8-Day Shikoku & Kyushu Motorcycle Touring Itinerary

Sample Route for Motorcycle Tours in Japan (Starting from Osaka)

This 8-day itinerary begins in Osaka and explores the heart of Shikoku, combining winding mountain roads, dramatic coastlines, and some of Japan’s most scenic riding routes. The journey also includes a ferry crossing to Kyushu, adding a uniquely Japanese long-distance touring experience. This route is designed as a reference and can be customized to suit your riding style and preferences.

📅 Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Osaka → Tokushima

Highlights: Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, Awaji Island

• Pick up your rental motorcycle in Osaka.

• Cross the iconic Akashi Kaikyo Bridge and ride through Awaji Island.

• Continue to Tokushima City for your overnight stay.

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Day 2: Tokushima → Kochi

Highlights: Iya Valley, mountain twisties

• Ride through the mountainous heart of Shikoku, including the Oboke and Koboke gorges.

• Enjoy winding roads, deep valleys, and quiet rural scenery.

• Overnight stay in Kochi City.

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Day 3: Kochi → Kochi (Day Ride)

Highlights: Cape Muroto, Pacific coastline

• Use Kochi as a base and enjoy a coastal ride toward Cape Muroto.

• Explore dramatic seaside roads along southern Tokushima and Kochi.

• Return to Kochi City for a second overnight stay.

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Day 4: Kochi → Shimanto

Highlights: Shimanto River

• Ride toward the Shimanto River, often called Japan’s last clear stream.

• Enjoy peaceful countryside landscapes and riverside roads.

• Overnight stay in the Shimanto area.

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Day 5: Shimanto → Matsuyama

Highlights: Shikoku Karst

• Travel north through one of Shikoku’s most spectacular routes, the Shikoku Karst.

• Enjoy wide-open views, highland scenery, and smooth mountain roads.

• Continue to Matsuyama for your overnight stay.

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Day 6: Matsuyama → Beppu (Kyushu)

Highlights: Ferry crossing, onsen town

• Ride to Yawatahama and board a ferry to Kyushu.

• Cross the Seto Inland Sea and arrive in Beppu.

• Overnight stay at a hot spring ryokan in Beppu, one of Japan’s most famous onsen towns.

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Day 7: Beppu → Aso → Beppu (Overnight Ferry Boarding)

Highlights: Yufuin, Yamanami Highway, Aso

• Ride through Yufuin and continue along the Yamanami Highway.

• Explore the Aso region, known for its vast volcanic landscapes.

• Return to Beppu in the evening and board the overnight ferry bound for Osaka.

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Day 8: Ferry → Osaka

Highlights: Seto Inland Sea cruising

• Enjoy a relaxing cruise through the Seto Inland Sea.

• Arrive in Osaka, return the rental motorcycle, and conclude the tour.

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Seasonal Notes (Important)

Japan has several peak travel periods when availability is limited and prices are higher, especially:

• Golden Week (late April – early May)
• Obon holidays (mid-August)
• Autumn long weekends (September–October)

During these periods:

• Ferry reservations and accommodations can sell out quickly
• Accommodation and transport costs are higher than usual
• Early planning is strongly recommended

We can still arrange tours during peak seasons, but flexible dates and route options help ensure availability.

 

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🧭 Notes on Customization

This itinerary is one example of a longer motorcycle tour in Japan that combines Shikoku and Kyushu. Routes, daily distances, ferry schedules, and accommodation types—including hotels or traditional onsen ryokan—can all be adjusted to match your preferences and seasonal conditions.