Mountain Strider
Embark on the adventure of a lifetime with our Mountain Strider tour, conquering the three majestic Japanese Alps—Southern, Central, and Northern. Starting and ending in vibrant Nagoya, this tour promises thrilling mountain rides, breathtaking vistas, and rich cultural experiences. As you navigate the winding roads, you'll be treated to panoramic views that capture the heart and soul of Japan's rugged beauty. Our journey begins with a visit to Shimoguri Sato, a hidden gem nestled in steep valleys, known for its terraced farms and traditional thatched-roof houses. The route continues through mountain passes that provide a perfect blend of excitement and natural beauty, leading us to Gero Onsen Village, where you can soak in therapeutic hot springs and unwind. As we venture further, we stop at the historic post town of Tsumago-juku on the Nakasendo Trail, a step back in time with its Edo-era charm. Experience the unique cultural heritage of Shirakawa-go, renowned for its gassho-zukuri farmhouses, and the picturesque town of Takayama. Discover the iconic Matsumoto Castle, known as the "Crow Castle" for its striking black exterior, and the alpine village of Hakuba, famous for its ski resorts and outdoor activities. Finally, we'll visit a traditional sake brewery in Fujinomiya, savoring the flavors of Japan’s beloved rice wine. Each stop along the way enriches the journey, offering unforgettable experiences and stunning views that will linger long after the tour concludes.
ITINERARY
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6
Day 7
Day 8
Day 9
Day 10
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.
TOUR GALLERY
All tour
Dates
The 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
What is the tour group size?
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!).
What are the travel distances?
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.
Travel plans & directions
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.
Accommodation
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.
Do I need a visa to visit Japan?
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!
Do I need a special license to ride a motorbike in Japan as a tourist?
Dreaming of riding the mesmerising mountain roads of Japan? Before you rev up your engine, make sure you’re across the essential license requirements.
Step 1: License Check!
First things first – you need the golden tickets to ride. This means, bring your passport, driver's license, and, depending on your country of origin, an international driving permit stamped with "A" for motorcycles. Citizens from Germany, France, Switzerland, Belgium, Monaco, and Taiwan need to obtain an official Japanese translation of their driver's license. Stay legit, folks!
Check those expiration dates! Ensure your driving license, passport, and international driving permit are not expired. Don’t let your adventure come to a screeching halt due to outdated paperwork!
Make sure your motorcycle license has aged like fine wine. You'll need a solid three years if you want to ride on the highways in Japan.
Under Japanese law, your motorbike license needs to have been valid for a minimum of three months in the country where it was issued. It's like seasoning a dish – let the license marinate in the roads of its homeland before taking it for a spin in Japan.
Info for US citizens
Are you a US citizen? When it comes to obtaining a legit International Driving Permit, there are only two trustworthy places to go in the US – the American Automobile Association and the American Automobile Touring Alliance.
If you're part of the U.S. military forces or rocking a driver's license recognized under the U.S.-Japan Status of Forces Agreement, you're in the clear. Your license is as good as gold to ride a motorbike in Japan.
Buckle up, helmet on, adventure awaits!
Now that you're armed with the knowledge to hit the road on a motorbike tour of Japan, it's time to rev up those engines and let the adventure unfold!
*this is generic advice, please contact your local automobile organisation for advice specific to your situation