Japan by Motorcycle: Is it worth it?
Japan by Motorcycle: Yay or nay?
After several visits to Japan over the past decade, you can probably guess that for us, Japan is 100% worth visiting.
But since you’re here you must be wondering:
Is Japan worth visiting on a motorcycle?
Or is it better to just stick to public transport?
Having done both, we want to share with you the pros and the cons of traveling around Japan by motorcycle, aiming to give you a clearer picture of what you may expect during your two-wheeled adventure in the Land of the Rising Sun.
Reasons to Ride in Japan
Freedom to explore off the beaten track
Public transport network in Japan is nothing short of legendary. While it’s a convenient way to travel around the country, it’s also quite limiting – schedules, fixed destinations, organized tours.
On a motorcycle, those limits vanish. You’re free to explore at your own pace, veer off the tourist trail, and discover the Japan that most travelers never see.
The freedom a motorcycle offers means you can uncover the hidden gems of the countryside without worrying about catching the last train or fitting everything into a day trip.
See the countryside!
The Japanese countryside certainly deserves a separate mention. Beyond the breathtaking landscapes, traversing rural Japan presents a richer, more nuanced view of the country, contrasting sharply with its neon-lit megacities. And of course, with a motorbike, you’re immersing yourself in those surroundings even more!
Our journey through the quiet, sometimes deserted villages stirred a complex mix of nostalgia and serenity, often reminding us of the significant changes Japan has faced, including the rural exodus of recent decades.
Amazing & scenic roads
In Japan, roads feel like they were built with motorcycles in mind. From mountain passes, coastal routes, bamboo grooves, and roads winding around volcanoes, Japan’s roads go through jaw-dropping sceneries.
Plus, the majority of the roads are in top-notch shape, and while they might be a tad narrow, that’s just perfect for motorbikes.
So don’t worry too much about potholes, and just enjoy the scenery and the curves. It’s this mix of scenic, well-maintained, and rider-friendly roads that truly makes Japan a premier destination for motorcycle touring.
Rider culture
With Japan being the birthplace of four major motorcycle brands, it’s no surprise that its motorcycle culture is vibrant and diverse. Enthusiasts here range from collectors of vintage meticulously maintained bikes to underground riders and touring aficionados.
It’s fascinating to observe the variety of riders and their machines, engaging in exchanges of words or sharing smiles. Plus, nowhere else have we seen such enthusiastic salutes from passing riders as in Japan.
Adding even further to the Japanese rider culture are the rider-specific accommodations like rider houses, campsites, and even motorcycle shrines. Yup, Japan loves motorbikes!
Worry-free travel
Japan is renowned for its very low crime rates, making it an exceptionally safe country. This assurance naturally extends to motorcycle travel, where the rarity of thefts allows you to leave your gear on your bike while exploring, without the worry of it being stolen.
While it’s always smart to take basic precautions, Japan offers a level of safety unmatched by many other countries we’ve visited. If you’re new to international motorcycle travel, Japan is a good start, providing a perfect blend of unique culture and a secure environment.
Country of convenience
Japan is a country of convenience, which makes road-tripping a joy. Vending machines are found on nearly every corner. Over 50,000 convenience stores provide everything from food to daily essentials. Famed roadside stations are equipped with clean toilets and affordable restaurants. The list goes on, but it’s clear that every traveler’s need is considered with care.
This omnipresent convenience can become so expected that finding a place without it might leave you momentarily bewildered, a testament to how quickly we adapt to the luxuries of motorcycle travel in Japan.
Motorcycle enhances the trip
These maybe less obvious advantages of motorcycle travel in Japan complement the already compelling reasons to visit, such as its rich culture and exquisite cuisine.
Traveling by motorcycle amplifies these experiences, as some of the most memorable meals, places, and encounters often lie well beyond the main roads and top tourist destinations.
To us, traveling around Japan on motorbikes offers a more nuanced way to experience the country.
Challenges of Motorcycle Travel in Japan
While we wholeheartedly recommend a motorcycle journey in Japan for its unique experiences and sights, you should be mindful of potential inconveniences. It can help you manage expectations and make sure your motorcycle adventure in Japan will run smoothly.
Avoid the Golden Route
If your trip to Japan is limited to a few weeks and it’s your first visit, sticking to public transport might be a better option, especially if you’re aiming to see major tourist destinations along the so-called Golden Route. These include Tokyo, Mt.Fuji, Kyoto, Osaka.
The distances between them, plus slow traffic, parking challenges, and crowds can leave you frustrated if you’re short on time. However, renting a motorcycle for a day or two and heading to a less popular place could give you a taste of the adventure, preparing you for a future motorcycle trip in Japan’s countryside.
Horrible Traffic in Big Cities
Following from our first point, navigating Japan’s major cities on a motorcycle can be quite frustrating. The traffic is slow-moving, red lights seem to last an eternity, and motorcycle parking spots are scarce and pricey.
Unless you have a lot of time or it’s your dream to ride through the busy streets of Shibuya and Shinjuku, we wouldn’t necessarily recommend going into the major Japanese cities with motorbikes.
Exorbitant Expressway Prices
Expressways are surely convenient, especially for getting in and out of the major cities, but they are ridiculously expensive. Highway speeds are usually limited to 100km/h (60mph), so it’s not a German Autobahn either.
Motorbikes pay the same price as small/light cars. If you’re on a budget, you should avoid highways and opt for the more scenic, but significantly slower, standard roads.
Slow Pace of Travel
If you choose the scenic route over highways, prepare for a leisurely pace. Standard Japanese roads’ speed limit rarely exceeds 70 km/h (40mph). Given the slow traffic, give yourself plenty of time to reach your planned destination, and don’t expect to ride more than 200-300 km (120-180 miles) a day.
Language Challenge
Little English is spoken outside of the most touristy areas. This is not really a problem, as nowadays you can Google Translate and Google Lens almost anything.
It can present an occasional challenge if you need to book things in more remote areas, or want to have a better conversation with fellow riders and local residents. Knowing a bit of Japanese surely helps, but don’t be discouraged; you can still have a great time even if you don’t speak it.
Mainly paved roads
Japan has excellent roads all over the country, making it one of the top spots for motorcycle touring. However, if you’re more into adventure riding or off-road challenges, you may find Japan a bit disappointing.
Off-road tracks in Japan are not as well documented or accessible as in other countries we’ve been to. You can still find them, but it will require more planning and route tracing then just simply telling Google to ‘avoid tolls & highways”.
Order & Rules
Japan is a highly organized country with a lot of rules. And we mean, A LOT! While not all may directly apply to foreigners, they’re integral to the Japanese way of life. Some rules might seem unusual, but it’s unlikely you’ll persuade anyone to overlook them.
Procedures and social codes of conduct mean your adventures in Japan might be more orderly compared to the spontaneity found during motorcycle trips in Southeast Asia or South America. This is not necessarily a bad thing, but it is quite different from other parts of the world and merits a mention to set expectations.
Free Parking Scarcity
Free space is quite scarce in Japan, which means parking space is also limited, especially in larger cities. Don’t be surprised by steep parking prices, even for motorcycles.
Also don’t assume that if you book a hotel, free motorcycle parking comes with it. It is wise to double-check or even call the hotel to learn about their parking arrangements to avoid bad surprises.
Preparation & Expectations
Being aware of these potential inconveniences can help you set realistic expectations for your motorcycle trip in Japan. While these points highlight some challenges, they shouldn’t deter you from the adventure.
With proper preparation and planning, you can easily navigate these obstacles and fully enjoy the unique experience of exploring Japan by motorcycle.
Table of Contents
Thanks for reading!
If you have any questions about traveling around Japan on a motorcycle, or you wish to share your own experience with us, let us know in the comments below!
