Military Hotrod Club - Going to Tokyo...

Hey fellas, so I just found out I might be picking up some orders to hit up the Land of the Rising Sun. Now im excited because this is somthing i've wanted since well before I joined 5 years ago. So far i've been stuck at my first assignment in Virginia. Now the question, is about my beloved Camaro.

It's an 02 SS and I will be getting it out of the shop this weekend after having close to $18,000 dollars worth of work done. (I just got back from the sandbox :cheers:) So of course im a little disappointed to think that i'll have done that, then have to garage it for 4+ years.

I know almost everyone says its expensive and 49 out of 50 people will say dont even think about taking your ls1 to Japan. But this car is like a part of me lol. Im assuming TMO (will contact them soon) would ship the car and take care of customs. However all the work needed to make it legal in that country would be out of pocket.

The car is my pride and joy, almost sentimental in value, and will be effing beastly after I get it back (and still street friendly lol.) Plus I think it would be unbelievably badass to have my car, being what it is, that deep in the home of rice.

Has anyone heard of someone doing this, attempting doing this, or attempted it yourself? The cost factor is the blurry part. If its within acceptable boundries then I would seriously consider it, if not then... :( If you have done this or know someone who has done it, what was the experience like?

Anyway, just looking for some advice. Thanks!

Japan drives on the "wrong" side of the road. I don't know if you can get your LHD car approved. 2nd, speed limits are rediculous slow in Japan. 3rd, Japanese police do not like americans so you want to blend as much as possible.

My sugestion, and I know it sucks, but buy a used GTR when you get there. Sell it when you leave.

Also if you do visit Tokyo, stay at the New Sano Hotel, (incredibly bad a$$). Stay out of Hicone, it sucks for US tourists. And do take the time to go to Kyoto and see the temples and geisha.

A LHD car can be approved. I was on a homestay in Japan summer of '98 and host-family had a LHD porshe imported from Germany. However, you may run into other problems. I've HEARD (don't know for a fact) that you can't bring newer cars into Japan as an individual. Rumor has it they have to be around 20+ (maybe even 30) years old before the government will let you bring it in. That being said, even if you do find a way to take it over there, I'd recommend propperly storing it over here. I'd have a hard time leaving my TA, but it's probably the best route. I've been there a few times and never had a problem with the police, but I've also walked and taken public transit everywhere over there.

That'll be an awesome station man. Twice as awesome if you can get your car there. I saw one F-body the entire time I was in Japan in '03-'04 and it was a purple LT1 Z28. Made my friggin week anyway! haha

I was there back in 91-93 stationed in Yokosuka naval base couple hrs. from tokyo by train.back then I was told I couldnt bring my vehicle anything newer from 90 and above.might wanna check on that.if I was you I would leave it at home and store it until you comeback.save yourself with all the headaches trying to get it overthere.oh btw.dont forget to visit Roppongi nightlife.kinda pricey though.have fun.

When I was in Kadena, there was a 69 Camaro owned by a national, thing was nice except for the rainbow paintjob. On base there was also a 67 Stingray for sale in the lemon lot. If I were there longer I would have picked it up. There were plenty of newer LHD cars there. But then again that is Okinawa and its land mass is 75% owned by US Military.