Looking for unforgettable motorcycle tours in Japan? This guide covers everything overseas riders need to plan the perfect journey.
What to Wear for Motorcycle Touring in Japan – Spring Guide Motorcycl...
Motorcycle tours in Japan offer some of the best riding experiences in the world.
With landscapes that change dramatically from season to season and regions that differ in scenery, culture, and cuisine, Japan is an exceptional destination for motorcycle travel. Above all, riders can enjoy their journey in a country known for its safety, reliability, and well-maintained infrastructure.
From stunning coastal roads to deep mountain valleys, Japan’s road network reaches every corner of the country. Traveling by motorcycle allows you to experience Japan more deeply, discovering places and perspectives that are often missed when traveling by car or train.
Japan is also exceptionally well-equipped for motorcycle touring. Roadside stations (Michi-no-Eki), convenience stores, an extensive expressway system, and ferries connecting islands and crossing straits make long-distance riding both comfortable and stress-free.
It is no exaggeration to say that Japan offers one of the most rider-friendly environments in the world for unforgettable motorcycle tours in Japan.
Why Japan Is Ideal for Motorcycle Tours
Japan has a long and deeply rooted culture of travel. For centuries, people have journeyed across the country on pilgrimages such as the Shikoku Pilgrimage, visits to Ise Grand Shrine, and the Kumano Pilgrimage. These traditions, dating back hundreds of years, have shaped a welcoming culture for travelers that can still be felt throughout Japan today.
Another essential part of traveling in Japan is its onsen culture. Natural hot springs can be found across the country, and staying at an onsen ryokan remains a cherished way to relax both body and mind. From large hot spring towns to quiet inns hidden deep in the mountains, enjoying a variety of onsen experiences is one of the true highlights of motorcycle tours in Japan.
Motorcycle touring is also one of the best ways to explore areas that are difficult to reach by trains and buses alone. Many of Japan’s most rewarding destinations lie beyond major transport routes, accessible only via steep mountain roads, narrow winding passes, and scenic backroads. Riding a motorcycle allows travelers to experience Japan’s landscapes and local life in a way that other forms of transportation simply cannot.
In addition, Japan has rental motorcycle bases throughout the country. By starting your ride close to your destination, you can design flexible routes that match your schedule, riding style, and interests—making motorcycle tours in Japan both convenient and highly customizable.
Best Seasons for Motorcycle Tours in Japan
Because Japan stretches a long distance from north to south, its temperatures and climate vary greatly by region and season. For this reason, careful planning—deciding where to ride and when to go—is one of the most important factors when organizing motorcycle tours in Japan.
In most regions, motorcycle touring is enjoyable from April through November. With the right destination and route selection, it is even possible to ride comfortably in March or December. This seasonal flexibility allows riders to plan motorcycle tours in Japan throughout much of the year.
During summer, daytime temperatures in many parts of Japan often exceed 30°C (86°F). For this reason, northern regions such as Hokkaido and Tohoku are highly recommended for summer motorcycle touring, offering cooler weather, open roads, and long daylight hours.
Equally important is preparing the right riding gear for each season. Choosing appropriate equipment for changing weather conditions ensures both comfort and safety, allowing riders to fully enjoy their motorcycle tours in Japan in any season.
What to Wear for Motorcycle Touring in Japan – Spring & Summer Gui...
Autumn (September–November) – Riding Gear for Touring in Japan Septem...
Best Regions for Motorcycle Tours in Japan
Japan’s regions differ dramatically in culture, scenery, and atmosphere. From Hokkaido in the far north to Kyushu in the south, the country stretches across a wide range of climates and landscapes, offering endless variety for riders planning motorcycle tours in Japan.
Because of these regional differences, each area has its own highlights and unique riding experiences. Coastal roads, mountain passes, rural countryside, and volcanic landscapes all exist within a relatively compact country, allowing riders to enjoy a completely different style of motorcycle touring in each region.
This diversity makes Japan a destination that can be enjoyed not just once, but again and again. Rather than trying to cover the entire country in a single trip, we recommend focusing on one region at a time and exploring it in depth. This approach allows riders to fully appreciate the local culture, roads, and scenery—making every journey a memorable motorcycle tour in Japan.
Below are some of the best regions for motorcycle tours in Japan. Each area offers a unique riding experience, from wide-open northern roads to volcanic landscapes in the south.
Discover Shikoku, one of Japan’s most rewarding motorcycle touring reg...
Sample Itineraries for Motorcycle Tours in Japan
Below are sample itineraries designed to help you plan motorcycle tours in Japan. These routes are provided as references for riding distances, travel pace, and overall route structure.
Each sample itinerary is just one example. Routes can be customized in many ways depending on your preferences, including accommodation choices such as hotels, traditional onsen ryokan, or a combination of both. By adjusting daily distances and overnight stops, we can tailor motorcycle tours in Japan to match your riding style, schedule, and travel goals.
Sample Itineraries for Motorcycle Tours in Japan
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7-Day Tohoku Motorcycle Tour
→ Explore forests, coastlines, and onsen culture
🏍️ 7-Day Tohoku Motorcycle Touring Itinerary Sample Route for Motorcy...
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8-Day Shikoku Motorcycle Tour
→ Japan’s Hidden Roads & Sacred Landscapes
This 8-day itinerary begins in Osaka and explores the heart of Shikoku...
Motorcycle License & Rental Requirements
To enjoy motorcycle tours in Japan, riders must hold an International Driving Permit (IDP) issued under the Geneva Convention. This permit must be obtained in your home country before arriving in Japan.
Depending on the country of issue, some riders may also need an official Japanese translation of their domestic motorcycle license. Preparing the correct documentation in advance is essential for a smooth and stress-free motorcycle tour in Japan.
Mototourist partners with Rental 819, one of Japan’s largest motorcycle rental networks, offering approximately 100 rental locations nationwide. This partnership allows riders to rent motorcycles across Japan and begin their journey close to their chosen destination, providing greater flexibility when planning motorcycle tours in Japan.
1. International Driving Permit (IDP) Riders from countries that sign...
Riding a motorcycle in Japan is one of the most unique experiences for...
Travel Tips for Motorcycle Tours in Japan
Traffic Rules and Road Regulations
When riding in Japan, all vehicles travel on the left side of the road. Speed limits are strictly enforced, and police monitoring is common. On most general roads, speed limits are typically 50–60 km/h (30–37 mph), while expressways usually allow speeds of 80–100 km/h (50–62 mph).
In large cities and urban areas, roadside parking is generally prohibited, and enforcement is strict. Riders should always use designated parking areas to avoid fines or towing. Understanding and respecting local traffic rules is essential for safe and enjoyable motorcycle tours in Japan.
Choosing the Right Motorcycle for Touring in Japan
Japan’s roads often include narrow streets, winding mountain routes, and frequent traffic signals, especially in urban areas. For this reason, mid-sized motorcycles—typically between 250cc and 750cc—are often better suited for motorcycle tours in Japan than large 1000cc+ bikes.
Weather conditions can also change quickly, sometimes even within a single day. Sudden rain showers and cooler temperatures in the morning and evening are common. To stay comfortable and prepared, we recommend adding a top case as an optional accessory, allowing easy access to rain gear and extra layers during your ride.
Expressways and Toll Roads
Japan’s expressways are toll roads, and toll fees can add up on long-distance routes. In recent years, many toll gates have become unmanned, making electronic payment increasingly important.
For convenience, we strongly recommend renting an ETC card when hiring your motorcycle. The ETC system allows riders to pass smoothly through toll gates without stopping, making long-distance motorcycle tours in Japan more efficient and stress-free. Be sure to request the ETC option when reserving your rental motorcycle.
1. Driving Side Japan drives on the left side of the road.Pay special...
Why Choose Our Motorcycle Tour Planning Service
With modern tools such as Google Maps, almost anyone can navigate to a destination using a smartphone. However, truly enjoying motorcycle tours in Japan requires far more than simply reaching point A to point B. The key lies in understanding each region’s highlights and designing routes that maximize both riding enjoyment and cultural experiences.
Unlike rental cars, rental motorcycles in Japan must be returned to the original rental location. This makes route planning especially important, as the entire itinerary must be designed with the final return point in mind. A well-planned route ensures smooth logistics while allowing riders to focus on the joy of the journey.
Seasonal conditions add another layer of complexity. In Japan, many mountain roads and scenic routes are closed at certain times of the year due to weather conditions. This is particularly important when riding through mountainous regions, where up-to-date local information is essential for safe and enjoyable motorcycle touring.
As specialists with deep local knowledge of motorcycle travel in Japan, we design routes that make the best use of car ferries crossing straits, seasonal road access, and carefully selected accommodations. By combining these elements, we create itineraries that are both practical and deeply rewarding.
Japan offers a wide range of accommodation options, including traditional onsen ryokan that are often difficult or impossible to book from overseas. To make the most of your motorcycle tours in Japan, we invite you to take advantage of our planning service and experience Japan through expertly crafted routes, unique stays, and unforgettable rides.