Fuji Explorer 10 Day
Tour Dates
18th May 2025, 1st October 2025
This extended 10-day journey takes you deep into the heart of Japan, offering a richer, more immersive adventure. Ride through towering mountain passes, explore serene forests, and uncover hidden cultural gems along the way. You'll have the time to truly connect with local traditions, stay in authentic Japanese accommodations, and indulge in regional specialties that offer a true taste of the country. With extra days to ride, relax, and explore, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of Japan's unique culture and history.
ITINERARY
Day 1
Mt Fuji & Yamanakako
We pick up our bikes and leave behind Tokyo’s hustle & bustle, heading southwest toward Mount Fuji. After a refreshment stop, we ascend to Fuji’s highest point, taking in breathtaking views—perfect for photos. We then descend to our lakeside accommodations at Lake Yamanaka, where the iconic Fuji-san stands ever-present over the tranquil waters.
Day 2
Lake Ashi, Owakudani & Hakone
Departing Lake Yamanaka, we stop at Biker’s Paradise Café for coffee and memorabilia before riding along Lake Ashi’s scenic north shore, with Fuji in the background. The afternoon is yours to explore the Owakudani volcanic area, take a gondola ride over steaming terrain, savor the famous Owakudani Curry, or visit shrines and winding mountain roads.
Day 3
Izu Peninsula
We ride south into the Izu Peninsula, where mountains meet the ocean. Twisting coastal roads along the western edge provide thrilling riding with Mount Fuji as a backdrop. We then head inland to the Kawazu Seven Waterfalls, hidden in the mountains. After a short optional trek, we unwind in the region’s famous geothermal onsen to relax for the night.
Day 4
Izu Skyline & Kawaguchiko
We begin by climbing the Kawazu Loop Bridge before heading to the Izu Skyline, a favorite among riders for its thrilling curves and sweeping views of Fuji and the coastline. After a traditional Japanese lunch, we visit a local brewery that crafts sake in winter and whiskey in spring, learning about the process and sampling some of Japan’s finest spirits.
Day 5
Nakasendo Trail, Magome & Tsumago
We ride along the picturesque Tenryu River to the historic town of Magome-Juku, where we enjoy a traditional lunch. Later, we take an optional 8km hike on the Nakasendo Trail to Tsumago-juku, following the footsteps of samurai. We return to Magome-Juku to spend the night in traditional accommodations.
Day 6
Nakasendo Trail & Kusatsu
Continuing our journey along the Nakasendo Trail, we ride through the Kiso Valley to the historic town of Narai, exploring local museums and artisan workshops. We then tackle epic mountain roads, including Japan’s highest national route, before arriving in Kusatsu, renowned for its geothermal onsens.
Day 7
Ueda & Matsumoto
After a morning stroll around Kusatsu’s hot spring town, we head to Ueda, where we delve into Sengoku-era history with a visit to the castle and old merchant district. Afterward, we continue to Matsumoto, staying for two nights and soaking in the town’s rich samurai history.
Day 8
Matsumoto
In Matsumoto, we take a guided tour of Matsumoto Castle before choosing from cultural experiences like samurai training, taiko drumming, or soba-making. Spend the afternoon exploring Matsumoto at your own pace or join an optional ride into the surrounding mountains for some extra adventure.
Day 9
Venus Skyline & Shirakaba Lake
We depart Matsumoto for an epic mountain ride, stopping for lunch before continuing on the scenic Venus Skyline towards Lake Shirakaba. Spend the night at a lakeside accommodation, with the option to join an afternoon sunset ride that offers breathtaking views of the Japanese Alps.
Day 10
Karuizawa, Marchen Road & Tokyo
On the final day, we enjoy winding mountain roads, capturing the essence of our journey before stopping for lunch at a charming rural cafe. We then head back to Tokyo, concluding the tour with a farewell party to celebrate the memories and friendships made during this unforgettable adventure.
Download our free, comprehensive self-guided tour guidebook with routes, distances, and detailed information for each day of the journey.
Download GuidebookBIKE OPTIONS
included in
every tour
Embarking on a Shogun Motorbike Adventure promises an unforgettable experience, combining the thrill of the open road with the comfort and convenience of top-tier amenities. This section outlines the comprehensive package designed to ensure your journey is seamless, adventurous, and deeply enriching. From meticulously selected accommodations to a diverse fleet of motorbikes, every detail has been curated to provide the ultimate touring experience.
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TOUR GALLERY
tour
Dates
Ready for an unforgettable adventure? Choose your tour date and secure your spot today!
With a limited group of just 10 riders per tour, you’ll enjoy an exclusive, immersive experience. Once these spots are filled, the next chance won’t come until our new calendar is released next year. Don’t miss out!
Love this itinerary but can’t make the dates? Let us know!
Express InterestThe shogun promise
We are obsessed with Japan and are devoted to sharing our passion, knowledge and experience with you. Our goal is that you finish your tour not only having had an amazing motorbike riding experience, but that you also feel you’ve explored and immersed yourself in Japan beyond the bike.
We strive to deliver excellence. Going on an adventure like this isn’t cheap. We understand you’ve worked hard for your money and you want to make sure you invest it wisely. We’re committed to offering you the best experience on 2 wheels that money can buy!
We hand-select quality, comfortable and unique accommodations, including traditional style ryokans, that allow you to experience authentic Japan in comfort and style.
We don’t want you having to ride heavy bikes laden with all your luggage. From day 1 our support vehicle will carry your luggage from one hotel room to the next so you can focus on riding some of the best roads in the world.
Shogun’s crew are not just experts in Japan's landscapes and hidden gems; they are passionate storytellers eager to share their deep understanding of the country's rich history and culture. With their expertise, you'll not only traverse breathtaking routes on two wheels but also gain insights into Japan's traditions and modern quirks. We ensure your journey isn't just about riding; it's a journey enriched with knowledge and unforgettable experiences that go beyond the ordinary tour.
We recognise that some people are put off by “organised” tours as they don’t want to all ride in a line from one place to the next, never going off the route to explore what is over a crest or down a valley. We’ve designed our adventures so the rider can explore by themselves if they choose to, safe in the knowledge that we are there to help. On most days we offer a choice of routes or activities, and if we finish the riding day early we’ll often organise a ride to a temple or a night out together. These aren’t compulsory but are options for you to experience and enjoy Japan your way if you wish.
FAQ
You can find a full list of FAQs on our FAQ Page
How many people will be on my tour?
We like to keep our group sizes small 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!).If you would like a private tour for just you or your group please visit our Private Tours page.
What distances will we cover on this tour?
The total distance covered on the Fuji Explorer 10 day tour is 1716km (1066 miles). Day 6 is the longest day at 277km (172 miles). Day 2 is the shortest day at 101km (63 miles). On average, we'll ride 172km (107 miles) per day.
What are the accommodations like?
Enjoy a blend of Japan's rich tradition and modern comfort with our included accommodations. From the night before the tour begins to the final evening, all accommodations are covered, providing a seamless experience. Relax in charming ryokans, complete with tatami mats and onsen baths, and unwind in contemporary hotels that offer all the amenities. This unique mix allows you to experience the best of both worlds while exploring Japan on two wheels.
Most ryokan accommodation will include breakfast and dinner. Ryokan rooms may or may not have an ensuite toilet and sink, and onsen baths may be shared and gender segregated. You can also expect Japanese style sleeping arrangements with futons on tatami mats. This may be different to what you are used to, but staying in a ryokan is an authentic Japanese experience not to be missed!
Will I be sharing my room?
You'll have your own room each night. At some Ryokans there may not be ensuite toilet and sink, in which case those will be shared. Onsen baths may also be shared and gender segregated. However, accommodations in Japan have some of the highest cleanliness standards of any country, so while facilities may be shared you can be rest assured that they will be spotless!
How will I know the route and directions?
All participants on our tours receive an electronic tour guidebook, viewable on any smartphone.
The guidebook will have the complete itinerary, with useful information, tips, hints and suggestions for each day. It will also have map links that can be used in Google Maps.
The guidebook provides an enriched experience for you on your tour, as well as ensuring no-one gets lost should the group get split up.
Do I need a special license to ride a motorbike in Japan as a tourist?
Please refer to https://www.rental819.com/license for detailed licensing information.
What kind of roads will we be riding on?
100% asphalt all the way. The roads in Japan are some of the highest quality roads in the world and are a pleasure to ride on!
Can I bring my partner/wife/girlfriend/better half with me?
We would love for you to bring your partner/wife/girlfriend/better half!
If they ride a bike please reach out to us and we can offer their tour at a discounted rate for twin share. If you would like them to come on as a pillion passenger please confirm with us to make sure we have enough pillion spots left on your tour.
Is this tour right for me?
Our routes are suitable for motorbike riders of all levels. There is no off road riding, so as long as you can ride on roads and highways you’ll have a great time! If you have any concerns or you would like to chat about our tours, just reach out via our contact page.
Ready for an unforgettable adventure? Register your interest today!
With a limited group of just 10 riders per tour, you’ll enjoy an exclusive, immersive experience. Once these spots are filled, the next chance won’t come until our new calendar is released next year. Don’t miss out!
