Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Planning, Trip > Route Planning
Best route to japan? Best route to japan?
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Route Planning Where to go, when, what are the interesting places to see
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

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


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



Reply
Page 1 of 2 1 2
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 28 Jan 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Lagos, Portugal
Posts: 120
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?
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 29 Jan 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: in our 15th year on the road-only half way- now in Panama
Posts: 269
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!

__________________
Lisa
www.2ridetheworld.com
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 29 Jan 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Moscow
Posts: 1,117
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.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 29 Jan 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Helsinki
Posts: 1,731
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.....
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 29 Jan 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Lagos, Portugal
Posts: 120
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!!
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 29 Jan 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Moscow
Posts: 1,117
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)
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 29 Jan 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Lagos, Portugal
Posts: 120
Thank for that advice. You've made it sound as easy as it doubtless is. Nick
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 30 Jan 2012
klaus's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Ehime-ken, Japan
Posts: 273
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
__________________
Klaus D. Orth
A German in Japan
1992 Honda TA
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 31 Jan 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Lagos, Portugal
Posts: 120
Thanks. That looks like the route. How long have you lived in Nippon?
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 1 Feb 2012
klaus's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Ehime-ken, Japan
Posts: 273
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!!
__________________
Klaus D. Orth
A German in Japan
1992 Honda TA
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 1 Feb 2012
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: Gunma, Japan
Posts: 1,104
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.
__________________
Japan touring information
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 2 Feb 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Lagos, Portugal
Posts: 120
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?
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 5 Feb 2012
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: Gunma, Japan
Posts: 1,104
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
__________________
Japan touring information
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 6 Feb 2019
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Feb 2019
Posts: 1
@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
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 14 Feb 2019
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: France
Posts: 92
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?
Reply With Quote
Reply
Page 1 of 2 1 2

« 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
West & central Africa - Route we took & film langebaan sunset sub-Saharan Africa 4 9 Aug 2013 20:26
London to Cape Town - 10 Minute Route Planning Film langebaan sunset Route Planning 2 2 Jan 2012 10:36
Shipping from Japan to Alaska romafras Trip Transport 1 23 Nov 2011 20:39
Dakar to Nairby - best route? Wheelie sub-Saharan Africa 0 17 Nov 2011 14:39
2012 New route to connect Panama and Venezuela xfiltrate Central America and Mexico 4 18 Dec 2009 22:49

 
 

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

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. 11-15
  • 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 07:24.

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