxury/space or how good the 4x4 is.

The Toyota vans offer more space, and I think a bit more luxury. They also sometimes come as camper, or at least with a high roof making a big difference. However, Hiaces on the local market are only permanent 4wd.
The Mitsubishis are smaller but have proper 4x4 with low-gearing.
__________________
2011 Overland from Amsterdam to Nepal and back
2018 Overland from Amsterdam to Tokyo via Central Asia and Mongolia
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 1 Jul 2019
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: No Fixed Address (formerly Toronto)
Posts: 1,847
Quote:
Originally Posted by Homers GSA View Post
We want to spend a year in Japan first on a long term visa
Just out of curiousity, which visa are you applying for which allows you to stay for a year?
__________________
Gene - http://www.RideDOT.com
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 1 Jul 2019
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2016
Posts: 219
Quote:
Originally Posted by lightcycle View Post
Just out of curiousity, which visa are you applying for which allows you to stay for a year?


Wealthy tourist visa. Need 30’000’000¥ in savings.

6 mth with 6 mth renewal.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 1 Jul 2019
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2016
Posts: 219
Thanks LTW.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 1 Jul 2019
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Netherlands
Posts: 377
You can also use a 90 days visa and extend it 2 times giving you 9 months. Or fly to South Korea and back.
__________________
2011 Overland from Amsterdam to Nepal and back
2018 Overland from Amsterdam to Tokyo via Central Asia and Mongolia
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 2 Jul 2019
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2016
Posts: 219
Quote:
Originally Posted by Lovetheworld View Post
You can also use a 90 days visa and extend it 2 times giving you 9 months. Or fly to South Korea and back.


We are actually thinking of buying a holiday home in Japan, maybe on the Izu peninsula. That would make life much easier. But that may not happen for a bit.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 2 Jul 2019
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Netherlands
Posts: 377
To be honest I think it is all a bit overkill. You can just take the 90 days and extend it, and somewhere half-way, fly to South-Korea and back or take that ferry just as a passenger and back. Could also be worth it if South-Korea is not in your travel plan. The DBS ferry stops at South Korea, but we didn't get of either, because it almost doubles the price if you do Russia-Japan in 2 seperate trips. (and we wouldn't have proper time)
So you can have a few days in Seoul, visit the history museum and some sites, and get back with a new 90 days visa/stamp in Japan.
__________________
2011 Overland from Amsterdam to Nepal and back
2018 Overland from Amsterdam to Tokyo via Central Asia and Mongolia
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 2 Jul 2019
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: No Fixed Address (formerly Toronto)
Posts: 1,847
Good info, thanks! We were bummed that we had to leave Japan after 90 days. Six or nine months would give us a good opportunity to buy a bike and spend more than one season there.
__________________
Gene - http://www.RideDOT.com
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 13 Jul 2019
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: London
Posts: 6
Do you know whether the wealthy tourist visa would enable you to get a residence certificate (juminhyou)?
I bought a camper last year, and needed the residence certificate to register it.
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 14 Jul 2019
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2016
Posts: 219
Quote:
Originally Posted by yaggayagga View Post
Do you know whether the wealthy tourist visa would enable you to get a residence certificate (juminhyou)?

I bought a camper last year, and needed the residence certificate to register it.


I’m not sure but will continue to research.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 27 Aug 2019
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Sep 2018
Posts: 28
I can help
As someone who lives here in Japan and is a permenant resident I can help a bit with working Thru.
Here is the thing to buy a bike is easy enough and the embassy will help you get the paperwork you need so as you can register it.
A camper might be a bit more difficult to do and a heap more expensive.
Bikes from 251cc and up need to have a Shaken ( inspection ) every 2 years not a big deal so if your buying a bigger bike make sure how much time is left on the shaken.
Ive had friends buy a bike and I kept it for them when they left or till they decided to sell ...
Their are certain dealers that I would steer clear of, some are quite shady. Yes in Japan we have shady dealers.....
When traveling on a bike stay off the highways ( toll roads) 3 reasons
1 they are expensive
2 they are boring as hell
3 you miss all the cool stuff and roads.
Sure it takes longer BUT its not about the destination its about the journey.
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 27 Aug 2019
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2016
Posts: 219
Thanks Racer.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

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
Japan on a budget hellcoder Northern and Central Asia 22 6 Apr 2023 11:47
2015 - Heading east from Europe, add your itinerary / plans kim Travellers Seeking Travellers 190 5 Mar 2016 08:38
Argentina vehicle permit - info Phil Flanagan South America 3 20 May 2014 01:50
Where should I register my vehicle? anna5683 Trip Paperwork 1 4 Oct 2013 23:50
Is this bike worth the price? Walace Travellers' questions that don't fit anywhere else 5 26 Apr 2012 18:06

 
 

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

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

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!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

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 10:57.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top