This guide explains everything you need to know about taking your motorcycle or vehicle on the ferry from Vladivostok to Japan – or South Korea.
Contents
2026 Russia to Japan and South Korea Ferry Guide
By Andy Davidson
Mad or Nomad - RTW motorcycle travellers
Overview of the Russia – Japan ferry route for motorcycle travellers
Overlanders travelling with their own vehicles can now take the DuWon ferry between Russia, South Korea and Japan. You can exit the ferry at any of the three ports and can travel in either direction.
This guide has been completely updated for 2026 and confirmed with DuWon and recent travel reports submitted to Mad or Nomad. This guide will explain everything you need to know about the procedure with contact and paperwork info. Please feel free to ask any questions in the comments and contribute any new information.
Quick history
It can get a little confusing, so here’s the different ferry options explained. DuWon is a South Korean company which took over from DBS ferries.
DBS was the original ferry company, but ceased operations during Covid. DuWon took over the company, but would only take foreign vehicles between Russia to South Korea. Overlanders would then have to get a separate ferry with Camelia Line from South Korea to Japan. This company is still running and you can find out more in the South Korea to Japan ferry guide.
DBS ferry’s boat was the Eastern Dream, DuWon having bought the company still operates the same vessel.
Route and sailing times
The ferry service runs between Vladivostok, Russia to Donghae, South Korea and then to Sakaiminato, Japan. It then returns to South Korea and back up to Vladivostok. The route is operated by a single car ferry – the Eastern Dream.
The ferry only docks in South Korea for a few hours to drop off and pick up new passengers. If you’re heading to Japan you do not need to change boats, it’s just a quick stop off. Or you can exit at South Korea. It takes two days to get from Russia to Japan.
The DuWon ferry sails weekly and you can find passenger and vehicle info for sailing dates on their website: dwship.co.kr
Note that the ferry stops sailing from the end of February until the end of March for repairs.
Important note on route direction
When travelling from Vladivostok to Sakaiminato, the ferry stops in Donghae as a transit port. Passengers and vehicles remain on board, and no Korean customs or immigration procedures are required.
However, when traveling from Sakaiminato to Vladivostok, the vessel stays in Donghae overnight and departs the following day, and while the vehicle may remain on board, all passengers must disembark in Korea. Therefore, Korean immigration procedures apply, and passengers must prepare a visa or K-ETA in advance, as well as arrange accommodation for the overnight stay.
Contacts and booking
We recommend contacting Ms Chloe, based in South Korea to help book your tickets – regardless of where you are taking the ferry from / to.
- Email: sbson@dwship.co.kr
- Website: dwship.co.kr
Below, you will find further contact emails for more specific info.
DuWon ferry agents in Japan:
- otat@ecfjapan.com
- ecfjapan@ecfjapan.com
- iwj12@ecfjapan.com
- emika922@ecfjapan.com
DuWon ferry agents in Korea:
- sykim@dwship.co.kr Mr. Symond Kim
- sbson@dwship.co.kr Ms. Chloe
- hrkim@dwship.co.kr Ms. Hailey
Paperwork for Russia to Japan Ferry
You will find the paperwork requirements listed below for using the Russia to Japan ferry. We have separated it into two sections: Pre-check and Import.
It’s important to look through both sections as Japan is strict when it comes to the rules, and you don’t want to spend a lot of money getting there only to realise you’re not legally allowed to ride. This has happened to a few overlanders.
We have dedicated guides explaining the paperwork procedures for Japan, which we will link below. And if you are new to shipping and overlanding paperwork in general, we recommend having a read of our Paperwork Explained guide too.
READ MORE:
PRE-CHECK PAPERWORK
Advance approval from Japan’s METI (Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry)
All motorcycle travellers and overlanders arriving in Japan from Russia must contact Japan’s METI in advance by email to confirm that there are no issues with temporarily importing their motorcycle or vehicle into Japan. You must obtain a confirmation email before travelling.
This is because Japan has certain import/export sanctions in place due to the current situation involving Russia. So, METI confirmation is required to verify that the traveller’s vehicle is not subject to these restrictions and can be temporarily imported/exported without issue.
The inquiry needs to include detailed information such as the traveller’s overall travel itinerary (including Russia), passenger details, vehicle information, and a list of items carried inside the vehicle. But it is mainly a formal procedural requirement requested by Sakaiminato Customs and is generally a simple email inquiry process.
Both Temporary Import (TIP) and Carnet procedures are subject to this requirement.
Only after receiving a reply from METI confirming that there are no issues, and forwarding that email to the DuWon office, can your reservation process proceed.
This requirement is requested by Sakaiminato Customs in Japan.
Japan METI email contact: bzl-russia-seisai@meti.go.jp
Your nationality
It’s important to note that you might not be allowed to temporarily import your vehicle based on both your nationality and where the vehicle is registered. So prior confirmation is required. Check with DuWon first.
International Driving Permit for Japan
You must have an International Driver’s Permit to drive or ride in Japan (even if you are renting a car there). Japan requires the 1949 convention. Please verify in advance whether your domestic driver’s license and International Driving Permit (IDP) issued by your country are legally recognized for use on public roads in Japan.
There is an exception for people from France, Germany, Belgium, Switzerland, Monaco, Slovenia and Taiwan who may drive using the national driving permit with Japanese translation. This can be done at the local JAF office for 3,000 JPY, but it’s about an hour away and will cost an arm and a leg in a taxi (as you won’t be able to use your vehicle until it’s done).
You can find IDP requirements here: IDP countries.
IMPORT PAPERWORK
Carnet vs Temporary Import for Japan
As of May 2026, Japan in general requires a Carnet de Passage (CDP). A Temporary Import Permit is still possible in some special situations, but a CDP is by far the easiest and most straightforward route.
There’s a lot to cover on this subject, so we have a dedicated guide explaining the differences below. We recommend having a read of that first.
Note: whether or not you enter via CDP or TIP, you still need prior approval from METI. See first section above.
READ MORE:
Getting your carnet stamped in
If you are landing in Sakaiminato and using a carnet, then you will need to get to the JAF Matsue office. Here’s how.
Address: 1092-1, Higashitsuda-cho, Matsue-shi, Shimane 690-0011
Tel number: 0852-25-1123
Taxi: Round trip is about 16,000JPY for a four passenger car.
Bus: You will need the Sakaiminato – Matsue station. A round trip is 2,000 JPY (+ 45 minute walk or a taxi ride in Matsue).
- Sakaiminato JR Station 11:55 – Matsue JR Station 12:36
- Sakaiminato JR Station 13:25 – Matsue JR Station 14:05
- Matsue JR Station 13:05 – Sakaiminato JR Station 13:45
- Matsue JR Station 14:20 – Sakaiminato JR Station 15:01
Train: There is no direct train. All trains Sakaiminato-Matsue use a transfer in Yonago for about 2,000JPY (+ 45 minutes walk or taxi in Matsue). You can take taxi or walk from Matsue JR Station to JAF Matsue.
Important note: Be back in Sakaiminato before 17:00, as Customs work until 17:15. If you’re late, customs clearance will be held next week’s Monday and you will have to wait.
Insurance
Motorcycle and vehicle insurance is compulsorary in Japan. We recommend reading the insurance section of our detailed paperwork guide for Japan.
READ MORE: Paperwork Guide for Overlanders in Japan
Departure, Arrivals and Clearance
Vladivostok, Russia
To get your vehicle through customs you will need to employ the services of Yuri from Links Ltd. He is the man in the know and has been doing this a long time. Contact him in advance and explain your situation and he will send you an Excel sheet with up-to-date prices and everything you need to do. You will need to send him copies of whatever documents he requires from you.
- Name: Yuri Melnikov, Links Ltd
- Address: 89 Svetlanskaya str., office 312, 690001, Vladivostok, Russia
- Tel: +7 423 2220887 / Mob: +7 902 5243447
- Email: ymelnik@links-ltd.com
- Web: links-ltd.com
- Google Map: Links Ltd, Vladivostok
There is motorcycle parking right outside. Enter the building and go up to the second floor, there is no signage outside.
Donghae, South Korea
For entry into South Korea, the DuWon Donghae office will assist with customs clearance. Travellers are required to contact them regarding their reservation at least four weeks prior to departure.
In addition, all required documents, including the three documents listed below, must be submitted no later than 10 days before arrival.
- Letter of Promise
- Temporary Import application
- List of personal belongings (in vehicle)
The DuWon contact will help explain and organise these documents with you. Please email Chloe.
- Name: DuWon Shipping Co.,Ltd
- Address: Annex of Donghaeport Int’l Passenger Terminal, 210, Daedong-ro, Donghae-si, Gangwon-do, Korea
- Google Maps: DuWon, Donghae
- Booking email: booking@dwship.co.kr / sbson@dwship.co.kr
Sakaiminato, Japan
When departing from Sakaiminato, the vehicle must be delivered to the terminal one day prior to departure (Friday) in order to complete export declarations and related procedures.
After vehicle check-in, access to the vehicle will not be possible until loading on the following day, so travelers are required to arrange accommodation near the port in advance.
For inquiries regarding departures from and arrivals at Sakaiminato, please contact Mr. Ryu at the Japan branch office.
- Name: Eastern Cruise and Ferry Co.
- Address: 1/F, SAKAI YUMEMINATO TERMINAL 251-1, TAKENOUHIDANCHI, SAKAIMINATO, TOTTORI, 684-0046, JAPAN
- Google Map: Sakaiminato
- Tel: 81-859-21-9077, Fax : 81-859-21-9078
- Email: ecfjapan@ecfjapan.com / otat@ecfjapan.com
Ferry procedure
You will need to email both Yuri and DuWon in advance. They will both need at least 10 days’ notice to sort your paperwork. But as mentioned above, DuWon should be contacted four weeks in advance.
Customs needs to be done the morning before you board the ferry.
Yuri will tell you to visit his office in the morning with your vehicle. He will then lead you and your vehicle to the port where you will leave your vehicle and not be able to return to it until you are on the boat the next day. It will be locked behind a fence and you need to leave the keys to your vehicle with it. They will not, under any circumstances, let you get back to your vehicle later in the day.
A few people we were with got caught out by this as they didn’t realise, they were leaving their vehicle there and had all their luggage at their hotel. So, make sure you pack whatever you don’t want to physically carry onto the ferry onto your motorcycle or in your car before going to Yuri’s in the morning.
Once your bike has been locked away, one of Yuri’s staff will take you in a car to the customs office where you need to sign some papers. It’s very straightforward. You’ll then return to the port and pay Yuri. He or his staff will drop you back at your hotel.
The next day you will arrive at the ferry terminal. You need to visit the DuWon office in the terminal building. Whatever time Yuri tells you to get there, arrive hours earlier. There are long queues and they won’t care if you’re a tourist on a motorbike. Once you have your ticket you can go to the ground floor of the terminal building and go through customs and passport control before boarding the ferry.
What to expect on the ferry
- Comfortable beds in economy, second and first class with privacy curtains
- No sockets to charge your devices, you will need to pay the staff to charge (there are charging ports in the junior suite if you’ve opted for that room)
- There is a small shop which sells snacks and food, it accepts Yen. Expect things to be overpriced.
- There is a cold-water dispenser, free of charge
- There is a boiling water dispenser, free of charge – we’d recommend buying lots of noodles and rice packets before you board the ferry and living on those for the crossing.
- Also pack your own tea and coffee, cups, spoons and bowls.
- An expensive restaurant
- Lounge area
- You can get back to your vehicle but need to ask the staff nicely to unlock the doors and they will accompany you.
- There is also a safe behind the reception desk where you can store valuables.
Top tips and extra info
- Take your own food on board and use the free boiling water stations
- If you are sailing to Japan from Vladivostok, they will give you the option of leaving the ferry in South Korea to go for a walk while they resupply and arrange new passengers to come on. They will tell you that you have around 4 hours. As soon as you get off the boat and go to SK customs, you’ll realise that it’d take 2 hours to get through customs and then 2 hours to get back. There is no point. As soon as we saw the queue, we made a huge fuss and they eventually let us turn around and wait on the boat instead.
- The Japanese are very clean and the economy and second-class options are good, it’s not like crossing the Caspian.
Cash for port fees
Port fees may be required on arrival. We needed to pay 78GBP in Japanese Yen on arrival (11,320JPY). And also needed Yen ready for insurance on arrival. Finding Japanese Yen in Vladivostok was harder than expected. Bank Primorye will exchange for you and is a few minutes’ walk from the port. The coordinates are 43.10883, 131.87854
Russian transit visa
If you are applying for a Russian transit visa then Yuri can send you a temporary receipt of booking (without payment), as you will need to show proof at the Russian embassy that you will be leaving the country.
READ MORE: Russia Transit Visa Guide
Further shipping
This guide focuses on the ferry service between Russia – South Korea – Japan. However, once you are in any of those countries, you may wish to fly or ship your motorcycle or vehicle to another country in order to continue your trip. Or you may be looking to ship to one of the three to start your trip.
Whichever way around you’re doing it, we have a dedicated Motorcycle Shipping Companies Finder page where you can find agents around the world. We suggest getting in touch with them to help with the process. And below you will find direct links to the three countries.
READ MORE: Motorcycle Shipping Companies Finder
South Korea to Japan ferry
There is an additional ferry service operating between Japan and South Korea available to overlanders. Please see the below guide.
South Korea shipping
Overlanders can ship or fly their motorcycles (or vehicles) to or from South Korea. For help with customs clearance, import and export, contact Mr Youn and have a read of our South Korea Shipping Guide.
Japan shipping
Overlanders can ship or fly their motorcycles (or vehicles) to or from Japan. For help with customs clearance, import and export, contact Sanyo Logistics
Russia shipping
Overlanders can ship or fly their motorcycles (or vehicles) to or from Russia. For help with customs clearance, import and export, contact Yuri.
Read more on motorcycle travel in Japan
Thanks for checking out the Russia to Japan Ferry Guide. We hope you enjoyed it! Here’s a few more articles on motorcycling in Japan that we recommend you read next. In the Japan Travel Guides section – you’ll find all our paperwork guides, route info, blogs and the best things to do in Japan there.
Try these next…
Are you planning on taking the Russia to Japan ferry? Do you have any questions, suggestions or updates? Let us know in the comments below.
Thank you Andy for all Your time and help you gave me by Email
I’m Italian I will ride my motorcycle to Vladivostok and Japan in June 2020
Hey Fabry! Thanks for your comment and you are most welcome! I’ve got my fingers crossed for you with the shipping and hope it all goes well! Looking forward to reading about your adventures. And please feel free to email anytime with anymore questions!
All the best.
Hi guy’s,,, I’m not very tech savey,, your information is great,,, in 2017 I travelled by car to Mongolia and next time intend to leavd Eastern Russia and head to Japan, instead of heading back West.
Do you have any info on getting from Japan to Canada or USA? As I will wish to continue to travel East and eventually ship my car from East Canada, Halifax Nova Scotia , home to England
Many thanks, again information great, happy travels and stay shiny side up… god bless
Colin
Hi Colin,
Thanks very much, really glad this info has helped! And it sounds like you’ve already been on a few epic trips yourself!
Yes, you can ship from Japan to the US/Canada. We actually have an entire section on this website dedicated to recommending top vehicle shipping companies.
Check out this link International Motorcycle Shipping companies. On that page, click Japan and you’ll find Sanyo’s details. Just let Mr Iwashima know the guys at Mad or Nomad sent you and I’m sure he’ll look after you. They will be able to provide you with up-to-date and detailed info and pricing.
Also, just a few other things…
If you are entering Japan from Vladivostok, Russia then you’ll be going in via ferry. If you leave Japan via ferry again to either South Korea or back to Vlad (both countries you can ship your car from to the US/Canada and the shipping companies for each can also be found on the link above) then you can enter Japan with a temporary import. However, if you enter via ferry and leave via shipping then you will need a carnet.
We do have detailed guides on how to ship to/ from South Korea as well as carnet and paperwork information for travelling in Japan with your own vehicle. These can all be found on the Destinations section of this site.
Hope this info helps, if you need anything else please feel free to comment anytime!
Cheers,
Andy
Cheers Andy,,
As mentioned, I’m not great with technology,, I check your info out regarding Japan to Canada,, was hoping, for ferry to Japan and was wondering if RoRo is classed as a different option were I’m not going to be able to use a temporary import visa for the vehicle,,,,
It was a 1971 1200cc VW Beetle, called Betty we took to and back from Mongolia,,,, next time it’s Phyllis the series 3 Land Rover,,, but I’ll try and get her right round,,, East , East & East ,,, Sun in your face,, not on your back 😁😎,,,
Wouldn’t mind South India, Royal Enfield and ride Home! Just don’t fancy trying to get through Pakistan and anywhere near Afghanistan to get over to Caspian Sea,,, once I get to Baku ,,, nearly home,,, chill and relax 😁😁
Unless someone has a easy route out of North India over to the Caspian,,, which doesn’t involve camouflage and bullet proof vests,,, 🤣🤣🍦
All the best.
Hi Colin, no problem!
Yes, the RoRo from Vlad to Japan is classed as a ferry. So if you enter via this ferry you can have a temporary import – provided you leave via ferry to South Korea or Russia.
If you want to save on the Carnet hassle then get the ferry to South Korea, explore another country and ship from there. Shipping is easier and probably cheaper from South Korea and there’s no carnet needed for your trip, but of course you have to offset that with the insurance, entry fee and additional ferry.
Just in case you can’t find the articles:
All Japan Guides
All South Korea Guides
All Russia Guides
All Recommended Vehicle Shipping Companies
Wow, what a journey! Definitely keep in touch and let us know how you get on with it!!!
Yes, unfortunately you’re extremely limited on a return leg from India to the UK now. Plus, taking an Indian plated bike out is rather tricky. You could go via Pakistan and into Iran, but assuming you have a British passport you now need a mandatory guide for Iran, which is very expensive. And there’s no border or route through Pakistan to Afghanistan to any of the Central Asian countries, so you couldn’t go that way even if you wanted to. So your only option is to pay a lot of money and go with a mandatory guide through China. It’s very expensive and you’ll need to join a group who are travelling at the same time to bring the costs down.
So I reckon your best option is to just get to India, rent or buy a bike and enjoy exploring there! And if you really want to ride home then fly to another country from India, pick up a bike and head back from there instead.
Anyway, let me know how you get on with shipping planning and if you need anything else just shout!
Cheers,
Andy
Hello Every Body
Preparing my own Paris-Tokyo ride your information are very valuable.
Tatiana is no more working in DBS but in a French Cie in Japan not linked with tourism but alway very kind and available. She updated me with the new Olga e-mail address “Ema.vvo@gmail.com” .
I will post you on the new Korean Ferry link as soon as I got the information.
Best Regards
Philippe
Hi Philippe,
Great to hear you’re planning a Paris to Tokyo ride! That’s very exciting! Which route are you going?
Please feel free to join our Forum if you need any help with route planning or advice for along the way – we’re more than happy to help.
Thanks for adding the new email address and we’ll wait to hear from you regarding the new Korean Ferry link.
Also, don’t forget to email Yuri at Links, because he will be the first person to get any updates on the ferry service. You can find all his contact details here: Russia Recommended International Shipping Companies .
Thanks and all the best,
Andy
Hello
First thank you for all information we got here !
We plan to do the route Vladivostok to Japan by the ferry with our campervan.
Now the company is DuWon, but it’s hard to find real information about take the ferry with passenger and our campervan.
We tried with so emails but didn’t get any reply.
I don’t know if you have more info about how it work in 2023.
Cheers
Hi Max, thanks for your comment. That’s great to hear you’re planning on getting from Russia to Japan. I believe DuWon are only sailing between Russia and South Korea and then you will need another ferry to Japan (check the Japan guides page for this one).
Have you contacted Yuri from Links yet?
Cheers,
Andy
Hi Andy,
Thank you for your previous reply! With the information from your website, I finally decided to go ahead with a trip from Oxford to Japan.
I contacted Yuri, but I found that the current charges are quite high: port fees in Vladivostok are 59,000 rubles and customs clearance is 16,000 rubles. Together, that comes to almost £680. Our vehicle is just a normal car, and while I expected it to be more than the motorcycle price you mentioned (around £150), this difference is a bit surprising.
Do you know if it is possible to handle the port and customs fees myself? I wonder if that might save a bit of money.
I would really appreciate your opinion. Thanks again!
Best wishes,
Zhifeng
Hi Zhifeng,
That’s great you’re heading to Japan – but bad news about the current charges.
Unfortunately, prices are always subject to change and can switch anytime. Especially since Covid.
It does seem high, but Yuri is an expert and very trustworthy guy, he’s been helping overlanders for a very long time and knows his stuff, so I’d trust the price he’s given.
As for handling port and customs fees – unfortunately, I don’t know if that’s possible to do yourself. You would need to speak fluent Russian at the very least and I think it would be very difficult there.
I’m sorry I can’t be of more help on that front.
I hope you have an amazing trip, and please don’t forget to come back on here and report how the crossing goes. It would be great for fellow overlanders to hear your updates.
Cheers,
Andy