motorcycle tours of japan

Mount Fuji Tour

Okinawa motorcycle self-guided tour, 2024 tour calendar, kyushu tour, live a unique adventure in the land of the rising sun with moto tours japan motorcycles tours..

At Moto Tours Japan we believe that Japan is a unique and precious experience any person live in its personal way and with its personal organize special package tours.

TOUR PACKAGES

Included ☑ New Model Motorcycle   ☑ Hotels ☑ Route Map ☑ Mobile Tour Guide App

Included ☑ Guide on motorcycle ☑ Support Van ☑ New Model Motorcycle  ☑ Hotels ☑ Route Map

Customization ☑ Days ☑ Area ☑ Motorcycle Manufacturer ☑ Event ☑ Hotels ☑ Attendees Support 

CHECK VIDEOS YOU ARE INTERESTED IN

Symbol of Japan/Mount Fuji Tour

Touring around the mount Fuji and riding motorcycles on wonderful roads!  See more information about Mount Fuji tour⇗

Tohoku Tour-

The Tohoku area has its own unique and original beauty... 

See more information about Tohoku tour⇗

The Dragon Route

Beautiful winding roads and the beach we can ride in  the middle of Japan! See more information about Dragon route tour⇗

Let's ride on the beach!

“The Dragon Route” bike tour across the heart of Japan. See more information about Dragon route tour⇗

the Mount FUJI is beautiful...!

Touring around the mount fuji and riding motorcycles on wonderful roads! 

See more information about Mount FUJI tour⇗

Autumn Aso -Kyushu Area-

Beautiful autumn leaves and mountain view! One of popular places for Japanese riders.

See more information about Kumamoto tour⇗

Recommend Tours

＜Free self-tour at your own pace＞

30Days Run Through Japan Tour! 【Self】 Tokyo DEP from ￥1,196,000

Izu Hakone Fuji Tour 3D/2N 【Self】 Yokohama DEP from ￥137,000

Nagasaki Kumamoto  Tour 3D/2N 【Self】 Hukuoka DEP from ￥124,000

Dogo Katsurahama Tour 3D/2N 【Self】 Matsuyama DEP from ￥126,000

＜Tour with Motorcycle Attendant＞

Dragon Route Tour 7D/6N 【Guide】 【Support Van】

Kanto Tour 7D/6N 【Guide】 【Support Van】 

Kyushu Tour 7D/6N 【Guide】【Support Van】  

TOUR SCHEDULE 2024

• FEBRUARY｜20 FEB - 22 FEB Okinawa Tour > Coming Soon
• MARCH｜17 MAR - 23 MAR Mount Fuji Tour >
• MARCH｜17 MAR - 23 MAR Kyushu Tour ＞
• MARVH｜24 MAR - 30 MAR Kyoto Ise Kii Peninsula > Coming Soon
• MARCH｜24 MAR - 30 MAR Dragon Route Tour ＞
• APRIL｜14 APR - 20 APR Dragon Route Tour ＞
• MAY｜12 MAY - 18 MAY Dragon Route Tour ＞
• MAY｜19 MAY - 25 MAY Mount Fuji Tour >
• MAY｜26 MAY - 01 JUN Kyoto Ise Kii Peninsula > Coming Soon
• JUNE｜09 JUN - 15 JUN Mount Fuji Tour >
• JUNE｜16 JUN - 22 JUN Tohoku Tour ＞
• JUNE｜23 JUN - 29 JUN Dragon Route Tour ＞

See more guided tours⇗

Information of japan.

Moto Tours Japan, first official Ducati Travel Partner in Japan Live a unique adventure in the land of the rising sun on your beloved Ducati with Moto Tours Japan, first official Ducati Travel Partner in Japan.

Moto Tours Japan, the first official Japanese Ducati Travel Partner, will offer you the unique  experience of a Ducati Tour in the Land of the Rising Sun. We can organize tour with any model in Ducati official lineup. The peerless sensation of riding on the Ducati of your dreams to reach Tokyo’s futuristic street, ancient and luxurious Kyoto, Chirihama beach’s roads on the seaside and then Mount Fuji, the symbol of Japan. Come to Japan and live with us the touring experience of a lifetime.

#mototoursjapan

この投稿をInstagramで見る 🏍🏔🇯🇵 Adventure Time with @mtj_japantours 👍 #mototoursjapan #motogeo #arai #ducatimultistrada #bikersparadise MotoGeo (@motogeo)がシェアした投稿 - 2019年 9月月15日午後4時37分PDT

この投稿をInstagramで見る Moto Tour Japan 2019, Day 3 Matsuzaki Port #mototoursjapan #izu #nishiizu #matsuzaki #suzukivstrom Hideki Asano (@asano.hideki)がシェアした投稿 - 2019年11月月15日午後10時44分PST

この投稿をInstagramで見る Okinawa Road Trip 始動 #kjxxlife #mototoursjapan #rental819 Shih_ChianChuen (@kenjunxx)がシェアした投稿 - 2017年 9月月3日午後8時35分PDT

この投稿をInstagramで見る #freddiespencer #1 & Rocket #ronhaslam Elf project Machine 👌🏁 #hondamuseum #motorcycles #motogeo #mototoursjapan MotoGeo (@motogeo)がシェアした投稿 - 2019年 9月月27日午前11時21分PDT

MOTO TOURS JAPAN × HondaGO TOUR で出展いたします

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21 DAY TOUR (Japan – Endless Discovery)

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• Book the tour

Japan is one of the most beautiful countries in the world. Let us introduce you to some of the best spots, courses, and plans recommended by Big Bike Tours. Can you imagine? Riding through Japan on a rising dragon-shaped road, passing through several of the most fascinating places in all of Japan.

Being 70% mountains, having perfect roads, lots of nature, delicious food, and being super safe, Japan is truly a paradise for riders. On top of all this, it has a magnificent unique culture, not only in Asia but in the whole world. And exploring it with the freedom that a motorcycle gives you is the best way possible! And then we Big Bike Tours come in to provide you with priceless local knowledge and “omotenashi” for a dream-like adventure. Omotenashi is the philosophy of Japanese hospitality, it goes beyond service, captures how Japanese hosts pay attention to detail and anticipate their guests’ needs.

Come and experience it all with us! Send us a message to discuss this further and we will organize your motorcycle tour in Japan. A unique riding experience you will never forget! And no one offers all of this and the time to enjoy and savor each location more than Big Bike Tours!

Please be informed, that we offer the best cost-benefit ratio for motorcycle touring in Japan. You can entirely focus on your holiday, the adventure, the riding, and Japan’s endless discovery. Come ride with us – the real deal !

TOKYO – LAKE KAWAGUCHI – GERO HOT SPRINGS – KYOTO – HIMEJI – HIROSHIMA – KITA KYUSHU – BEPPU HOT SPRINGS – KUMAMOTO – FUKUOKA – MASUDA – TOTTORI – FUKUI – NANAO – HIRAYU – KUSATSU – NIKKO – TOKYO

(Distance: approximately 3.300 km / 2.050 miles)

Day 1. Sightseeing in Tokyo

Day 2. tokyo - lake kawaguchi (103 km), day 3. lake kawaguchi - gero hot springs (326 km), day 4. gero - kyoto (220 km).

Day 5. Rest Day in Kyoto

Day 6. Kyoto - Himeji (131 km)

Day 7. himeji - hiroshima (234 km).

Day 8. Rest Day in Hiroshima

Day 9. Hiroshima - Kita Kyushu (222 km)

Day 10. kita kyushu - beppu hot springs (111 km), day 11. beppu hot springs - kumamoto (140 km), day 12. kumamoto - fukuoka (120 km), day 13. fukuoka - masuda (250 km), day 14. masuda - tottori (280 km), day 15. tottori - fukui (300 km), day 16. fukui - nanao (160 km), day 17. nanao - hirayu (170 km), day 18. hirayu - kusatsu (200 km), day 19. kusatsu - nikko (170 km), day 20. nikko - tokyo (180 km).

Day 21. Tokyo, Departure

1. Motorcycles

Some examples of bikes according to their class:

P4 bikes: Yamaha MT09, Kawasaki W800, Honda NC750X, Yamaha XSR700, Suzuki VStrom650, Honda CB400SB.

P5 bikes: Honda CB1300SB, Yamaha Tracer 900 and GT, BMW F750GS, Honda CB1100, Yamaha Z900RS, Yamaha XSR900

P6 bikes: Honda Africa Twin 1100 (normal transmission and DCT), Ducati Multistrada 950S

P7 bikes: Ducati Multistrada 1260S, Multistrada 1260 Enduro, BMW R1250GS, BMW R1200GS

P8 bikes: Honda Goldwing, Harley Heritage Classic, Harley Road Glide, Harley Street Glide, Harley Electra Glide, Harley Road King

2. License and other requirements

What do I need to drive in Japan with Big Bike Tours？

Be at least 20 years of age.

Credit card (we recommend bringing more than one just in case).

Have a valid motorcycle driving license from Japan or one of the following countries, plus an international driving permit stamped on “A” for motorcycles or an Official Japanese Translation, depending on the country. For more details please continue reading:

If your driving license was issued in a country not listed above, you cannot drive in Japan. Also please check notes regarding foreign driving licenses at the end.

Notes regarding foreign driving licenses:

Please check the expiration date, and make sure it is still valid.

Does your motorcycle license have any restrictions like engine displacement, transmission type, etc.? If so, the same restrictions will apply in Japan.

You must have spent 3 months in the country where your motorcycle license was issued after obtaining the license. This is a requirement by Japanese law.

※If the International Driving Permit has

“1968” written on the front cover, is NOT valid in Japan. It also has to be stamped on “A” for motorcycles, and the 1-year validity has to be in force:

Important notes regarding the International Driving Permit (IDP):

It has to be issued in the same country as the driver’s license.

Check that the IDP is issued by the correct licensing authority.

The IDP has no validity on its own. It has to be accompanied at all times by a valid driving license.

Home Country Driving License + Official Japanese translation of the Driving license

If your license is issued in Belgium, France, Germany, Switzerland, Monaco, Estonia,　Slovenia, or Taiwan you will need to obtain an official Japanese translation of your home country driving license. This can be obtained at the Japanese Automobile Federation or official authorities like Embassies and consulates.

Special notes:

License holders from Belgium, France, and Monaco have two options :

Obtain a 1949 Geneva Convention-based IDP, as the “Group 1” countries mentioned above.

Obtain an official Japanese translation of their driving license, as the “Group 2” countries mentioned above.

Italy, Poland, and Russia signed both the :

1949 Geneva Convention on road traffic.

1968 Vienna Convention on road traffic.

Therefore authorities of these countries have the right to issue IDPs based on both conventions, but they usually issue IDPs based on the 1968 Vienna Convention. However, Japan only recognizes IDPs issued based on the 1949 Convention. If you can obtain an IDP based on the 1949 Geneva Convention (“1949 Convention” is written on the front cover), you can drive in Japan. But with an IDP based on the 1968 Vienna Convention, you cannot drive in Japan.

In the USA , only two organizations are allowed to sell real, legal IDPs: the American Automobile Association, and the American Automobile Touring Alliance, which offers IDPs through the National Automobile Club.

3. Recommended items for touring

3.1. riding clothes.

At Big Bike Tours we believe in safety and for us, a good tour is also a safe tour. Therefore we encourage the use of high-quality riding gear fully covering your body, possibly with protectors inside.  Also, to let you freely come to Japan without the weight of the riding gear, we provide the rental of a wide range of gears in many sizes.

The winning kit for the perfect rider:

Here you are the list of the items we suggest to bring with you for a wonderful and safe tour in Japan.

・Helmet (Mandatory by law)

・Winter Jacket (leather or Goretex best)

・Trousers (leather or Goretex best)

・Riding boots

・Winter gloves

3.2. Documents

People not holding a Japanese driving license must bring below 3 fundamental items to legally and safely ride in Japan. We will require a copy of your documents while organizing booking operations for your motorcycle tour.

For more detailed information regarding the documents you need, based on your nationality, to safely ride in Japan, check out the first section at the top of this page: “1. License and other requirements”

Domestic Driving License

The first, fundamental, item to safely ride in Japan is your domestic license. Also, it must be not expired and valid for riding the vehicle of your choice in Japan.

The second important item to ride in Japan for people not resident in this country is the Passport. Bring it with you as a personal document and also as proof of your legal stay in Japan.

The time limit for a tourist visa in Japan varies from country to country, so please check your maximum permitted length of stay with the Japanese Embassy in your country.

International Driving Permit or Official Japanese Translation

Based on your driving license issuing country, to drive in Japan you will need an International Driving Permit based on the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic or an Official Translation of your Driving License made by the Japanese Automobile Federation (JAF).

To check which one of these two documents you will need based on your country, check out the first section at the top of this page: “1. License and other requirements” Riders coming from countries under the International Driving Permit have to make sure to have the stamp on the A section for motorcycle riding. Also, they must make sure to receive a 1949 Geneva Convention-based International Driving Permit, since there is also another International Driving Permit based on the 1968 Vienna Convention on road traffic, which is not accepted in Japan.

4. Traffic Rules

4.1. left-hand traffic.

Roads in Japan use a left-hand traffic system. Since right-turning cars may be waiting in the right-hand lane of a two-lane road, keep driving in the left lane if you do not intend to turn right. Don’t forget to use your indicators when changing lanes so that the cars behind know your intentions.

4.2. Right-turning vehicles must wait

Drivers are asked to give way to oncoming vehicles in principle when the driver intends to turn right. Make right turns after oncoming cars have traveled past or turned left. Priority is given to left turns in Japan. There are no rules regarding giving way to right-turning cars.

3.3. Never fail to stop when a traffic light is red

Watch the traffic light in front carefully and do not start to move before the traffic light turns green. Traffic lights in Japan are located on the front side of intersections and you must stop your motorcycle rather far.

Bring your motorcycle to a complete stop at stop signs and in front of train crossings.

4.4. Obey arrow traffic lights.

When the traffic light is red, all cars must in principle stop. However, where there are arrow traffic lights provided below or at the side of the traffic lights, you may turn in the direction the arrow points when it is green. Right-turn arrow traffic lights are the most prevalent. When a right-turning arrow is shown, turn quickly while paying full attention to oncoming vehicles. Many intersections where this type of traffic light is provided have right-turn-only lanes.

4.5. Always pay attention to speed limits.

Speed limits are set at 30-50km/h in urban areas and 40-60km/h in the suburbs and on major roads. The speed limit is normally set at 70-100km/h on expressways.

4.6. Pay attention to the no-overtaking zones

4.7. never drink and drive.

It is now considered common sense not to drive a car under the influence of alcohol. It is the same in Japan, however, enforcement of the law and penalties for breaking it are stricter here. If alcohol is detected by a breath test, you will be penalized with imprisonment of up to three years or a fine of up to 500,000 yen. Even more severe penalties are imposed for driving while intoxicated. In Japan, drivers who refuse to take a breath test are also punished. Sober passengers who ride together with a drunken driver and those who encourage a driver to drink will also be punished. Never drink and drive.

4.8. Traffic Signals

You must stop before the stop line (or before the intersection when there is no stop line) at an intersection with a Stop sign, and yield to vehicles traveling on the crossing road.

WARNING SIGNS

Day 1. Tokyo, Arrival

Day 2. Tokyo – Lake Kawaguchi (103 km)

Day 3. Lake Kawaguchi – Gero Hot Springs (326 km)

Day 4. Gero – Kyoto (220 km)

Day 6. Kyoto – Himeji (131 km)

Day 7. Himeji – Hiroshima (234 km)

Day 9. Hiroshima – Kita Kyushu (222 km)

Day 10. Kita Kyushu – Beppu Hot Springs (111 km)

Day 11. Beppu Hot Springs – Kumamoto (140 km)

Day 12. Kumamoto – Fukuoka (120 km)

Day 13. Fukuoka – Masuda (250 km)

Day 14. Masuda – Tottori (280 km)

Day 15. Tottori – Fukui (300 km)

Day 16. Fukui – Nanao (160 km)

Day 17. Nanao – Hirayu (170 km)

Day 18. Hirayu – Kusatsu (200 km)

Day 19. Kusatsu – Nikko (170 km)

Day 20. Nikko – Tokyo (180 km)

2024 Tour Starts | 07. September – 27. September |

2025 Tour Starts | 24. March – 13. April | | 06. September – 26. September |

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Recommend this tour

According to archaeological findings, Tokyo has already been settled since the stone ages. Way back in time Tokio actually was called Edo and used to be a small fishing port. Around 1457 a fortification was built near the village - the Edo-jō. Today, the former castle complex is on the list of special historic sites in Japan. Still today the eastern and the western part are open to the public. Nowadays, there is no administrative city of Tokio as we know it. The once politically united city has been dissolved already in 1943. The urban area (621,98 km²), today, is located in the same area as the former city of Tokyo was, but consists of the 23 Tokyo districts. With more than 38 million people, the metropolitan area of Tokyo is the largest in the world. Tokio is the center of industry, commerce, education, and culture in Japan. You can find countless universities, colleges, research institutes, theatres and museums in the city. And also as a financial center, Tokio is not only the biggest in Japan, but also one of the five biggest in the world, next to London, New York and Hongkong. Well, one thing you can be sure of: A city of this size has also a large number of sights to see. Even if you are only planning a few days in before or after the tour, you will sure find something interesting to visit. Besides all the modern sights, such as the Tokyo Tower or the Tokyo Skytree, there are, of course, also many historical places such as the Emperor's Gardens, the Ueno-Park, or the Asakusa-Kannon-Temple. If the time is right, you may also be able to go and see a sumo wrestling. Or is it your biggest dream to walk across the biggest crosswalk in the world? You will find it in Tokyo's district Shibuya. However, should you be a fan of digital art, you will find what you are looking for either at the Maxell Aqua Park or in the teamLab Borderless. Our recommendation for you is, to search the internet for the countless sights in Tokio and then choose the places you want to visit either before or after our motorcycle tour.

Kyoto was the capital of Japan for almost 1000 years. It wasn't until 1868, during the Meiji Restoration, that the government seat was moved to Tokyo. What remains in Kyoto are thousands of Buddhist temples, hundreds of Shinto shrines, and a wealth of historical culture. The performances of Geishas are world-renowned, Kyoto is the epicenter of geisha culture.

Mount Fuji Skyline

N35° 20.182' E138° 44.080' This road up the Mt. Fuji from the south may be the less famous one, but with its curves it is definitely the more interesting one for us motorcyclists. Enjoy your ride up Japan's sacred mountain and the view from the observatory. Although there is no café up there, you can get good green tea from one of the vending machines that are so popular in Japan.

For the ride over the Nichien Mimiji Line you will need 410 Yen (3,50 €) toll/bike.

The Secrets of Japan CJA

Discover the land of the rising sun.

Japan - a mix of ancient traditions with modern technology, fantasy and creativity. We start by riding the elevated highways of Tokyo leaving the frenzy metropolis behind, heading to the peninsula of Izu and its breath-taking skyline roads, followed by a visit to Japan’s highest and most famous majestic peak: Mount Fuji. Up next is the Ise Bay, the ancient pilgrimage city of Koya and Kyoto, before we discover Himeji and its unique castle architecture. We continue riding North through the most beautiful roads like the “Mikata Five Lakes Rainbow Line” and the Chirihama Beach Driveway. Crossing the mountains of the Japanese Alps takes us to the spiritual world heritage city: Nikko. This motorcycle tour through Japan will broaden your horizon, give you an insight into thousands of years of history and ensure a riding experience like no other!

Japan only recognizes International Driving Permits (IDP) based on the 1949 Geneva Convention. To join us on our Secrets of Japan Tour please bring an International Driving Permit (IDP) according to this convention, stamped A. Several countries do not issue 49 international driving permits, but Japan admits an official Japanese translation from the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF) for some of them. To know if you can join us in Japan, please choose your licence issuing country at- IDP Check -as the translation is not possible for all countries (for example not for Brazil).

• At a glance
• 16 days vacation

Tour prices & motorcycles 2024

Tour prices & motorcycles 2025, tour prices & motorcycles 2026, prices start at € 9.500,-.

Motorcycle category 1

The daily riding kilometres are approximate distances and may vary. The first and last days mentioned in the itinerary are the arrival and departure days; there is no riding on these days. Arrival time should be arranged before 3 pm on the arrival day (Day 1). Bear in mind the time difference between your country of origin and your travel destination. Please book your flights accordingly. Route and overnight places may change due to unforeseen events.

Included services

• All overnights (comfortable middle-class hotels) during entire tour
• breakfast every day
• motorcycle rental with unlimited mileage
• third party liability insurance for motorcycles
• comprehensive vehicle insurance for motorcycles with deductible according to the booked motorcycle model
• tour information package in English or German including safety tips, details about the hotels, the route and the sights
• English and German speaking tour guide on motorcycle
• support van for luggage transportation (1 piece per person) and space for passengers (limited) on entire tour
• Edelweiss Riding Tips
• All road and toll fees

Services not included

• All services not mentioned as included and all items of a personal nature.

Optional Services

• optional deductible reduction on included motorcycle insurance (Cover All / Cover Plus)

Please note

• This group tour is not suitable for people with limited mobility.

Testimonials

Secrets of Japan

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Tour grading.

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The entire route is on tarmac roads in good condition, to some extend curvy but mostly easy to handle. A minimum of 5.000 miles of motorcycle riding experience is required.

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The majority of the route is on well-developed tarmac roads with some curvy parts. A minimum of 7.500 miles of motorcycle riding experience is required.

■■■□□

The route is very twisty, occasionally on narrow tarmac roads. A minimum of 10.000 miles of motorcycle riding experience is required.

■■■■□

The majority of the route is on very demanding, very narrow curvy roads, and sometimes on single lanes. A minimum of 15.000 miles of motorcycle riding experience is required.

■■■■■

The entire route is permanently on very demanding, extremely curvy, very narrow, partly on single lanes. A minimum of 20.000 miles of motorcycle riding experience is required.

RIDING TIME/DAY

Average driving time per day.

Some of our participants enjoy riding as many miles as possible, whereas others preferred to arrive early at the hotel to enjoy the amenities before dinner. The stated driving times include breaks and photo stops, but not the time spend for lunch (between noon and 2pm, usually 1 hour). A riding day usually starts around 9 am, if necessary a little earlier.

6,0 – 7,5 h

6,5 – 8,0 h

7,0 – 8,5 h

7,5 – 9,0 h

8,0 – 10,0 h

SIGHTSEEING

Average sightseeing per day.

The time we spend for sightseeing per day varies greatly from tour to tour, from:

sightseeing every couple of days

sightseeing on every day, sometimes even several times a day

Support vehicles

Luggage van

A van for luggage transportation will be available. Since it does not follow the tour group route, it will arrive at each day’s hotel approximately around 5 pm. There is limited space for tour participants to ride in the van on certain days, however, the van will not go the same route that the group does.

Back-up van

On these tours there is a support van for luggage transportation. As a matter of safety this van will follow the motorcycle group on most of the riding days. Therefore, participants luggage will not arrive at the hotel prior to the group. On some tours the support vehicle is an open pick-up. In these circumstances, participants will have to re-pack their luggage into waterproof luggage bags. On some days there is limited space for tour participants to ride in the van.

Expedition van

These tours will be accompanied by an escort vehicle for safety, service and first-aid only. The participants need to pack their belongings on the bike.

On these tours there is no van available. The participants need to pack their belongings on the bike.

Tour guide in van

On these tours the group rides on its own (there is no motorcycle mounted tour guide) while the tour guide brings up the rear, driving the support van and transporting the luggage. The tour guide will be at each stop to fulfill his/her travel accompaniment duties. No tour guide on the motorcycle accompanies the group.

Luggage transport

Edelweiss will transport the luggage of the participants from hotel to hotel.

No tour guide

This is a self-guided tour without a tour guide.

Tour Support Van

Should you need support while climbing an incline or simply need a break, then our support vehicle is always at your disposal. It will be there within a few minutes so that you can relax. There is only a limited number of seats available!

Tour design

One-way trip.

We will start from spot A, stay in different accommodations and end our tour at spot B.

We will start from spot A, stay in different accommodations and return to our initial spot A at the end of the tour.

We will stay in one base hotel during the whole tour and start our daily rides from there every day.

Hotel category

Casa Particulares

3 star hotel

3 to 4 star hotel

4 star hotel

4 to 5 star hotel

Travel blog

CJA 2401 - Secrets of Japan

Welcome to the Land of the Rising Sun!  After having for most of the group, a long flight down to Tokyo, it ...

CJA2302 The Secrets of Japan in autumn

At the paddock, Motegi Twin Ring

The Secrets of Japan CJA2301

Rainbow Bridge

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Phone: +43.5264.5690 From North America call: 011.43.5264.5690

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Skill Level: Intermediate

Touring Roads: 70%

Challenging Roads: 30%

History / Culture:

Riding Time: 5 to 7 hours

How our rating system works →

IMTBIKE ROUTE rating

It is essential to know the different skill levels needed to participate in the IMTBIKE TOURS that are offered to you. IMTBIKE makes sure that it offers different tours for all riding styles and levels. The IMTBIKE team always works diligently in designing our routes. This is a laborious process which entails reviewing all road choices before selecting the best option for an IMTBIKE tour.

The most experienced motorcyclists looks for roads that require technical skill; narrow twisty roads with little traffic and endless curves. But these same roads would be too difficult for a less experienced rider.

The local driving habits, the amount of traffic, the asphalt quality and the radius of the curves vary considerably from country to country and even in different regions of the same country. They will also vary depending on the season of the year. All of these factors have been studied by IMTBIKE and have been taken into consideration when rating our tours.

IMTBIKE thinks it is also important to know about the different types of roads you will be enjoying on your tour. To understand the road types easier, IMTBIKE has divided them into two categories, and we have calculated an approximate percentage of each on all of our tours.

• TOURING ROADS: These are wider roads comprised mainly of larger radius sweepers. They are still curvy roads but not tight mountainous twisty curves. Please remember that you will ride very few straight roads on IMTBIKE tours!
• CHALLENGING ROADS: These are roads that are tight twisty turns which require more technical skill. Many times they will be narrower roads without a shoulder and sometimes with steep inclines or descents. Normally they will be mountainous roads accompanied by spectacular sceneries.

If you have never ridden a motorcycle outside of your country, or if you have little experience riding on mountain roads with many curves, we recommend that you choose a tour rated moderate or intermediate. If you have any questions or doubts please do not hesitate to call or email us. We are always happy to answer your questions to make sure that you choose the best tour for your riding level.

This route offers wider sweeping turns that are easy to maneuver. This route may have some tighter turns in a few places but this will be the exception. Regardless, even on moderate tours you must be able to ride a large cylinder motorcycle in any condition. Never plan to learn how to ride a motorcycle on an IMTBIKE tour. We recommend having a minimum of 8.000 km (5.000 miles) of experience riding a large cylinder motorcycle to participate on a MODERATE rated IMTBIKE Tour and you should ride a motorcycle on a regular basis at home.

Intermediate

This route rating can have sections of very twisty curves on narrow roads with no center line to divide the road. There will also wider radius curves on these routes. Traffic conditions can be intense at times in some urban environments and the local driving habits may seem aggressive and unpredictable to you. It is imperative that you are an experienced motorcyclist. We recommend that you have a minimum of 12.000 km (7500 miles) of large cylinder motorcycle experience to participate on a INTERMEDIATE rated IMTBIKE Tour and you should ride a motorcycle on a regular basis at home.

This route rating has long sections of technical narrow twisty roads and sometimes single lane roads. These twisty roads will often be in mountains where steep inclines and descents will be commonplace. Some riding days can be long and challenging. Traffic conditions can be intense at times in some urban environments and the local driving habits may seem aggressive and unpredictable to you. It is imperative that you are a very experienced motorcyclist on a large cylinder motorcycle. We recommend that you have a minimum of 16.000 km (10.000 miles) of large cylinder motorcycle experience on an ADVANCE rated IMTBIKE Tour and of course you should ride a motorcycle on a regular basis at home.

IMTBIKE Average Daily Riding Hours

5 to 7 hours 6 to 8 hours 7 to 9 hours

How many hours a day you ride on a tour is important information in helping you decide on the right IMTBIKE tour for you. Some tour members want to ride as many hours as possible everyday, while others prefer to stop more frequently and dedicate more time to enjoying the scenery, visiting cultural sights and arrive at the hotel earlier to relax before dinner. The daily riding hours are calculated including the coffee breaks and photo stops but they do not include the time taken for lunch.

Normally we’ll start our riding day at 9:30am and we will take about a one hour lunch break sometime between 1pm and 2pm. So if the daily riding hours for a given tour are 5-7, then you will arrive at the hotel between 3:30pm- 5:30pm depending on the average speed of the group.

Land of the Rising Sun

Sep. 23 — oct. 08, 2024 7 spots left, oct. 12 — oct. 27, 2024 2 spots left, may. 11 — may. 26, 2025 14 spots left, sep. 22 — oct. 07, 2025 14 spots left, oct. 11 — oct. 26, 2025 14 spots left, from: € 10400.

Japan is one of the most desired destinations for many tourists, at IMTBIKE we have prepared a Motorcycle route that highlights little known roads, sophisticated Japanese food its refined culture and rich history. On this tour you will enjoy breathtaking views of Mount Fuji, lush forests of the Japanese Alps and relax in the famous natural hot springs that we find along our way. Live this autumn in a different way on this incredible motorcycle tour in Japan.

• Start / End Tokyo Total Distance 1,740 miles / 2,818 km
• Total Time 16 Days Riding Days 14 Days
• Rest Days 3 Kyoto, Hiroshima, Kusatsu Breakfast 15 Included Breakfasts
• Dinners 12 Dinners Daily Mileage 160-220 miles / 250-350 km
• Hotel Overnights 15 Nights Riding Season Autumn
• Highlights:  Tokyo, Mount Fuji, Japanese alps, Tsumago, Shikoku, Kyoto, Hiroshima, Eiheiji, Matsumoto, Kusatsu, Nikko. Accommodations:  Quality hotels and Japanese Ryokans. Ryokans are a type of traditional Japanese Inn that has existed since the 8th century. The oldest hotel in the world is a Japanese Ryokan founded in 718 A.D.

Majestic Japan Motorcycle Tour Gallery

Daily Itinerary

Day 1: arrival in tokyo, day 2: hakone - kawaguchi lake, day 3: lake kawaguchi - kiso valley - gero hot springs., day 4: gero hot springs - kyoto, day 5: kyoto - rest day, day 6: kyoto – takamatsu, day 7: takamatsu - hiroshima, day 8: hiroshima - rest day, day 9: hiroshima - tottori, day 10: tottori - fukui, day 11: fukui - takayama, day 12: takayama - kusatsu, day 13: kusatsu - rest day, day 14: kusatsu - nikko, day 15: nikko - tokyo, day 16: flight back home.

Arrive to Japan and transfer to hotel. You will have some free time to relax or explore the Odaiba bay area before the welcome briefing. After the briefing we will have a welcome dinner at a traditional Japanese izakaya restaurant.

Our first riding day will get us outside of the bustling Tokyo, through Yokohama and its impressive suspension bridges. Then we will continue riding through the picturesque west of Kanagawa prefecture to reach the famous Mazda Turnpike Road. At the top we will be greeted with a beautiful view of Mount Fuji. We will continue to ride towards it through two skylines. After reaching the fifth station of Mount Fuji we will visit the second world heritage site of the day; the old town of Oshino Hakkai. Then we will continue to the hotel at Kawaguchi Lake, riding around Mount Fuji.

We will head west, having the Japanese Southern Alps on the left to reach the Suntory Hakushu Whisky Distillery, enclosed in a forest in the mountains, for a tour of how they make this acclaimed spirit. Then we will continue towards Suwa Lake to enter the Kiso Valley and ride its winding roads to Tsumago Village, and old town that has been restored to its appearance as Edo-era post town. It was the 42 of the 69 post towns that connected Edo (present Tokyo) with Kyoto. After we will go to Gero city, famous for its hot springs.

We will ride through Gifu Mountain roads to reach Ibuki Driveway, a fun toll road that that goes all the way up to Ibuki Mountain for a wonderful view of the area from the top. Then we will continue to pass by Hikone city and its castle, one of only 12 Japanese castles with the original keep, and one of only five castles listed as a national treasure. And continue to ride along Biwa Lake, the largest freshwater lake in Japan to reach the old capital of Kyoto.

Today is a rest day in Kyoto, most well known in Japanese history for being the former imperial capital of Japan for more than one thousand years. Due to its exceptional historic value, the city was dropped from the list of target cities for the atomic bomb and escaped destruction during World War II. Countless temples, shrines and other historically priceless structures survive in the city today. We suggest taking a walk in the bamboo grooves in the morning followed by visits to some of the most beautiful temples the city has to offer, like Kinkakuji (the golden temple) or Kiyo Mizudera.

Today we will ride through Osaka and Kobe to reach the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge. It was opened in 1998 and with a length of almost four kilometers, it is the world's longest suspension bridge. Through it we will reach Awaji Island first and then head into Shikoku Island. Shikoku (literally meaning "four countries") is Japan's fourth largest island. True to its name, Shikoku is divided into four prefectures. In the city of Takamatsu we will visit the Ritsurin Gardens, one of the most famous historical gardens in Japan, build by the local feudal lords during the early Edo period.

Today we will ride through Shikoku island and some of its mountain roads, and then cross back to Honshu the main island. We will do so through the impressive Shimanami Kaido, a 60km long toll road that connects six small islands in the Seto Inland Sea. Beautiful scenery can be enjoyed all along the way. Once back in Honshu we will head to Hiroshima city, where we will stay for the night.

Today is a rest day in Hiroshima. When the first atomic bomb was dropped over Hiroshima on August 6, 1945, the city became known worldwide for this unenviable distinction. The destructive power of the bomb was tremendous and obliterated nearly everything within a two kilometer radius. Only the atomic bomb dome building was left standing. A visit to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum and to the near Miyajima Island are highly recommended. Miyajima is most famous for its giant torii gate, which at high tide seems to float on the water. The sight is ranked as one of Japan's three best views. While officially named Itsukushima, the island is more commonly referred to as Miyajima, Japanese for "shrine island". This is because the island is so closely related to its key shrine, Itsukushima Shrine, in the public's mind. Like the torii gate, the shrine's main buildings are built over water. Miyajima is a romantic place and there are also wild deer on the island roaming around. Watch out, they like to eat maps and any paper you have on your hands!

Today we will cross Honshu Island to reach the Sea of Japan, going through mountain roads on three different prefectures; Hiroshima, Okayama and Tottori.

Today we will ride to Amanohashidate, one of the known as best three scenic views of Japan. We will continue to ride through Obama city and then ride the Mikata Five lakes Rainbow Road. A beautiful winding road that has the sea of Japan on one side and the Mikata five lakes on the other. The panorama from the top is astonishing. We will then continue riding to Fukui prefecture.

Today we will visit Eiheji, a large temple complex and active monastery standing on a cedar covered slope in the mountains just outside Fukui City. The temple was founded in 1244 by Dogen, the Buddhist scholar who introduced Soto Zen from China to Japan in 1228. We will then continue to visit the World Heritage Site of Shirakawago in the remote mountains that span between Gifu and Toyama. They are famous for their Gassho-Zukuri farmhouses, some of which are more than 250 years old. Then we will reach Takayama where we will spend the night.

Today we will visit Matsumoto Castle. It is one of the most complete and beautiful among Japan's original castles. It is unique for having both a secondary donjon and a turret adjoined to its main keep. The castle structures, in combination with their characteristic black wainscoting, give off an air of grandeur and poise. We will then continue to ride to the Japanese Northern Alps, including the highest public road in the country. On the way there we will visit the largest wasabi farm in Japan to learn more about this iconic element of Japanese cuisine. An idyllic scene of old-fashioned, wooden water wheels alongside the river of the farm can also be enjoyed from the walking trails. The water wheels were constructed here for the filming of Kurosawa Akira's "Dreams" in 1989 and have been left standing. We will spend the night at the Hot Spring town of Kusatsu.

Today is a rest day in Kusatsu. It is one of Japan's most famous hot spring resorts and is blessed with large volumes of high quality hot spring water said to cure every illness except lovesickness! Well known as a hot spring resort for many centuries, Kusatsu's fame was further boasted by German doctor Erwin Von Baelz, who served at the imperial court in the late 1800s and recommended Kusatsu for its water's health benefits. Kusatsu is situated at an altitude of 1200 meters above sea level in the mountains of Gunma Prefecture and is a great place to walk and relax in their hot springs. It also offers great day trips for riding in the near mountains for those who want to keep exploring on two wheels.

Today we will ride the Japanese romantic road, and through two lakes in volcano craters. One is Mount Haruna, and the other Mount Akagi, which has a temple inside an island, inside a lake, inside the crater. Then we will continue riding winding roads all the way to Nikko.

One the last day before heading back to Tokyo we will ride through the 400 year old Suginami Cedar Avenue. It is the longest tree lined avenue in the world with cedar trees that stand 30 meters tall and enclose over 35 kilometers of road. Originally about 200,000 trees were planted in a project which began around 1625, and extended over approximately 20 years. We will also go to the Twing Ring Motegi Circuit and enjoy the extensive Honda Collection Hall Museum were hundreds of motorcycles are displayed and kept in running condition.

Today you will say your goodbyes to the guides and the other tour members (now your new friends) as you make your way to the airport to fly home. We’ll see you again on our next motorcycle adventure together!

Majestic Japan Motorcycle Tour Pricing

The base price of every tour is calculated for a single rider on a Honda NC750X or Suzuki VStrom and sharing a double room.

Add passenger

+ € 7300

Single Room Supplement

+ € 2100

+ € 350

+ € 600

BMW R1200RS

BMW R1250GS

+ € 895

BMW R1250RT

+ € 1215

€ 10400

Included in tour:.

• Overnight accommodations in high quality hotels
• A gourmet dinner every night (except on rest days).
• Complete buffet breakfast every morning.
• New model BMW motorcycle fully equipped with 3 BMW cases.
• Tour handbook (normally about 70 pages-very comprehensive) and highlighted map.
• Expert multilingual guide on a motorcycle.
• Multilingual guide in support vehicle which will carry your luggage, any oversized purchases you make; or even a passenger or two.
• Tour Souvenirs.

Not included in Tour:

• Air ticket, lunches, gasoline, drinks, tolls, personal spending and tips

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All packages include: motorcycle rental, insurance, gear, english gps navigation, and standard class accommodations with dinner and breakfast.

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Kyushu On Two Wheels: Discovering Japan’s Best Motorcycle Routes

A s a land where the giants of motorcycle manufacturing—Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki, and Suzuki—reign, Japan’s rich motorcycling heritage is no secret. Yet, in the world of motorcycle tourism, a burgeoning global phenomenon, Japan harbors an untapped paradise. This hidden treasure? Kyushu Island.

Kyushu emerges as the quintessential motorcycle touring haven in Japan. It offers a year-long rider-friendly climate, roads that promise exhilaration at every turn, and a landscape that shifts from sprawling open roads to serpentine mountain passes and breathtaking coastal views. With attractions like the Honda Motorcycle factory in Kumamoto, elite race tracks, and private museums dedicated to the two-wheeled marvels, Kyushu is not just a journey; it’s a rider’s dream come to life.

But there’s more to it than just the thrill of the ride. Motorcycle tourism stands as a gateway to deeper, more intimate explorations of Kyushu’s countryside, potentially revving up the local inbound tourism sector. Our mission? To validate the hypothesis that investing in and promoting Kyushu’s motorcycle tourism is not just viable, but essential. Together, let’s throttle up and explore this less-followed path. Prefer to watch a video? – here’s our video report .

A Quick Introduction: I’m Nick Szasz, the CEO/Publisher of fukuoka-now.com. Joining me on this exploratory ride are my life and business partner, Emiko, and our close friend Asaf, a seasoned rider with decades of experience and thousands of kilometers in Kyushu under his belt.

Our Expedition: We embarked on a meticulously planned 2-night, 3-day motorcycle tour across the northern expanses of Kyushu. Setting out in early November, we found Kyushu draped in the crisp embrace of autumn, the prelude to a vibrant display of fall foliage. Scroll down to see our exact route.

Choosing the Steed: To fully immerse in the experience of an international rider, I parked my beloved Moto Guzzi V7 II at home and headed to Ricoland Fukuoka. More than Kyushu’s largest motorcycle gear hub, it’s a haven for motorcyclists. Here, international riders can seamlessly transition from their flight into Fukuoka to the freedom of the road, luggage and all. Fukuoka Airport is literally within sight, a manageable walk, and a cheap cab ride away.

If you complete all necessary rental processes beforehand, you qualify for perks like a complimentary airport shuttle and an ultra-convenient early morning self-checkout, starting as early as 5 am. Whether renting on the spot or reserving a bike online, the choice is vast: over 100 bikes ranging from nimble mopeds to large displacement models, both domestic and international.

For our test tour, we aimed for a mix of comfort and practicality, choosing the versatile Honda X-ADV750. To complement our journey, we kitted out with optional hard bags – side and top boxes, ensuring ample space for our gear. I’d never ridden such an automated bike before. It took some getting used to, but it was ideal for two-up touring. Emiko reports “comfy seating and good visibility,” so a win for sure!

We dropped by the day before, completed the necessary paperwork, got acquainted with our ride, and received a special QR code for an effortless departure the next morning. It was a relief to have everything squared away beforehand, setting the stage for an adventure where the only focus was the open road ahead.

Kickstarting Our Kyushu Odyssey at Ricoland Our journey began at the well-positioned Ricoland Fukuoka Airport Store . Conveniently situated near Fukuoka’s Urban Expressway, it allowed us to quickly escape the dense urban concrete.

Taking advantage of Ricoland’s Early Morning Rental Service, we effortlessly self-checked out using a private QR code, even before the store’s doors officially opened. My bike, meticulously prepared, was ready and waiting for me. Ricoland, with its spacious and modern amenities, provided everything we needed for a smooth start to our trip. This included separate male and female changing rooms, lockers, and restrooms, as well as showers for a quick freshen-up. These thoughtful touches make a significant difference, especially for riders arriving from overseas.

With every detail taken care of, our engines humming in anticipation, the vast and inviting roads of Kyushu beckoned. It was time to rev up and immerse ourselves in the motorcycling nirvana that is Kyushu. Let the adventure begin!

Embarking on Kyushu’s Winding Roads Our early start paid off big time, allowing us to dodge the traffic and hit the urban expressway toward Dazaifu. Before long, we were carving through lush mountain roads and farm fields en route to Akizuki.

The ride to Akizuki was an hour of pure joy, taking us through stunning country views. We cruised through a quaint old castle town, often referred to as ‘Little Kyoto’, before arriving at the historic Akizuki castle ruins. This place offers something different in every season – cherry blossoms in spring, lush greenery in summer, and a riot of autumn colors. Note to self: aim for the ‘sakura’ season next time!

Our next destination was Hikosan, a mountain both sacred and revered. En route, we discovered the Koishiwara Dam Freai Park, a new addition near Koishiwara Dam Lake that opened in April 2022. Located right off National Route 500, it features a well-designed riding skill course – perfect for practicing S-curves and cranks.

Sitting about 1,200 meters high, Hikosan straddles the Oita and Fukuoka Prefectures. The roads in and around are mostly tight twisties – quite a workout indeed. You can take a cable car up to Hikosan Shrine from the parking lot for even grander views.

Then, it was off to Yabakei in Oita, another top-notch touring destination. Riding through small canyons with steep cliffs was nothing short of epic. We were so immersed in the experience, we regret not taking photos. Whoops!

Even in the heart of these scenic mountains, there are fine places to eat. It’s tempting to ride non-stop, but trust me, stopping at spots like these for a bite is an adventure and discovery in itself. Who would have thought you could find such a high-quality meal in the deep countryside?”

Restaurant Sardinas – Location: 1476 Oshima, Yabakei-machi, Nakatsu City, Oita – https://www.restaurant-sardinas.com/ – Heads up: Better to reserve in advance

Riding through Kyushu’s twisty roads was more than just clocking miles; it was a full-on journey into the heart of Japan, where every corner revealed something new. And this was only the first day!

After a relaxed lunch, we were back on the road, this time touring the Kunisaki Peninsula and heading towards our overnight stay. The area, dotted with mountain temples and trails, is an ideal spot for both motorcycle and bicycle touring. Don’t miss the local produce stands along the way. We picked up some Ajimu wine at a farmer’s market in Ajimu, perfect for unwinding at dinner.

Our accommodation for the night was unique— a private house run by an organic farmer who had relocated from Kanto. Interestingly, the father used to work in the motorcycle industry, making for some great bike-related conversations. Plus, having a mechanic nearby was reassuring. Then there’s Fusako-san, an English-speaker with experience working for a major brand in Germany. After a tour of their fields, we were treated to a fantastic dinner and breakfast, all made with organic veggies grown on-site.

DAY 2: A Ride from Kunisaki to Aso The next day began with a refreshing morning walk in Kitsuki, a charming former castle town. Following Akizuki the previous day, Kitsuki was our second castle town experience. Here, a full-size replica of the original castle stands, offering stunning views of the sea and coastline.

Our journey then took us towards Beppu, renowned for its abundant hot springs. We visited Myoban Onsen, one of Beppu’s eight major onsen areas, famous for its traditional ‘yunohana’ hot spring minerals and delicious hot spring steamed puddings. It’s a popular spot, so arriving early is advisable.

Our next stop was the eagerly anticipated ‘Iwashita Collection,’ a veritable treasure trove featuring an extensive array of prized motorcycles, classic cars from around the world, and Showa-era retro gems. They boast over 600 motorcycles from every corner of the globe, with about 200 on display. Mr. Iwashita, the curator, plans to add around 100 more bikes to complete his collection.

A highlight is the unique Ducati Apollo L-type 4 cylinder (1260cc) – the only one in the world, valued at a staggering ¥200 million. The collection also includes a range of historic Honda models, some of which are among Soichiro Honda’s first commercial models. Allow for at least an hour to scratch the surface.

Iwashita Collection – Location: 645-6 Kawakita, Yufuin-cho, Yufu City, Oita – https://iwashitacollection.jp

After immersing ourselves in the rich motor history of the region, our appetites were whetted for a hearty meal. The Aso area, known for its cattle grazing, is synonymous with ‘Akaushi’ beef.

We stopped at a family-owned ranch restaurant renowned for its Akaushi steaks. To our delight, they even added some extra cuts of ‘yakiniku’ specially for us bikers. The meal was a hit, enhanced by appetizers made from local vegetables and the restaurant’s warm hospitality.

With full stomachs, we then headed towards our next highlight – the crater of Mt. Nakadake in Aso.

A quick tip: Always check the official site in advance to confirm access to the crater, as it sometimes closes due to excessive gas emissions. Standing at the edge of an active volcano crater offers an exhilarating experience, a true connection to the planet’s raw energy.

Waking up inside a caldera is an extraordinary experience, one that defies capture by any camera.

The best part of rising early? The luxury of traversing empty roads and soaking in unbeatable views. We savored every moment.

We had already journeyed along some of Kyushu’s most iconic routes – the Yamanami Highway and Milk Road, and now we were gliding along the celebrated Green Road.

Kenny Road Part of this road is named in honor of the legendary 500cc motorcycle racer, Kenny Roberts. Along this route, there’s a rest stop with a covered shelter offering breathtaking views of the caldera. The sweeping roads, the wide-open vistas, and the feeling of riding in the footsteps of Kenny Roberts – it was pure awesomeness all around!

Our journey then led us through Kumamoto City and onto the Shimabara Peninsula in Nagasaki. This scenic route, with Mt. Unzen, an active volcano, as its centerpiece, offered a visual feast, especially when viewed from the ferry – a 60-minute ride, or just 30 minutes on the high-speed boat.

In the heart of the peninsula lies Unzen Onsen, a historic retreat for Europeans during the late Edo period and Japan’s first national park. The roads from Shimabara Port to Unzen are a biker’s dream, curving and dipping through breathtaking scenery.

A must-do is walking through the steaming, sulfur-scented ‘Unzen Hells’ – an otherworldly experience.

From Unzen, we crossed Isahaya Bay and followed Nagasaki Prefectural Road 207 along the Ariake Sea.

Our route then took us along the picturesque Tara-dake Orange Seaside Road, winding through mountains towards the Yutoku Inari Shrine, which draws millions of visitors each year.

Our final objective? To catch the sunset in Itoshima, Fukuoka Prefecture, before returning my bike to Ricoland in Fukuoka City. We adhered to our plan, resisting tempting detours, and arrived at the Itoshima Peninsula.

The view at Futamigaura, with its iconic Meoto Iwa (husband and wife rocks) and the pristine torii gate of Sakurai Shrine, was a fitting culmination of our journey – the sunset there was nothing short of magical.

From Itoshima, it was a 45-minute ride back to Fukuoka City, cruising along the urban expressway towards the Fukuoka Airport International Line’s nearest interchange, ‘Enokida’. The final stretch of our journey was a blend of satisfaction and anticipation – reminiscing about the roads traveled, yet eager to conclude our adventure.

As we pulled into Ricoland to return my motorcycle, a sense of accomplishment enveloped us. With tanks full and engines cooled, we had completed our 690 km, 2-night, 3-day expedition. It was a journey that showcased a slice of northern Kyushu, from the serene beauty of calderas and rustic countryside roads to the thrilling heights of active volcanoes and the mystical allure of ancient shrines.

Kyushu, with its stunning landscapes and rich cultural tapestry, had proven itself not just a destination, but a biker’s haven, offering experiences as diverse as the roads that wind through it. As we handed back our keys at Ricoland, we were already planning our next adventure, knowing that the roads of Kyushu would always call us back for more.

Itinerary (as of Nov. 2023)

DAY 1 From Fukuoka to Kunisaki in Oita Prefecture 07:30 Gathering: Ricoland Fukuoka Airport Store 08:00 Departure: 35km 09:00 Akizuki Castle Ruins 09:30 Departure: 40km 11:00 Mt. Hiko 11:45 Departure (Via: Yabakei) 12:45 Lunch (Yabakei) Restaurant Sardinas 13:45 Touring Kunisaki Peninsula 17:00 Check-in: Farm Stay “Organic Farm Stay”

DAY 2 From Kunisaki in Oita Prefecture to Aso 08:30 Check-out & Departure 09:00 Kitsuki Castle 09:30 Departure: 26km 10:15 Myoban Onsen 10:45 Departure: 26km 11:45 Iwashita Collection 12:45 Departure 13:00 Lunch (Ubuyama Village) Farmer’s Restaurant Yama no Sato 14:00 Departure 15:30 Mt. Aso Nakadake Crater Area (Motorcycle Entry ¥200) 16:00 Departure 17:15 Check-in (Aso Area)

DAY 3 From Aso to Unzen and Itoshima 07:30 Check-out & Departure (Via: Kenny Road) 09:00 Kumamoto Port (Complete boarding procedures 20 minutes before departure) 09:25 Kumamoto Ferry (Motorcycle over 750cc + Driver ¥3,850, Adult ¥1,500) About 30 minutes Or 9:55 Kyusho Ferry (Motorcycle over 750cc + Driver ¥2,340, Adult ¥890) About 60 minutes 10:55 Shimabara Port 11:00 Departure (to Unzen): 19km, 30 minutes Unzen Hell 11:35 Lunch ( Green Terrace Unzen ) 12:15 Departure (to Yutoku Inari): 1 hour 40 minutes + Break 20 minutes 14:15 Yutoku Inari Shrine 14:45 Departure: 2 hours 15 minutes + Break 30 minutes 17:30 Futamigaura 18:00 Departure: 45 minutes + Gas Refill 15 minutes 19:00 Ricoland Airport Store – rental bike return

Ricoland Fukuoka Airport Store

– Operating Hours: Weekdays 11:00-20:00, Weekends and Holidays 10:00-20:00 – Contact: Tel. 092-412-5819 – Address: 2-14-24 Hanmichibashi, Hakata-ku, Fukuoka – https://www.ricoland.co.jp/shopinfo/fukuokaairport/ * Rental Service: Rental 819 * Additional Information: Support in English and Korean, duty-free shopping, and free parking for bikes and cars during the rental period. * Open in Mar. 2023

Rental Bike – Costing The rental bike, a black X-ADV750 with full pannier options, was perfect for our needs. The costs broke down as follows:

– Basic Fee: ¥21,120 (24 hours) + ¥14,080 for 2 additional days – Vehicle Insurance: ¥3,520 (24 hours) + ¥1,870 for 2 additional days – Accessories (Top Case and Pannier Case): ¥1,650 (24 hours) + ¥330 for 2 additional days, each – ETC Card: ¥220 x 3 days (for auto-payment on highway tolls) – Total: ¥61,820 (including 10% consumption tax)

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For many travelers, Japan represents modernity, inaccessibility, overcrowding, mystery, the ultimate experience. For others, it is a country that lives to the rhythm of the golden colors of the seasons, colors that you will find in Shinto shrines and temples, on embroidered kimonos, and even on delicate pastries that the Japanese particularly enjoy during their 4 o’clock tea.

Despite a spectacular modernization, the Japanese have a true reverence for nature. At the end of March, beginning of April during the hanami period, throughout the country, the Japanese gather under cherry blossom trees or go to admire the autumn when the maple trees ignite.

Motorcycle trip in Japan

Discover our motorcycle trip in japan.

Our travel agency, Air Moto Tours, was built on the desire to seek a change of scenery and to experience a sense of renewal in our motorcycle rides. In 2015, the year of our very first journey, we chose to put our trust in Japan. And this destination left such a positive impression on us that we now organize several road trips to Japan each year.

When to go on a motorcycle trip in Japan?

If you’re planning a trip to the Japanese archipelago, we recommend two seasons. Indeed, it’s during spring and autumn that you’re most likely to be amazed by the landscapes. During the months of April and May, enjoy a welcoming climate for a motorcycle trip. You’ll have the opportunity to admire the blooming Japanese cherry blossoms. If you prefer to travel between October and November, the weather will be milder, with some coolness, but the orange and red colors of nature that you’ll observe during your road trip will warm your heart.

Air Moto Tours is an agency specializing in motorcycle tours in Japan

Our travel agency, Air Moto Tours, organizes motorcycle road trips, bringing together motorcycle enthusiasts who wish to explore countries either alone or with other bikers. If experiencing this kind of adventure interests you, we invite you to explore the dedicated page about our agency to learn more.

Why go on a motorcycle trip to Japan?

Going on a road trip to Japan means visiting a country like no other. The Japanese archipelago is filled with places as unique as they are unusual. The bustling metropolis of Tokyo manages to bring together cutting-edge technology in robotics while also preserving ancient cultures. Traveling through Japan on a motorcycle means traversing a unique space where countryside and landscapes are alive, mirroring the perpetual movement of the surrounding ocean around this archipelago.

Kyushu Motorcycle Tour: Our Routes

Kyushu, located in the southern part of the archipelago, plays an important role in trade and cultural exchanges with neighboring countries. While this region may not attract many tourists, its beaches, palm trees, and vast volcanic landscapes make it both charming and endearing. If you are curious about Japanese culture without fearing crowds, enjoy natural spaces, and beautiful panoramic routes without traffic, then this journey is for you.

Samurai Country Motorcycle Tour: Our Routes

Kanto, Chubu, and Kansai are among the few geographical divisions that make up the Japanese archipelago. They undoubtedly have marked Japanese history and still contribute to the country’s richness today. This circuit offers you a total cultural immersion and allows you to discover its popular wonders and secrets along routes exclusively reserved for motorcyclists.

Japanese Alps Motorcycle Tour: Our Routes

At the heart of Japan, nestled between the sea, Kansai, and Kanto, lies the magnificent mountain range of the Japanese Alps. The highest peaks reach nearly 3200 meters in altitude and are the pride of its inhabitants. Villages with thatched roofs, classified as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, cultural and artistic treasures, and beautiful roads that will take you there are sure to amaze you. Life is zen in this part of Japan, just like in the Kenrokuen Garden in Kanazawa.

Essential Japan Motorcycle Tour: Our Routes

In the center of Japan, between the sea, Kansai, and Kanto, lies the splendid mountain range of the Japanese Alps. The highest peaks in the region reach nearly 3200 meters in altitude and are the pride of its residents. Villages with thatched roofs, which have been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, present numerous cultural and artistic riches, as well as beautiful roads that will take you to them. Life here is zen, just like in the Kenrokuen Garden in Kanazawa.

Motorcycle trip in Japan, and more!

Are you a culture enthusiast and a travel lover? Look no further! Air Moto Tours offers various organized motorcycle road trips around the world. From Japan and Canada to Portugal and many other dream destinations, we’ve got you covered. To learn more about our organized tours, we invite you to visit the page dedicated to our other journeys.

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Visit Japan’s Big Four Motorcycle Museums

The Big Four Museum Tour. Welcome to Japan and our virtual walk around of Japan’s Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki and Kawasaki motorcycle museums.

Japan’s Motorcycle Museums

Japan’s bike boom in the ‘60s was so loud it nearly wiped out both the British and American motorcycle industries with one punch.

Japanese production skyrocketed. Their rapidly advancing technology, innovative design and affordable price tags continuously obliterated overseas competition until they crumbled, leaving only four manufacturers standing – the Big Four: Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki and Suzuki.

The two-wheeled titans still dominate today’s markets, selling millions of motorcycles worldwide every year. Japanese bikes are now so intrinsically woven into British motorcycling’s fabric that we forget their roots.

So, we visited each of the Big Four museums for a peek at their humble beginnings, pivotal machines, legendary race bikes and eclectic mix of exotica.

Visiting Japan’s motorcycle museums is like walking around a bank of jewels, these machines are exquisitely preserved slices of history, and here’s the best of the bunch…

Honda Motorcycle Museum

As the world’s largest motorcycle manufacturer, King Honda takes the Big Four crown and has the most impressive castle (museum). And it’s not just hiding away in some back-alley trading estate either. Honda lovingly built the museum in their Twin Ring Motegi race track facility. Spend a tenner to enter the grounds and you can stroll round the museum for free.

Like a sweet cake, the museum is brimming with layer upon layer of deliciously preserved treats. Walk through the front door and you’re met by the stunning 1959 RC142. It was the first Honda to compete in the Isle of Man TT races, where Naomi Taniguchi took the bike into sixth place, won Silver Replica and helped Honda win the Manufacturers’ Team Award in their first ever race.

Keep going and it just gets better with specials like Honda’s first auxiliary engine powered bicycle and their first ever motorcycle – the D Type. It’s not all meticulously preserved old-school show pieces though. Head upstairs and you’re met with a prestigious HRC line-up, including rows of Freddie Spencer’s and Wayne Gardner’s bikes, two-stroke GP machinery, a selection of RC212Vs, Dakar racers, off-roaders, Formula 1 race cars (including Sir John Surtees’ car), scooters, tourers, sports cars and even lawnmowers! Hundreds of beautiful motorcycles are shown off under spotlights, all delicately wrapped in gorgeous paint. Honda’s Collection Hall is seriously impressive and a must-do pilgrimage for motorcycle lovers.

Did you know…

Soichiro Honda built his first bike in 1948 by strapping a modified WWII radio generator engine to a bicycle to help his wife on her long bicycle rides for the weekly shop. He ended up buying a batch of them to sell on and quickly sold out. So, he began developing his own engine instead – the Honda A-Type. Honda bought a small factory and set up shop, calling it Honda Motor Company…

Yamaha Motorcycle Museum

Nippon Gakki (now known as Yamaha Corporation) was originally a musical instrument manufacturer. During WWII, the firm built aircraft propellers and the end of the war had to put its metal work machinery and expertise to use elsewhere, deciding on the motorcycle business in 1955. The YA-1 was the company’s first bike, its director, Genichi Kawakami, created Yamaha Motor Co. as a spin-off and set to work in a small wooden factory with 150 employees.

The YA-1 was immediately entered into and won Japan’s two most prestigious races. Kawakami knew he was onto a winner, cemented Yamaha’s place as a formidable newcomer in the motorcycle scene and pushed Yamaha into the forefront of sports models like the YDS-1 (nicknamed Japan’s first sports model).

Yamaha’s pristine museum is set-up to showcase its sporting lineage. Mint racers line the three floors with a complete timeline of proud YA-1s all the way up to Rossi’s YZR-M1. And to top it off, the pianist on the centre piece Yamaha piano complete with mini orchestra playing Mozart’s Seventh Symphony is a nice touch.

Suzuki Motorcycle Museum

Michio Suzuki started up a loom company in 1909, and like Honda, started building clip-on bicycle engines after the War. And, like Yamaha, was late to the game with its first motorcycle in 1953 – the Diamond Free.  The firm’s museum showcases its beginnings in the looming industry all the way through to its first motorcycle and car manufacturing facilities.

Kawasaki Motorcycle Museum

The Kawasaki Heavy Industries museum is an eye-opener… but not for its bikes. The motorcycle section is tiny compared to what else the firm showcases. While Kawasaki is the oldest of the Big Four, (dating back to 1878) it was the latest to join the motorcycle scene (in1962). The firm has always been rather busy manufacturing a long list of heavy goods, including: planes, trains, industrial robots, spacecraft, submarines, ships, tankers, helicopters, defence equipment, energy plants and so on. Luckily, they managed to find time to squeeze in the original H1, which shot Kawasaki to success… literally.

How to Visit Japans Motorcycle Museums

Honda Collection Hall Stars: 5 Where: Motegi. Click here for the exact location. Entrance fee: £10

Yamaha Communications Plaza Stars: 4 Where: Hamamatsu. Click here for the exact location.  Entrance fee: Free

Suzuki Cultural History Museum Stars: 3 Where: Hamamatsu. Click here for the exact location.  Entrance fee: Free

Kawasaki Good Times World Stars: 2 Where: Kobe. Click here for the exact location. Entrance fee: £5

Read more on motorcycle travel in Japan

Thanks for checking out our Motorcycle Travel in Japan Guide. We hope you enjoyed it! Here’s a few more articles on motorcycling in Japan that we recommend you read next. 

• All Japan Guides
• Asia Guides
• Paperwork for Motorcycle Travellers in Japan
• Motorcycling in Japan

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Motorcycle Travel Blog Japan: Land of the Rising Sun Part 1

Japan Paperwork Guide for Motorcycle Travellers

What’s Motorcycle Travel like in Japan?

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Motorcycle Travel Guide: Japan

2 thoughts on “visit japan’s big four motorcycle museums”.

Thank you for this excellent article on the Big 4 Motorcycle Museums. I will do my best to see as many as I can in a few weeks when I visit Japan.

Hi Martin, Thanks for your comment and I’m really glad to hear you found this article helpful! And that’s brilliant to hear you’re off to Japan – what a beautiful country! My favourite was the Honda museum – so don’t miss that one! Please report back on here with how you got on 🙂 Cheers and all the best, Andy

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Japan Bike Rentals Motorcycle rentals and tours Japan

Welcome to Japan Bike Rentals

Japan Bike Rentals has been renting motorcycles in Japan and arranging Japan motorcycle tours for riders from around the world since 2007.

All Japan Bike Rentals motorcycles are set up for long distance touring, with side cases, top case and tank bag options available. Additional rental equipment, such as GPS navigation, Shoei & Arai helmets, protective riding jackets, gloves & rain gear can also be rented from us. Other extras include ETC card rental for discounted highway riding, and rental cell phone & wireless hotspot for smooth communication throughout your tour.

Japan Bike Rentals offers everything from basic motorcycle rentals, to carefully crafted self-guided tours, and full-service customized guided group tours. Rest assured you'll have our full support for the full duration of your Japan ride. There is no need to speak Japanese, and a sound knowledge of Japan's roads is not required. We are here to make your Japan motorcycle trip run smoothly from start to finish. Leave it all to us.

Riding the elevated highway system out of Tokyo, cutting between office towers on the way and leaving the populace and frenzy of Tokyo behind, you'll soon be off the beaten track and winding along small mountain paths. Now you own the road! Take in breathtaking scenic villages , ride by farmers cultivating their crops, twist your way through bamboo forests and sculpted rice fields , motor past lakes and rivers, through valleys and over mountain passes, visit ancient temples and shrines ; encountering curious and friendly Japanese along the way.

Japan, with its distinct seasons and range of climatic zones is alive with color and variety year round. SPRING - head for the Hakone region and take in spectacular views of a snowcapped Mt.Fuji, as you ride along tree-lined streets, with cherry blossom petals falling like snow. SUMMER - hop on an overnight ferry to the northern frontier of Hokkaido and discover vast landscapes, endless stretches of open road and its wealth of flora and fauna. Or ride across the country, over the highlands to the Sea of Japan and explore the close-kept secrets of Nagano .

Touring Report

7days tohoku tour.

Customers : 7 people- 6 riders & 1 pillion passenger Country : Italy

Touring course: Tokyo-Yunishikawa-Aizuwakamatsu-Zao- -Akiu-Naruko -Ikaho-Tokyo Total distance: 1390km

They are from Italy.They are the repeat customer. It’s been five years since we last met. This time we rode to Tohoku area to enjoy autumn leaves. It was a journey through the beautifully adorned Tohoku region with autumn foliage, staying in traditional Japanese inns that exuded the country’s rich heritage. I indulged in delicious local cuisine and sake, savoring the flavors that the region had to offer. Their next tour will be three islands tour.

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Done the Camino? Try tackling Japan’s 88-temple Shikoku Trail

This challenging pilgrimage route takes in Buddhist temples, mist-shrouded mountains, steamy baths, and ages-old cultural traditions.

Bow respectfully at the temple gate. Cleanse hands and mouth at the fountain. Sound the bell. Leave a name slip with your wish in the main hall, light a candle and three sticks of incense, toss coins in the offering box, and chant sutras. Get your pilgrimage book stamped. Exit the gate, and bow again. Follow the red markers to the next temple.

Repeat 87 times.

Or not. On the Shikoku Henro , one of the longest pilgrim routes in Japan , there are many ancient customs but few hard-and-fast rules. You don’t even have to walk it: Many Japanese now take cars or bus tours; others ride trains or bikes. You can tackle the trail counterclockwise instead of clockwise. Or break the circuit into segments. You can wear the traditional white vest or look like an ad for REI—as most of us did on the small-group tour I joined last September to hopscotch a section of seven temples.

“Buddhism is more a way of life than a religion that tells you what you can or can’t do,” said David Moreton, a Shikoku-based researcher specializing in the Henro. “However, showing respect is important.”

Travelers’ interest in long-distance walks is at an all-time high. The famed Camino de Santiago in Spain saw a record 446,000 pilgrims last year. The Henro sees a fraction of that. Nevertheless, the numbers of walkers and foreign visitors seem to be rising.

The circular route crosses all four prefectures of Shikoku, Japan’s fourth largest island. As befits its evolution over a millennium, the Henro is a bit of a patchwork. The road to enlightenment runs through small family farms, busy highways, and suburban streets punctuated by vending machines. But the route also reveals expansive coastal views and Edo-period landscapes straight out of a Hiroshige woodblock print.

Visiting Shikoku’s 88-temple trail

The most obvious place to start was Temple 1, in Tokushima Prefecture in the island’s northeast. Next to its carp-filled pond, Jun Hashiba, a guide for Kyoto -based tour company Oku Japan , attempted to answer questions about how a Japanese monk born in the eighth century inspired the development of an over 700-mile circuit of 88 temples still in use more than a thousand years later. “Everyone knows Kukai; we study him in school,” said Hashiba.

Born on this island, Kukai founded one of the country’s more popular sects of Buddhism, called Shingon. He’s revered, but not only for his esoteric teachings, which are aptly named. “We mostly admire him for his abilities as a poet, scholar, and artist; he was a great calligrapher,” said Hashiba. The peripatetic and polymathic Kukai’s real-life feats morphed into the stuff of legend and eventually led to the popularization of the current route. Hashiba suggested the real answers would come once we started walking.

The four-mile section from Temple 20 to Temple 21 was lined with cathedral-high cypress, cedar, and bamboo. Rope-garlanded boulders, the embodiment of deities, kept us company, as did vermilion-bibbed stone statuettes, called jizo, which are guardians of children and travelers. Kukai, also called Kobo Daishi, was here too, personified in the pilgrim’s walking staff inscribed with words that translate to “traveling together.”

(These Japanese prayer plaques became symbols of hope.)

“When I walk, I sometimes think too much, but I keep walking, and then I think of nothing—in a good way,” said Tomoko Imaizumi, a guide who has made the pilgrimage four times.

At the Temple of the Great Dragon (21), a part of which dates from the 12th century, it was easy to see why so many religions built their altars atop mountains. In his writings, Kukai claimed to have climbed to the hilltop aerie and chanted mantras a million times. Despite Shingon Buddhism’s opacity, at its core is this: that everything is part of a cosmic whole and that enlightenment can be achieved by ordinary people. “I have received so many blessings from the Henro,” said Kizumi, a woman I met at Temple 6 (Temple of Everlasting Joy). She didn’t give me her last name, but she did press into my hand a pale green friendship bracelet made of string.

The trail’s culture of kindness

Indeed, pilgrims along the trail invariably spoke of the kindnesses of the locals. This is the culture of osettai, a unique feature of the Shikoku pilgrimage. “I experience this almost every day as a pilgrim,” said Imaizumi. “Usually it’s a mandarin or some sweets; one time a woman stopped her car and jumped out to give me 300 yen.”

Close to the Vulture Peak Temple (1), our group met Ranshu Yano, master of the dwindling art of ai-zome. The Tokushima region produces natural indigo for dyeing. Indigo textiles were once used in samurai clothing.

Yano invited us into his workshop to watch a portion of the painstaking process. He slid the lid off a large vat. The blue stew needed to be inspected, stirred, and allowed to ferment.

“It’s a living thing,” he said, holding up permanently blue hands. “I have to feel it.” The finished textiles are fashioned into exquisite kimonos.

(The mystery of Japan’s traditional washi paper.)

On the Henro, gifts come in all forms, not least of which is the chance to connect with people still tied to the land, still bound to artistry and traditions long abandoned in other places. “People have been doing what I do for a thousand years,” Yano said. “I stand in the middle, between the past and the future.”

What to know

Related topics.

• PILGRIMAGES
• RELIGIOUS TRAVEL
• MONASTERIES
• BACKPACKING

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JAPAN THREE ISLAND CHERRY BLOSSOM ADVENTURE

Our Japan Three Island motorcycle tour features the best riding of the three main southern Japanese Islands of Honshu, Kyushu and Shikoku.The route is laid out to avoid city traffic and focuses on open country roads, elevation changes, and stunning coastal riding. Be prepared to not see foreigners the entire motorcycle trip, as we will be staying at some places only the locals go. Dinners and breakfasts during this tour are included in the tour package, and are most appropriately describes as world-class cuisine: ornate and decadent. With the exception of one night, all lodging includes natural thermal hot springs. These are traditional Japanese “onsens” and are a great way to unwind after a day in the elements. Get ready to ride past steaming volcanoes, through lush forests, along clear running rivers and rugged coastline. There is a style and elegance about the Japanese that can only be experienced to be appreciated. This ride coincides with the short cherry blossom season when vibrant pink, white and red cherry blossom pedals surround you at every turn.

Road Conditions: This tour features 100% paved surfaces. Of all the motorcycle tours we offer, the roads are some of the best pavement we encounter in all of our tours. Get ready for fun, mountainous roads full of twisties, many tunnels and stunning coastal riding.

TOUR PRICING

*Double Occupancy - Base Bike with a Shared Room *Single Occupancy - Base Bike with Your Own Room *Couples Package - Two Participants on One Base Bike in One Private Room

UPGRADE PRICING

The itinerary, arrival day.

DAY 1 - Meet in Okayama, Japan. Some flights may come in late this eve, so we won't have our official welcome dinner until tomorrow night. Stay in Okayama, Japan.

DAY 2 - Okayama, Japan to Tsuyama, Japan: To help riders adapt to the time change, we have designed a rest day, focusing on a tour of Okayama, and transfer to Tsuyama, where our motorcycles await. There are lots of things to see and do in Okayama while you may be catching up on jet lag. We will lead a group visit of the famous and historic Black Castle of Okayama and walk around town. Other sights include the Korakuen Garden (one of Japan's official Three Great Gardens) and the Okayama Oriental Museum. We will transfer to the small town of Tsuyama. Welcome Dinner this evening. Stay in Tsuyama.

DAY 3 - Tsuyama to Arifuku Hot Springs: The riding starts today! We'll pick up the motorcycles and head north through the Japanese Alps and along the coast of the Sea of Japan to our evening resting place: a 600-year old, completely natural historic hot springs resort village, tucked away in the countryside and known for its healing properties. Stay at Arifuku.

DAY 4 - Arifuku Hot Springs to Chinsui Hot Springs: Experience riding you never thought existed in Japan. Today, we’ll travel south through the backroads of Honshu Island and ride past stunning vistas along the Sea of Japan. Half of today’s riding is along the coast of the Sea of Japan, and the other half is through the mountainous interior. We’ll be staying at a hot springs resort town in the mountains as cherry blossoms float in the air and koi fish swim in a stream below your window. Stay at Chinsui.

DAY 5 - Chinsui Hot Springs to Hita: We’ll ride some fantastic roads, see many temples and old farm houses. We’ll be riding the roads of the “real” Japan – the Japan most foreigners never see. We’ll ride heavily forested stretches of road with hundreds of twisties. It’s a blast! We’ll cross over to the south to the island of Kyushu, the most Southerly and Westerly of Japan’s four main islands. Kyushu is known for its friendly, festive locals and is considered to be the birthplace of Japanese civilization. Stay in Hita

DAY 6 - . Hita to Aso Caldera: Another day of world-class riding. We will start the day by visiting a unique vintage BMW restoration shop. After that, explore the volcanoes, backroads and small towns of Kyushu. We’ll also make a side-trip to the Iwashita Museum – an amazing collection of hundreds of motorcycles from around the world (including the 1600cc Amazonas!) Stay near Aso Caldera.

DAY 7 - Aso Caldera to Kitaura: Ride around the rim of one of the largest calderas in the world at Aso-kuju National Park. This mountainous area has many volcanoes and one of the world’s largest caldera basin, with a circumference of about 55 miles. The Aso area also has a magnificent view of Aso Gogaku Five Mountains, including meadows and the active volcano, Mt. Naka-Dake. We’ll head for the coast and stay right on the ocean with a forest canopy as a backdrop. Stay near Kitaura.

DAY 8 - Kitaura to Shikoku Island and Misaki Peninsula: Then we’ll take a ferry from Kyushu Island to Shikoku Island. This afternoon, you will have the opportunity to explore the roads at the tip of the Misaki Peninsula...fascinating and fun! We’ll feast on seafood in a little fishing town on the Misaki Peninsula this evening. Food is literally carried straight from boats to the kitchen to your table. It doesn’t get any fresher than this! Stay on Misaki Peninsula.

DAY 9 - Misaki Peninsula to Oboke: We’ll ride across the island of Shikoku to the Kuzaribashi area where we’ll ride through more than 60 tunnels before lunch! We will be joined by members of the BMW Flat Twin Club, and they will show us their favorite rides! This is by far the best day of riding. Twisties, mountains, tunnels, LOTS to see! Stay near Oboke.

DAY 10 - Oboke to Tsuyama to Okayama: We’ll ride back to Tsuyama on the island of Honshu and turn in our bikes after crossing some of the largest suspension bridges in the world. We will transfer back to Okayama. Our farewell dinner will be in Okayama, where we’ll picnic near an idyllic lake surrounded with blossoming cherry trees in full bloom. Transfer to Okayama. Stay in Okayama.

DAY 11 - Day in Hiroshima: Take a high speed bullet train and visit Hiroshima for the day from Okayama. Check out the Peace memorial, the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum We will be happy to escort you there! *This activity is included in the tour package. High Speed Train tickets, guide, transportation to and from train stations, all included.

DAY 12 - Fly Home or keep the dream alive. The next motorcycle adventure vacation awaits!

DEPARTURE DAY

The gear to bring.

MotoQuest guides wear KLIM helmets, jackets, pants and gloves, and we outfit our motorcycles with luggage and accessories from Twisted Throttle. You can view and download our complete MotoQuest packing list here .

Starting Price for This Tour: $10,750 See Full Tour Pricing

Total Miles for this Adventure: 1220

Difficulty: Is this tour right for me? Contact us with any questions

MotoQuest Staff on Tour

Motorcycles Included

Motorcycles Available

Included With the Tour

• Hotel Accommodations
• Premiere Welcome and Farewell Dinners
• Professional MotoQuest Guide(s)
• Support Vehicle
• Support Vehicle Driver
• Staff Trained in First Aid with Satellite Phone
• MotoQuest Swag Bag
• Photos Taken on the Trip
• Automatic Enrollment in Global Rescue

Not Included

• Meals on the Road
• Alternative Tours
• Travel Insurance
• National Park Entrance Fees

Choose a Date

March 24, 2024 - April 04, 2024 April 07, 2024 - April 18, 2024 April 06, 2025 - April 17, 2025

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