That was a great load of valuable information, thank you very much! I guess if DBS is not operating there is no way to leave Japan with your bike and going to Russia. Here's to hoping...

This year travelling (of any kind) from or to Japan is definitely not a smart idea and it is impossible to guess how the Covid situation will play out. I was planning on doing the trip in either late 2021, starting in August, or early 2022, starting around March. 2021 would be very nice but I fear leaving in August will put a lot of time pressure on the whole trip as every country on the itinerary starts to cool down from July onwards.

Seems like CdP is not really needed then, at least that's a small relief.

I haven't looked into whats needed for converting the number plate once ins Europe, but I like to hope that will be possible somehow. Definitely need to do my research on that.

What worries me about the borders as well is that, knowing Japan, a lot of the official documents will be in Japanese with little English.

If I may add one more question, do you know if Japan/ JAF will say anything (or even prevent me from leaving by ferry) if they know I do not plan to return with the bike? I imagine the whole process of unregistering ( + converting to EU plate) will have to be done once I arrive at my destination in the EU right?


Edit: Thank you Chris of Japan, I roger that. I will wait for your post