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Best route to japan? Best route to japan?
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Photo by Alessio Corradini, on the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia, of two locals

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


Photo by Alessio Corradini,
on the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia,
of two locals



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  #1  
Old 28 Jan 2012
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Best route to japan?
I am looking to put into practise a fantasy I've held since living in Japan for three years (1989-1992) which is riding there overland. I have retired now so I can do it. I have a feeling my Suzuki B-King won't the most suitable bike so I'll be looking to source a 650 single trailie. A DR would be great but where to get a good one in Europe, especially where I live. Portugal. So what is the best route, please?
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  #2  
Old 29 Jan 2012
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ferry?
try the ferry from Vladivostok to Fushiki...we did it the other way 'round - ie from japan to russia with no problems at all. so am assuming just doing it the other way would be OK too.

This means that you would get the chance to go overland from Portugal - all the way.....and if you did do this you mustnt miss out riding through Mongolia....an amazing place to ride through. :-)

anyone else got any suggestions?
cheers
..planning is part of the fun too!

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  #3  
Old 29 Jan 2012
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ANY bike, scooter, moped or motorised skateboard can reach Vladivostock - and regularly do.

"Trans Siberian" is really a romantic notion sooner than an uplifting experience - apart from personal satisfaction and good 'bar talk'.

The biggest problem will be the endless boredom of constantly similar, unchanging scenery and conditions for weeks, unless you venture away from the Trans Siberian Highway, in which case you will probably need something a little more suitable.

Sorry, I cannot help you - I know nothing about crossing the water to Japan.

But do go and live your dream - and you have a machine that, prepared for reliability, will see you there.

Enjoy.
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  #4  
Old 29 Jan 2012
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From the north side of the Black Sea, you have options to cross into Russia from the Baltic states, Belarus, Ukraine (or even Finland, if you like). Or then you can go through Turkey to Iran (if you can get visa), or around the north side of the Caspian sea, though the Caucasus seems to be a bit of a troubled region... or even by boat across the Caspian Sea to the Stans. That region also seems to have its visa and other permit issues, but many travellers do go through there.

Unless you can pay big time to cross entire China, which would probably cost more than your bike does, your options further east are sort of limited (= go around the north side of China). And you´re probably going to need a carnet to get your bike into Japan.

Vladivostok to Europe I believe has been done on a Burgman 650, so why not with a B-King.....
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Old 29 Jan 2012
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Why not a B-King? Small petrol tank. And wouldn't I need a carnet? Bloody expensive on a King? Would it be able to cope with the roads? I'm not remotely interested in any form of off-roading but I thoght the roads out there would really bad. The King would certainly be reliable enough. My other bike is a Buell Ulysses. Now, I really don't think it'd be a good idea on that!!
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Old 29 Jan 2012
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To Vlad
Nick - I said ANY bike can ride to Vlad. I mean that. It is done regularly on EVERYTHING from 50cc to 1500cc (or bigger).

The simplest route from western Europe is through Germany, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia to the first and only border controls between Calais and Vladivostock.

The only documents required are V5C, Insurance, Driving Licence with IDP, and Passport with Visa. Nothing else - no carnet.

Russia is huge but you will find -
- tarmac all the way, although of variable and very occasionally very poor quality.
- 92 octane (at least) fuel every 50-70 miles or so.
- food and refreshment every 30-50 miles.
- reasonable (price and comfort) accomodation every 100 miles or so
- everyone on 2 wheels threats you like a brother irrespective of your type of bike.
- a vast support network.
- the friendliest, most helpful people in the World. "Those who have the least, give the most"

Get rid of your doubts right now. Plan your dates and go. It's really that simple.

(I cannot comment on Japan)
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  #7  
Old 29 Jan 2012
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Thank for that advice. You've made it sound as easy as it doubtless is. Nick
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  #8  
Old 30 Jan 2012
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Maybe you want to look at Heidi and Bernd's website?!

They came to Japan from Germany last year, here is the link to the maps:

welt-tour.com - Route Panamericana

And once you make it to Japan, give me a call!!

Safe riding
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  #9  
Old 31 Jan 2012
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Thanks. That looks like the route. How long have you lived in Nippon?
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Old 1 Feb 2012
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Should I say "for too long"?? :confused1:
No - not really, although it's now almost 21 years.
Lots of ups and downs.
But it could be worse, so I won't complain!!
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  #11  
Old 1 Feb 2012
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Lisa Thomas View Post
try the ferry from Vladivostok to Fushiki..
That ferry no-longer runs.
There is one from Vlad to Sakaiminato City via Korea (horribly expensive now at like $700 just for the bike ). And one from Sakhalin Island to Wakkanai City.
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Old 2 Feb 2012
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Klaus, you must have arrived when I was still there. Chris, how much is the latter ferry you mention? And which is the cheapest ferry from Vlad to Japan? How long does it take, please?
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  #13  
Old 5 Feb 2012
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Algarve Nick View Post
Klaus, you must have arrived when I was still there. Chris, how much is the latter ferry you mention? And which is the cheapest ferry from Vlad to Japan? How long does it take, please?
See http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...6-2#post365996
so I don't have to write it all again
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  #14  
Old 6 Feb 2019
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@Algarve Nick did you end up going on the Portugal to Japan trail/tour ? I was interested in doing that myself and even though its been quite some time since you first posted this, I could still use the information. Could you please share the route you took ?

Thanks
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  #15  
Old 14 Feb 2019
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Quote:
And one from Sakhalin Island to Wakkanai City.
Can i get confirmation that 1)this ferry is running and 2)it's more than a passenger ferry, meaning takes bikes aboard?
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