Our self-guided motorbike tours give you the freedom of solo travel. Less planning, more riding - perfect for experienced riders or repeat visitors to Japan. Whether you’ve got 3 days, a full week, or more, our ready-to-ride itineraries take you through Japan’s most scenic roads - from the twisties of Mount Fuji and the Izu Peninsula to the volcanic heart of Kyushu. You choose your adventure. We handle the logistics.

Why Join This Tour

The Three-Island Odyssey: A condensed five-day, four-night, ~1,200 km adventure linking Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu through a blend of coastal bridges, volcanic highlands, and forested gorges. Sacred and Scenic: Explore the mystical town of Takachiho (a “power spot” in Shinto lore) and its spectacular sacred gorge. Rejuvenate in Beppu: Soak in the geothermal atmosphere of Beppu’s volcanic hot springs, where steam rises from the earth in surreal natural displays. Into the Heart of Shikoku: Board a ferry to Shikoku (ferry fare not included) and explore the forgotten island’s wild interior. Cross the Shimanami Kaido: Traverse the legendary island bridges that span the Seto Inland Sea, connecting Japan’s main islands through a chain of scenic routes and azure seascapes. Ride Through Living History: Visit Hiroshima’s Peace Memorial Park, a site of profound remembrance, and explore the temple-lined streets of Onomichi—a port city steeped in maritime heritage. For the Adventurous Explorer: Tailored for riders seeking the full range of Japan’s island geography—bridges, volcanoes, coasts, and culture—woven into a seamless, high-contrast circuit.

Tour Details

This five-day, four-night motorcycle journey covers approximately 1,200 km, averaging five to six hours of riding per day. Departing from Fukuoka, the route travels south to the mystical town of Takachiho, visiting Japan’s largest volcano on the way for some epic volcanic rim riding and the chance to peer into the bubbling and steaming crater. Continue through Kyushu’s beautiful interior, arriving in one of Japan’s most famous hot spring resort towns - Beppu. Ferry across the sea to the island of Shikoku, where you explore its untamed interior, defined by deep forest valleys and curving mountain roads, before journeying across the Shimanami Kaido, a series of bridges linking Honshu and Shikoku across the Seto Inland Sea, offering sweeping ocean views and island vistas. Walk the templed-lined hills of Onomichi, and sample the local speciality ramen noodle soup, before visiting Hiroshima and taking in the infamous history at the Peace Memorial Park and Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage site. A final day sees you plunging into narrow, winding routes through valleys and ascending to ridgelines on high plateaus as you make your way back to Fukuoka. Across Fire and Water captures the elemental contrasts of Japan—sea and mountain, history and myth, motion and stillness through one of the nation’s most varied and compelling loops. Ideal for: Experienced riders craving a high-contrast journey of islands, volcanoes, and cultural landmarks—bridging Japan’s inland seas and southern highlands in a single expedition.

Tour Dates

This Tour is available throughout March to November.

Full Itinerary

Day 1 – Takachiho Depart Fukuoka and head south towards Japan’s largest active volcanic caldera - Mt Aso. Ride the epic roads in this area and peer into the volcano itself. Then, the volcanic landscape gives way to lush forest as you ride towards Takachiho, a sacred town rooted in Shinto mythology. Day 2 - Beppu A relaxed day of exploration, visiting onsen towns, Japan’s tallest pedestrian suspension bridge, and riding the epic Yamanami Highway. Take in Beppu from the top of Mt Tsurumi, before descending down to stay at this famous onsen resort town. Day 3 - Dogo Onsen Ferry across to the island of Shikoku, the smallest of the main islands, rich in natural beauty and twisties. Explore the dense mountains as you make your way to Dogo Onsen, a famous onsen area on the outskirts of Matsuyama. Stay near the traditional bathhouse, beautifully lit in the evening, where the Japanese Imperial family have their own private bath. Day 4 - Hiroshima Ride the Shimanami Kaidō, its bridges stepping over six islands as the Seto Inland Sea opens in wide, glittering vistas. Stop for lunch at Onomichi, a quaint seaside town with incredible views from the temple overlooking the town and the sea, before continuing on to Hiroshima visiting the UNESCO World Heritage Peace Memorial Park and museum, and sampling the local cuisine. Day 5 - Fukuoka Stretch out on the open road, with a day of sweeping curves and tight twisties through beautiful countryside. Ride Japan’s largest karst plateau and visit the cave underneath, and stop off for lunch at the old castle town of Tsuwano. Eventually, cross the bridge connecting Honshu with Kyushu, and return to Fukuoka, completing a journey that connects fire and water across Japan’s southern islands.

How it Works

Ride at your own pace, we’ll handle the rest Book online - Click the link which will take you to our Self Guided Tour page. Secure your spot in minutes by booking directly on your chosen tour’s page. Include any add-ons you would like. We plan your ride - After receiving your booking, we’ll start finalising your ride plan and arranging accommodation, your motorbike and any cultural experiences that are included on your selected route. You ride - arrive in Japan ready to roll. We’ll send you everything you need, including a detailed guidebook with map links, local tips and what to do if you need help.

What is Included?

We organise everything for you, including: Motorbike, including insurance Pre-planned daily routes Comfortable accommodations booked for you, breakfast included. Accommodations are a mix of western-style and traditional ryokan accommodation depending on availability. Guidebook with route map links, highlights, food recommendations and cultural tips Note: Luggage can be left at the Bike Stores during your adventure, free of charge. Helmets can also be hired for a small fee.

What is Not Included?

Flights to Japan Visas and personal travel insurance (mandatory) Transport to and from bike pickup location. Lunches, dinners (dinners can be included as part of optional add-on)

Optional Add-Ons

You can select the following optional add-ons during the online booking process: Luggage equipment (panniers​/​side bags​/​top case) - subject to bike model and availability. eSIM (data only) - to guide you through Japan on your adventure Dinners included at accommodations

What do you need to bring

Your passport Your domestic drivers licence Your International Driver’s Permit (IDP) - please note Japan is strict on IDP’s, and only the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic IDP is accepted. Your personal travel insurance policy - see our T&C’s for more info Helmet, gloves, jacket, boots, riding pants - note, helmets can be rented out for a small fee and subject to size availability.

Gear

Here’s a quick overview of Japan’s seasons and what kind of gear is recommended depending on your intended month of travel. Weather can vary significantly depending on region and elevation, so it’s worth planning accordingly. Spring (March - May) - expect mild temperatures, typically ranging from 10–20°C (50–68°F). Early spring can still be chilly in the mountains, so layering is key. We recommend a mid-weight jacket with thermal liner, gloves with some insulation, neck warmer. Summer (June - August) - expect warm to hot conditions, especially in central and southern Japan. Daytime temperatures can range from 25–35°C (77–95°F). Rain is frequent in June, and it is very humid most of the time. Totally fine to ride if you're adequately prepared. We recommend a ventilated mesh jacket, summer gloves, waterproof overlay, and a hydration pack if you have one. Autumn​/​fall (September - November) - expect comfortable riding conditions similar to spring. Temperatures range from 10–25°C (50–77°F). Cool mornings and evenings are common, especially in higher areas. We recommend a versatile touring jacket with removable layers, light rain protection, neck warmer. Winter (December - February) - We don't run tours during this period due to weather conditions and road closures.

Our Bikes

https://www.shogunmotorbikeadventures.com/our-bikes

Cancellation and Refund Policy

https://www.shogunmotorbikeadventures.com/terms-conditions