Imagine yourself riding through the mist of the morning fog along a winding mountain road. You bank the corners, as you ascend in altitude. You pass through sprawling forests, dense and thick, the canopy overhead casting patterns on the road ahead where the sun manages to shine through. At one point on your ascent, you pass by an ancient temple barely hidden in view. You turn the corner. And finally, the forest opens up, the road leads to the peak and, emerging through the fog, is a sight you’ll never forget, the iconic, snow-capped volcano, Fuji-san, or Mount Fuji.
The scene I have described is one of many striking memories i have from riding in Japan, and i can sincerely say, that every one of them are truely, that awesome. But this is brief snippet, a glimpse of the imagery you can expect, is just one of many reasons of why riding in Japan is awesome.
Reason #1: Scenic and Diverse Landscapes
They say that variety is the spice of life, and If the imagery i have described above is not enough to give you an Idea what i mean, what i can guarantee is that Japan offers a unique variety of Landscapes that are perfect for riding. Imagine coastal roads with stunning ocean views, winding mountain passes, serene rural villages and bustling metropolis - all in a single day! This kind of variety you can encounter isnt available in other places around the world, and even after having ridden across the UK, Europe, the Himalayas and many asian countries, i am still shocked on how diverse and varied the landscapes are in Japan.
To expand even further, Each region in Japan provides the same experience with its own Unique and unforgettable nuances.
Top Destinations: Some must-visit riding destinations include, but are not limited to:
Hokkaido:
Known for its wide, open roads and beautiful natural scenery, Hokkaido offers an immersive experience into nature. From icy tundras, mountainous thrills and serene villages and plains, Hokkaido offers many experiences perfect for riders.
You can explore Hokkaido in our upcoming tour The Ronin #1, launching in 2026.
Mount Fuji Area:
Offering picturesque routes around the iconic Mount Fuji, including the Fuji Five Lakes region. This region is steeped in history and captures the spiritual heart of Japan.
This region is where we offer our flagship tour, The Fuji Explorer, available for booking.
Kansai Region:
Honshu is the Historical heart of Japanese identity and culture. Its the home to amazing metropolises that have existed far throughout Japanese history, including Osaka, Kyoto and Hiroshima. Riding in this region offers an immersive cultural experience, passing through ancient villages and battlegrounds during the Sengoku Jidai period of japan (Warring States Period), where Samurai fought and Shogun schemed and planned for their victory.
You can explore Kansai in our upcoming tour The Ronin #2, launching also launching in 2026.
The diversity of Japan’s landscapes ensures that every ride is visually stunning. From the lush greenery of the countryside to the vibrant colors of urban areas, there is always something spectacular to see.
Reason #2: Rich Cultural Experiences
Safe to say, Japan is one of the most unique cultures on earth. Think about how much Japan’s alluring culture has influenced popular western culture, from cuisine, films, songs and cartoons (anime etc). Seeing and Experiencing the culture in person is one thing, and experiencing it on a Bike is a totally different experience.
The freedom you get on a motorbike, coupled with the fact that every nook and corner in Japan offers something different - be it a special delicacy, temple , shrine or local culture, means that you can stop pretty much wherever you want along your journey to explore and immerse yourself. Not to mention the hundreds of local and regional festivals they have which you can easily just stumble upon in your adventure.
Reason #3: Well Maintained Infrastructure
Now, dont get me wrong. I love a challenge, even riding through dirt tracks, potholes and congested roads like in India or elsewhere in Asia; however, this can get old or frustrating rather quickly- especially if you have a long 4 hour ride ahead of you.
You just dont have to worry about this at all in Japan, making the riding experience just so seamless.
Japan’s roads are known for their excellent condition, making for smooth and enjoyable rides. The infrastructure is well-maintained, ensuring that even long-distance rides are comfortable and safe.
Beyond the condition of the roads, the facilities available are simply the icing on the cake. There have been times in other countries where ive been aching for a good roadside stop, but unfortunately they materialise far too late. In japan, the availability of roadside rest areas, known as "Michi-no-Eki," provides riders with essential facilities such as restrooms, food, and tourist information. These stops are perfect for taking a break and planning the next leg of the journey, and they are just about everywhere.
Reason #4: Riding Culture and Rider Friendliness
You can tell immediately if a country is rider friendly when youre out in the country roads; and Japan’s passion for motorbikes becomes immediately apparent as soon as you leave any of the major cities.
Japan has a vibrant motorcycle community, with numerous clubs and events that bring riders together. You can sense the camaraderie as soon as youre out there; and Ive lost count of the number of times ive struck up a conversation with a group of riders on the side of the road, only fro them to ask whether id like to ride along side them til the next destination. Whenever ive had bike issues, needed a bit of extra chain lube, or had a flat tire, fellow riders have stopped to give me a helping hand, expecting nothing in return.
There are even cafes such as the Bikers Paradise cafe (We stop here on the Fuji Explorer Tour), that are dedicated to motorbiking, with its own museum of motorcycles on the grounds itself.
Reason #5:Seasonal Attractions
So i've already mentioned the diverse landscapes and cultural attractions; however, Seasonal attractions are closely linked to these, bringing even more variety.
The Izu Skyline, for example, is totally different in summer than in winter, and the fact that Japan experiences all seasons adds to the sheer variety you can experience.
For example:
Cherry Blossom Season:
Riding through cherry blossoms in full bloom during spring is a breathtaking experience. The pink and white flowers create a picturesque setting that is unique to Japan.
Autumn Foliage:
The vibrant autumn colors provide a stunning backdrop for rides, especially in regions known for their beautiful fall scenery, such as Kyoto and Nikko.
Winter Riding:
Winter riding in regions like Hokkaido offers unique challenges and rewards. Proper preparation and gear are essential, but the snow-covered landscapes provide a serene and magical experience.
Riding in Japan is an unparalleled adventure that combines breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural experiences, excellent infrastructure, and a welcoming riding community. These factors make it an ideal destination for motorcycle enthusiasts. To truly understand why riding in Japan is awesome, watch the related Riders Journal episode and consider joining one of our tours.
