Bringing motorcycle to Japan long-term
 

Hi,

I'm trying to find information regarding bringing a motorcycle to Japan with me if I'm planning on staying from 1 to 2 years on a student visa.

Can a bike be temporarily imported for that long with a "normal carnet"? Or on a non-tourist visa? If I need to register the bike in Japan, can anyone point to info about doing that?

I have found information on the driver's license issue, but I can't find anything on bike paperwork issue.

Thanks,
Greg

Sorry Greg,
I missed your question last week.
Temp. import on a carnet is for a maximum of one year. I would have to look it up, but I think the maximum could even be as short as six months.
Don't even think of trying to register a foreign bike in Japan. At least not one manufactured in the last 20 years or so. The costs are outrageous! Maybe possible for a 'classic', but the paperwork is still a major chore. I gave up trying, even though I speak Japanese fluently.
The good news, is...
Believe it or not, you can buy a motorcycle in Japan.
And used bikes are plentiful.
Start by taking a look here for used bikes: [url=http://www.goobike.com]