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 Cross-Island Expedition: A six-day, five-night, ~1,200 km journey uniting Honshu, Shikoku, and Kyushu through bridges, mountains, and volcanic landscapes. Reflect and Explore: Begin at Hiroshima’s Peace Memorial Park—a site of reflection and history—then follow Onomichi’s temple-lined slopes overlooking the serene Seto Inland Sea. Ride the Shimanami Kaido: Cross the celebrated bridge network connecting six islands over the Seto Inland Sea, a masterpiece of engineering offering sweeping coastal vistas and open-road exhilaration. Enter mystical Shikoku: Discover the island’s ancient roads, rural traditions, and magical scenery that embodies Japan’s spiritual and cultural depth. Volcanic Majesty of Mount Aso: Traverse the crater roads and sweeping caldera of Japan’s largest active volcano, where the landscape reveals raw geological power. Rejuvenate in Beppu: Relax in one of Japan’s most renowned hot spring towns, where geothermal steam and coastal breezes intertwine. Takachiho, the spiritual heart of Japan: Visit Takachiho, a sacred valley of myths and shrines, echoing Japan’s earliest creation legends. For the Experienced Explorer: Crafted for riders seeking both cultural richness and dynamic, technical roads across Japan’s most varied island terrain.

Tour Details

This six-day, five-night motorcycle tour covers approximately 1,200 km, averaging around four hours of riding per day. Departing from Fukuoka, the road takes you to Hiroshima, where you can reflect at the UNESCO World Heritage peace park and museum. Stroll Onomichi’s temple walk along the shimmering Seto Inland Sea, then cross the famed Shimanami Kaido, a series of incredible bridges linking Honshu and the island of Shikoku. On Shikoku, the journey traverses ancient valley roads deep in the mountains of this often forgotten part of Japan, with a walk through an epic gorge. A ferry (fare not included) returns you to Kyushu, where the renowned onsen resort town of Beppu’s volcanic hot springs provide rejuvenation. Continuing inland, the tour ascends to the vast caldera roads of Mount Aso, one of Japan’s greatest natural wonders, stops in Takachiho, where the mystical origins of Japan linger in sacred shrines and ancient gorges, and takes you to the castle town of Kumamoto, where a traditional tea ceremony experience awaits. Between Sea and Sky blends cultural pilgrimage with geographical grandeur, connecting Japan’s islands through a seamless arc of history, nature, and exhilarating riding. Ideal for: Experienced riders seeking a richly varied route that balances cultural immersion with dynamic, rewarding roads across Japan’s island chain.

Tour Dates

Tour Dates: This Tour is available throughout March to November

Full Itinerary

Day 1 – Onomichi Depart Fukuoka and ride east toward Hiroshima. Visit the Peace Memorial Park and Museum, and sample the local dish, okonomiyaki, in a chaotic and local market. - okonomiyaki. before continuing to Onomichi, a historic port town characterized by its temple-lined paths and hillside views of the Seto Inland Sea. Day 2 – Shikoku Island Continue on to Onomichi, a historic port town characterized by its temple-lined paths and hillside views of the Seto Inland Sea, before you cross the iconic Shimanami Kaido, spanning multiple islands via elegant bridges and scenic causeways. Continue into Shikoku’s tranquil interior, where mountain roads and traditional towns define the day’s journey. Day 3 – Shikoku Island Spend the day exploring the forgotten valleys of this ancient island, and take a rejuvenating walk through the spectacular Nakatsu Gorge. Day 4 – Beppu Enjoy a final ride through Shikoku’s winding forest routes before taking the ferry back to Kyushu (ferry fare not included). Arrive in Beppu, renowned for its “hells” and natural hot springs, for an evening of relaxation. Day 5 – Takachiho and Kumamoto Head into the heart of Kyushu, along sweeping forested curves and past giant volcanoes. Stop at the mystical town of Takachiho, a sacred site in Shinto mythology. Explore its gorge, shrines, and forested surroundings that evoke the spirit of Japan’s ancient origins.Then continue onto Kumamoto. Day 6 – Fukuoka Get up close and personal with Japan’s largest volcano, Mt Aso, and ride some of the epic roads around this panoramic volcanic vista. In the afternoon, descend through forest and countryside back to Fukuoka, completing a trans-island circuit that connects sea, sky, and mountain.

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