Rent a Motorcycle in Japan
Honda CRF250L for rent in Japan
After buying two motorcycles in Japan and riding over 25,000 km (15,500 miles) across the country over nine months, we realized we couldn’t just part with them. Instead of selling them, we decided to rent them out, so other riders could experience Japan’s incredible roads and landscapes just like we did. (And let’s be honest, this way we have the option of easily coming back).
Below, you’ll find all the essential details on how to rent a motorcycle in Japan, along with a link to the booking site at Apexmoto.
KEY INFO
- Bikes: Honda CRF250L (red or black)
- Pick-up & Drop-off: Apexmoto (Fuefuki, Yamanashi Prefecture)
- Price: 12,000 yen (~80 USD/ ~75 EUR) per day
- Bikes maintained & insured by Apexmoto
Setup:
– 12.5L Acerbis tank (~380km/~230mi)
– Luggage rack
– Handguards
– USB Charger
Setup:
– 12.5L Acerbis tank (~380km/~230mi)
– Luggage rack
– Handguards
– Windscreen
– USB Charger
Pick-up & Drop-off LOCATION
The motorcycle must be picked up and returned at Apexmoto in Fuefuki, Yamanashi Prefecture.
The closest train station or bus stop is in Isawa-Onsen.
It takes about 3.5 hours by public transport from Tokyo to reach Isawa-Onsen. From there, you can take a local bus, a taxi, or arrange a pick-up with Apexmoto.
Required Paperwork
To ride and rent a motorcycle in Japan, you will need the following:
- Visa – Most passports qualify for a visa on arrival.
- International Driving Permit (IDP) – Japan only recognizes IDPs based on the 1949 Geneva Convention. France, Switzerland, Belgium, Germany, Taiwan, and Monaco are not included in this Convention.
- Insurance – Apexmoto will arrange the mandatory motorcycle insurance, but you have the option to purchase additional coverage for extra protection.
- Travel Insurance – While not required, travel insurance is highly recommended, especially as motorcycle riding is considered a high-risk activity.
is 250cc enough for Japan?
A 250cc motorcycle is the perfect choice for exploring Japan. Here’s why:
✔️ Lower Rental & Insurance Costs – Renting a 250cc is cheaper than larger bikes, making it a budget-friendly choice.
✔️ Better Fuel Efficiency – A 250cc bike uses much less fuel than bigger adventure or touring bikes, meaning fewer stops at gas stations and lower running costs.
✔️ More Confidence to Explore – Japan has some incredible forest roads roads that lead to hidden gems most travelers never see. These roads can be narrow, winding, and sometimes unpaved. A lightweight 250cc is much easier to handle in these conditions.
✔️ Lower Ferry Costs – If you’re taking a motorcycle on a ferry to Japan’s islands, smaller bikes often qualify for cheaper fares, making island-hopping more affordable.
