FAQs

Motorbike touring is the best way to experience Japan. You’ll be travelling long distances (we recommend no more than 5 hours of riding per day) on a motorbike, exploring diverse landscapes and experiencing the journey itself as an integral part of the adventure. Motorbike touring combines the thrill of riding the bike with the freedom to explore destinations. It’s a unique and immersive way to travel, and what better country than Japan to go on a motorbike tour - with exhilarating mountain passes, scenic coastal roads and incredible history and culture.

Japan has 4 distinct seasons. It’s also a very long country, which means different parts of Japan experience the seasons at different times, from tropical Okinawa to the wide expanses of northern island Hokkaido. Winters can be very cold with snowfall over most of the country. Summers can be steaming hot with a rainy season covering large parts of Japan in June and July.

We’ve planned our tours to take all of this into account, offering the best and most comfortable conditions possible for your motorbike tour experience in Japan.

Most of our routes are suitable for motorbike riders of all levels. There is no offroad riding, so as long as you can ride on roads and highways you’ll have a great time! The mountain strider is a little bit more intense and would suit those thrill seekers with a little more experience.

Citizens of most countries can visit Japan for up to 90 days without a visa. This includes citizens of the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the UK and most European countries. Double check with your government travel advisory before you travel to make sure!

During the tour, if you are feeling fatigued or need to pull over, either our front riding tour guide or our support vehicle will look out for any signals that you need to stop, and will signal to the front rider.
Our tour guides use quality intercom systems to ensure that any communication from the back or the front of the group is handled promptly, and action is taken promptly when needed.

Japan’s roads are very high quality and drivers are typically careful and courteous. However, it’s always important to wear the right protective gear, obey local traffic rules, stay alert and be aware of road conditions. Prior to starting out on your tour, we’ll run you through the local rules and regulations so we can all have a safe ride.

When it comes to touring Japan on a motorbike, choosing the right ride can make all the difference in ensuring your journey is an unforgettable adventure.

Prioritise comfort with an ergonomic seating position and effective wind protection to combat fatigue during extended rides. Ensure a sufficient fuel tank capacity and good fuel efficiency for fewer stops between refueling. Adjustable suspension and ergonomic features, enhance comfort and adaptability to varying conditions. Modern technology, such as navigation systems and Bluetooth connectivity, can enhance the touring experience. Ultimately, the ideal touring bike is one that seamlessly integrates with your personal style and promises a smooth, enjoyable journey on the open road.

Our go-to bikes for touring are those with a classic cruiser feel, such as the Honda Rebel or the Kawasaki Eliminator. These cruisers provide a relaxed riding position, forgiving steering and a low centre of gravity for easy control. Sporty yet approachable bikes, exemplified by the Yamaha YZF-R3 or the Suzuki GSX250R, strike a balance between performance and comfort making them ideal for adrenaline-fuelled rides around the hairpin bends of Japan’s mountainous landscape. Whichever type of bike you choose, prioritise features like  comfortable seating and relaxed, upright riding position to enhance your touring experience. Whether you're cruising through scenic highways or tackling challenging terrains, the right motorbike can turn your journey into an epic tale of exploration and freedom.

The bikes that are on offer on Shogun Motorbike Adventures are fully checked and serviced prior to each tour commencing. Just show up, hop on and head off with us on your tour.

Got some time to kill before or after your Shogun Motorbike Adventure?

We offer side trips with local guides that can help you explore the best that Japan has to offer.

Fancy a walking tour around Tokyo? We can help organise 1, 2 or 3 day tours in Japan’s capital city that offer a unique perspective on Japan’s vibrant capital. From the neon lights of Shibuya to the serene gardens of Ueno, these tours showcase Tokyo’s history, architectural marvels and cultural curiosities on foot.

Fancy a hiking trip? The Nakasendo Trail is a historic walking route in Japan that connects Kyoto and Tokyo. Once used by shoguns and emperors, step back in time as you walk through picturesque landscapes, traditional towns and historical sites.

We’ve got that covered for you! Whether you would like to come on a guided tour, or go on your own with our unguided itineraries (which are free by the way!), we’ve put in the time to design itineraries that cover the very best Japan has to offer. We’ve taken into account distance, terrain, weather and attractions to ensure you get the most out of your time, whether that be with us on a tour, or heading out on your own with the help of our maps and suggestions.

From 2025 we’ll be running tours from Tokyo that take you around Mount Fuji, the Izu Peninsula, the ancient castle town of Matsumoto and the Kiso Valley. Coming in 2026 are tours in the southern island of Kyushu which include amazing geothermal marvels, incredible scenery and even a ride around an active volcano. Don’t forget about beautiful northern Hokkaido with its wide open space, untouched vistas and crisp air, and the Mountain Strider tour which conquers the three tallest mountain ranges in Japan.

We like to keep our group sizes small in so that you get the most immersive experience on tour. In a typical tour we aim for no more than 10 riders, plus a guide up front and a support vehicle at the tail end of the group (carrying all your luggage for you!).

Our routes range between 100km to 300km per day and incorporate stops such as lunch, sightseeing and other breaks when needed. A typical touring day will commence around 9am and will typically end by 5pm at the latest with stops in between.

We will share both a PDF version of the complete itinerary to all of our riders as well as a google maps itinerary that can be viewed on any smart phone.

On our tours we will ride together in a group, one rider after another. The lead tour rider will be riding up the front of the group with everyone else following behind. To ensure visibility, our lead tour rider will have a Shogun Motorbike Adventures Flag mounted on the back of their motorbike, along with other markers on their helmet to indicate who you should be following behind.
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Our support vehicle will also be following, and will be riding on the tail end of the group.
On our rides, please try to stick within this formation for safety.

All of our routes are meticulously planned to incorporate a mixture of leisurely riding, challenging roads and elevations, along with enough stops and breaks in between to ensure no one is fatigued in any duration of the journey.

Our tours incorporate a mix of Minshukus (Family operated Bed and Breakfasts), as well as Inns and western style hotels.
Most of our accommodation will include breakfast and dinner unless otherwise specified.
Rooms may or may not have an ensuite toilet and sink; and you can expect that some of the traditional style Minshukus/inns to have Japanese style sleeping arrangements with Futons (on the floor).
Showers and baths may be shared and gender segregated.

If you’re on a guided tour with us, we’ll take care of any breakdowns or mechanical issues. We have a support crew that are within reach throughout the country, and they will get your issue fixed or bring out a new bike so you can carry on your tour.

To ensure your comfort, we have a support vehicle with us at all times so you can hop in and catch a lift to the next stop or next accommodation where your bike can meet you later. This ensures you don’t miss out on anything!

We’ve personally selected amazing accommodations for your tour that have been tried and tested by us. We stay in 3 or 4 star accommodation, with a focus on ryokan or minshuku style inns, which are the quintessential Japanese accommodation experience. These types of accommodation include traditional Japanese cuisine for breakfast and dinner, as well as relaxing and soothing onsen.

Our support vehicle will be right there to take care of you. Our crew is first aid trained and carry a first aid kit at all times. The crew will have the ability to contact medical services straight away if necessary. For your protection, it’s critical that you have travel insurance that covers motorbike riding.