Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Planning, Trip > Route Planning
Japan to California Japan to California
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Route Planning Where to go, when, what are the interesting places to see
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

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


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 16 Jan 2007
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Fukuoka
Posts: 4
Japan to California
They haven't built a bridge on the pacific connecting the two lands so I have two land options:

1. Start in China and work through Mongolia and Russia into Eastern Europe and finally onto Barcelona, then fly to Los Angeles.

2. Fly To Australia, Fly to Chile, then work my way north until I reach home.

I'm currenty teaching English in Japan and have decided not to extend my contract. I'll be returning home in July and thought I'd make my return a memorable one. I hadn't realized biking was so popular and am glad I stumbled onto this BB.

I do not have a bike so I was wondering how difficult it would be to buy a bike once the journey began. I've just begun to brainstorm so I would appreciate any help that will start to narrow planning and get me prepared for the real deal. The Horizonsunlimited site can be a bit daunting at first so I figured I'd start out by communicating with those with experience first hand.

Thanks!
Scott
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 16 Jan 2007
klaus's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Ehime-ken, Japan
Posts: 273
Another "gaijin"....
Hi there Scott!

First of all welcome to the HUBB!!! So, you've had enough teaching over here and wanna go home. And the idea - GREAT!! I am sure you will find lots of useful information on Grant's site! If it was me (and who knows, probably some day it will be me!!) I'd buy a decent bike over here in Japan, take it to Korea or China and continue from there my tour via Russia to Europe. Used bukes are cheap (as you probably know) in Japan - just getting the extra equipment might be somewhat expensive. Lots of stuff that you might need can be ordered from Europe or the States and shipped over here - it will make you safe big $$$. I was/am playing with this idea since quite some time myself, but I still got a couple of years to go until I can really do it. There is a site somewhere here (can't find it right now) describing two Scottish (??) guys who did the trip on 2 used Honda Transalps a couple of years ago. As soon as I find the URL I will post it. Was great reading and packed with (hopefully) good information.

Well, many more will post their comments, so you definitely will have lots to read.

Take care, and CU around

Klaus (Ehime-ken, Shikoku)
__________________
Klaus D. Orth
A German in Japan
1992 Honda TA
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 17 Jan 2007
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Fukuoka
Posts: 4
Hey Klaus!

Thanks for the response. So I guess you're another English teacher? Do you think I can be prepared by July/August? I suppose if I have to I can stay another year just to prepare for this bike trip.

What makes the Asia/Russia/Europe route better than the Americas? Who's going to have better weather and in general be safer? I'll see if I can find the Scottish tales but if you can find it that'd be great. Also, what's the other equipment that I will need but can't get in Japan? Are we talking GPS or specific bike accessories?

Thanks for helping me get the ball rolling.

-Scott (another gaijin)
Last edited by DearScotty; 17 Jan 2007 at 00:49.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 17 Jan 2007
klaus's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Ehime-ken, Japan
Posts: 273
I found it!!!!
Scott,

this is the URL I was looking for. 2 guys on 2 Honda TAs (same like mine) on their trip from Tokyo to London. Great reading and (maybe??) some good info for you, too: http://www.tokyotolondon.com/

Take care and CU

Klaus
http://virtulanguage.com
__________________
Klaus D. Orth
A German in Japan
1992 Honda TA
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 18 Jan 2007
klaus's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Ehime-ken, Japan
Posts: 273
Another useful link....
...taken from the HUBB:

http://www.euras.co.jp/en/index.html

for getting your bike from Japan to Vladivostok - in case that's the way you want to go! Lots of ueseful information (as always).
__________________
Klaus D. Orth
A German in Japan
1992 Honda TA
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 18 Jan 2007
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Fukuoka
Posts: 4
Thanks Klaus!

I would like to leave this July for the South to North American run but I'm starting to think I will need more time to prepare. I've downloaded Charlie and Ewan's Long Way Round. I think I'll need more experience on a touring bike so I figured I could see all of Japan as a practice run.

If I do want to leave this summer, is it possible to pack light and shoot straight to Los Angeles? I originally intended just to ride home only stopping at a few places, but seems like everyone tends to go onto some side road to check out a hidden lake or cabin.

Well, I'm off to read the links you sent, thanks again!

Scott
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 19 Jan 2007
klaus's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Ehime-ken, Japan
Posts: 273
Pack light and go....
...depends all on what you want to do! Sleeping in hotels will save you the outdoor stuff like tent, sleeping bag, stove, light and so on. Moneywise it will be quite expensive! I have not done that kind of touring myself until now, the longest I went was from Shikoku to Mt Fuji (roughly 3.000 km round trip) and I took lots of stuff with me (maybe too much??) as you can see on the pics here (http://virtulanguage.com/MtFuji2004.html). Going South America - California you should think about this: where to get the bike, if it's in Japan, shipping cost to SA. Crossing from S to N America (Darien Gap), and so on. If I were you I'd make a list of all the things I need (check what others used and got, what's necessary and what not), check the route possibilities, calculate what you have to pay for transport/shipping and go from there. Just don't take it too light!!! You have to plan something like this well in advance and get ready for the unexpected, too. For more, get with me...and I'll see what I come up with!!
__________________
Klaus D. Orth
A German in Japan
1992 Honda TA
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 Carnet Process Douglas Hackney Trip Paperwork 3 10 Oct 2012 08:52
Japan international drivers license? 2cvfred Northern and Central Asia 16 10 Jun 2011 14:42
Buying a bike in Japan and driving to England CaptainTim Trip Paperwork 6 31 Jan 2007 14:44
Bringing a vehicle into Japan Grant-Users Trip Paperwork 5 18 Mar 2005 14:44
NZ to Japan DaveSmith Trip Transport 2 3 Mar 2005 17:10

 
 

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 02:26.

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