From Vladivostok, Russia to Fushiki, Japan
CAUTION: Vladivostok-Fushiki Ferry not running in 2010. Use alternative Vladivostok-Sakaiminato.
The ferry between Vladivostok and Fushiki (Toyama Prefecture) runs once a week. See the ferry company website for prices and schedules. You can buy tickets at Business Intour Service at the sea terminal, behind Vladivostok train station.
Be aware that sometimes clearing customs to get out of Russia takes a long time. So, try to arrive in Vladivostok early. Contact the Horizons Unlimited Vladivostok Community if you want to meet the local bikers.
Entry Procedures (Fushiki)
JAF must validate your carnet (see Entry) before you can go through customs. Be sure to contact JAF before coming to Japan.
The JAF office closest to Fushiki is in Toyama city (map in Japanese). The nearest train station is Kamihori (880 yen, about 2 hours each way from Fushiki). From Fushiki, take these trains: Fushiki to Takaoka, then Takaoka to Toyama, then Dentetsu-Toyama to Kamihori (Dentetsu Toyama station is 2 minutes walk from Toyama station. Show the map above to someone at Kamihori Station and they will give you directions. The office is about 1 km walk from Kamihori station, or take a taxi from the station.
Fushiki [map of Fushiki train station area and nearby area].
There are very few services near the port. The nearest cities with youth hostels are Toyama and Kanazawa. There is a free campground on the mountain near the port. You can change money at Hokuriku bank or use the ATM at the Post Office (see map).
From Vladivostok, Russia to Sakaiminato, Japan
A new ferry started running between Vladivostok and Sakaiminato (Tottori Prefecture) in 2009. DBS Ferry, a Korean company has a ferry that leaves on Wednesdays to Japan, via Korea. The office in Vladivostok is at Morskoy Vokzal Room No. 239, Nigne-portovaya Str. 1 Vladivostok, 660090. Tel: 7-4232-30-2704/2664 Fax: 7-4232-30-2664. I think this is the sea terminal behind Vladivostok train station.
Entry Procedures (Sakaiminato)
JAF may have to authenticate your carnet (see Entry) before you can go through customs. Go to customs first. If they say you need documents from JAF, you can authenticate your carnet at the Shimane office in Matsue City. See map here. It is best if you fax a copy of your carnet to JAF before arriving in Japan.
The cheapest places to stay in the area are probably the youth hostel or Toyoko Inn in Matsue.
From Sakhalin, Russia
Another ferry goes between Korsakav on Sakhalin Island and Wakkanai in north Japan. It is run by Heart Land Ferry company. You can buy tickets different locations in Korsakav. Midoriyu Rider House is a cheap place to stay in Wakkanai (Google map in Japanese).
Entry Procedures (Wakkanai)
Previous travelers have said customs in Wakkanai did not require JAF carnet validation. The nearest JAF office is in Sapporo. This is very far from Wakkanai. If you do have to go to Sapporo, the bus from Wakkanai station bus terminal is much cheaper than the train, but it takes 6 hours.
From Busan, Korea
Ferries from Busan go to Shimonoseki and Hakata (Fukuoka). Take the ferry to Hakata, because there is a JAF office there. There is no JAF office in Shimonoseki. Koreaferry (site in Korean) operates the ferry to Fukuoka.
Entry Procedures (Hakata/Fukuoka)
JAF must validate your carnet (see Entry) before you can go through customs. Be sure to contact JAF before coming to Japan.
The closest JAF office is in Fukuoka city (map in English). Take the subway to Muromi station. The office is a short walk from the subway station.