13 Day Guided Motorcycle Tour in Central Honshu, Japan

Kids dressed as anime characters, five-story gaming arcades, and flashing neon lights; ancient shrines, tranquil bamboo groves, rocky river valleys, and volcanic peaks. Skyscrapers and traditional wooden houses, heated toilet seats, geishas, shoguns, samurais, hot springs, and incredible cuisine - it is almost impossible to list all the reasons to visit Japan. Perhaps the most unique aspect of the Land of the Rising Sun is how its ancient culture and traditions thrive alongside hypermodern innovation and futuristic cities.

On this two-week motorcycle tour, you explore the central region of Japan’s main island, Honshu, discover this fascinating duality, marvel at natural wonders, savor amazing cuisine, and admire the iconic creations of Japan’s world-famous car and motorcycle industries at the Yamaha and Honda museums. After immersing yourself in Tokyo’s high-tech world, you leave behind its Blade Runner-esque atmosphere and ascend winding mountain roads into the densely forested peaks of the Japanese Alps.

Along the way, you pass through narrow river valleys and scenic mountain passes, ancient Shinto shrines, spa towns built around volcanic hot springs, and authentic villages that still preserve the Edo-era legacy of samurais and merchants. Finally, you head to the northern coast of the island, where you leave your tracks on the concrete-hard sandy shores of the Sea of Japan, before heading south along the largest lake in the country toward Kyoto, the cultural hub, and Nara, the ancient capital, home to shrines and free-roaming deer.

On the final leg of your journey, you travel back to Tokyo’s bustling heart along the Pacific Ocean coastline, with the iconic Mount Fuji providing a stunning backdrop as you cap off your journey. There is a maximum of 12 group members, representing a mix of nationalities. GoBeyond makes high-quality content in all their camps. You will receive the photos after returning home to remember all the amazing memories. You do not ride fast or in extreme terrain, so if you are comfortable riding a 600 to 700cc bike for six to eight hours on the tarmac, even in the rain, there is no need to worry that your skills are not up to it.

You will be staying in the central area of Japan's main island, Honshu, known as the Chubu region. A comfortable transfer will take you from the airport to your accommodation and back after the tour. The price does not include transport within Tokyo, as it is expected that there will be occasions when the whole group will not be moving together, and everyone will be able to use public transport with a card added to their phone. Outside of Tokyo, you will use the hired motorbikes throughout the trip, and a support car will be available if needed.

Daily itinerary

Day 1: Arrival

You arrive in Tokyo, where a transfer will be waiting for you at the airport, and the team will gather in Shinjuku. You acclimatize, recover from the long journey, and dive into Tokyo's vibrant nightlife.

Day 2: One of the world's most exciting cities

After breakfast, you head out for a sightseeing tour to the must-see spots, but since your goal is for everyone to get the most out of one of the world’s most exciting cities, you adjust the schedule based on the team's preferences. During the city tour, you visit one of Tokyo's most significant Shinto shrines, the Meiji Jingu Temple. You explore the bustling center of the metropolis, Shibuya, and of course, you cannot miss the world’s most famous intersection. In the evening, you lose yourself in the traditional bars, known as izakayas, in the popular nightlife district, Shinjuku.

Day 3: The beginning of the tour

After breakfast, you pick up your bikes, say farewell to the world’s most populous metropolis, and head north. In the afternoon, you visit the Honda Museum, which showcases around 350 cars and motorcycles, where you admire the legendary vehicles of this global brand. You spend the evening in Utsunomiya, the capital of Tochigi Prefecture, known for its exceptionally delicious gyoza. In the evening, you relax in the hotel’s onsen, unwinding from the urban frenzy and tuning into the slower pace of the countryside.

Day 4: Winding through the mountains

Your first stop is Nikko, where you marvel at the 103-building shrine complex, including the Toshogu Shrine, considered the most elaborately decorated shrine in Japan. You continue winding through the Japanese Alps, passing volcanic mountains, river valleys, mountain lakes, and waterfalls, until you reach the uniquely atmospheric spa town of Kusatsu, where you relax your feet in a roadside footbath filled with steaming hot spring water. By evening, you arrive in Nagano Prefecture, where an authentic 200-year-old ryokan awaits you with a traditional dinner, followed by a soothing soak in the onsen to unwind from the long day.

Day 5: Monkeys, Venus Line, and Lake Suwa

After breakfast, you visit the world-famous Jigokudani Monkey Park and then set off on one of Japan's most scenic routes, the Venus Line, where you wind through beautiful mountain ranges, plateaus, rivers, lakes, and waterfalls, all the way to Lake Suwa. Lake Suwa is not only the largest lake in Nagano Prefecture and a popular spot for relaxation, but it is also a part of Japanese culture, featured in films, anime, and video games. In the evening, you enjoy dinner at your lakeside hotel, unwind in the onsen, and take in the peaceful view of the lake.

Day 6: Exploring authentic small towns

After breakfast, you saddle up again and head northwest through the volcanic mountains toward the Sea of Japan. Your first stop is Narai-juku, located along the ancient Nakasendo route once traveled by samurais, merchants, and other mysterious travelers. The town still preserves the cityscape from centuries ago. In an open house, you can also see how merchants lived during the Edo period.

As you continue winding through the mountains, you arrive in Takayama, often referred to as the crown jewel of Gifu Prefecture, and shortly after, you reach the mountain village of Ainokura, adorned with traditional Gassho-style houses. You spend the night on the shores of the Sea of Japan, in an authentic guesthouse, a minshuku.

Day 7: Noto Peninsula, Kanazawa

You have breakfast at the market next to your accommodation and take a stroll around the harbor town, often called the Venice of Japan, with its unique atmosphere. You visit a 300-year-old home of an Edo-period seafaring family and a ceramic artist’s gallery. In the afternoon, you ride out to the Noto Peninsula, where you enjoy the stunning view of the bay from the mountaintop. Then, you head south along the western coast, Japan’s only stretch of beach where you can ride directly along the water, on the firm, sandy shore. You spend the night at a hotel in downtown Kanazawa, just a few minutes' walk from the historic district, where samurais and their families once lived.

Day 8: Sea of Japan, Lake Biwa, and Kyoto

In the morning, you continue your journey along the Sea of Japan, making stops at the most scenic parts of the coastline. Then, you head inland, winding through mountains, valleys, forests, and towns until you reach Japan's largest lake, Lake Biwa. Along the way, you are accompanied by castles, villages, towns, rivers, and dense forests as you move southward. On the other side, you arrive in Kyoto. Known as Japan's cultural capital, you settle into your accommodation and explore the city's vibrant nightlife.

Day 9: Rest day in Kyoto

You take a rest day in Kyoto and visit the city’s key landmarks - at least those you can fit into one day. In the northern part of the city, you visit the famous Zen Buddhist Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji) and the beautiful bamboo forest. In the afternoon, you head to the eastern side of the city. You see the Imperial Palace, a symbol of Kyoto’s history, along with its expansive surrounding park.

You also visit the Fushimi Inari Shrine, known for its striking orange torii gates made of cedar wood, which lead you through scenic walking paths. You wrap up this long sightseeing day with a visit to downtown izakaya, where you relax and enjoy some local food.

Day 10: Nara

After breakfast, you head to the ancient city of Nara, which was Japan's first permanent capital in the eighth century and boasts some of the country’s oldest temples. At Todai-ji Temple, you see the world’s largest bronze Buddha statue, standing 15 meters high, and of course, you also visit the free-roaming deer in Nara Park. Next, you visit the nearby Horyuji Temple, built in 607.

It is not only one of Japan’s oldest temples but also the world’s oldest surviving wooden structure. In the afternoon, you head east, circling around the Ise Bay, passing through Nagoya, and finally reaching Lake Hamana. You end the day by relaxing in the onsen at your lakeside hotel.

Day 11: Yamaha Museum and Fuji

You start your final motorcycling day at the Yamaha Museum, where you admire iconic pieces from Japan’s automotive and motorcycle history. In the afternoon, you spend a significant portion of the journey on the highway heading back to Tokyo. Before reaching the metropolis, you take one last ride into the mountains, winding along former volcanic craters and the mountain ridge, while enjoying exceptional views of Mount Fuji, Komagatake, and Lake Ashinoko. By evening, you return to Tokyo, return the motorcycles, and raise a glass to the great adventure you have had.

Day 12: Tokyo

You spend your last full day in Tokyo with a free program. Depending on the team's mood, you may head out for a joint city tour, but everyone is free to explore their own path and visit the shops that interest them most, picking up those essential souvenirs. In the evening, you gather for a farewell dinner to say goodbye to each other and to Japan, and then you will try to get some rest before the long journey home.

Day 13: Departure

You head to the airport by private transfer, with everyone departing according to their flight schedules. After two weeks of unforgettable adventures, you leave feeling pleasantly tired and with memories that will last a lifetime as you fly back home.

The program is subject to change at any time. The final itinerary depends on current weather conditions and the group’s skills and stamina.

Motorcycle

Motorcycle rental for nine days and fuel for the tour route. Depending on availability and your preferences, you can choose from well-maintained, long-distance touring bikes made in Japan, such as the Yamaha XSR700 or Kawasaki Z650. The tour will be led by a GoBeyond motorcycle guide with years of experience. Your luggage will be transported by a support vehicle, driven by your local guide. To take part in the tour, you need an international driving license category "A" issued in accordance with the Geneva Convention on Road Traffic. Everyone must bring their own protective gear and helmet.

They do not recommend wearing leather motorcycle gear as you will not be riding fast and May typically has warm, early-summer temperatures. Due to the significant elevation changes (from sea level to 2000 meters), the daytime temperatures can vary, so layering your clothing is the best option. While May is usually not a rainy season, showers can still happen, so waterproof gear is advised. Hiking boots or motorcycle boots that go above the ankle are recommended.

Road conditions

During the eight-day motorcycle tour, you will cover approximately 2,000 kilometers on good quality, asphalted, and mostly low-traffic roads. The precision and quality so typical of the Japanese do not let you down here, so you get the chance to experience what it is like to ride on mirrored asphalt in the forest. Along the way, you will get used to driving on the left-hand side of the road and the local traffic culture: nowhere else in the world are drivers so patient and courteous.

Skill level(s) required for this tour: intermediate and advanced

Intermediate:

• can ride for 3-4 hours
• average riding experience
• little assistance required
• comfortable with extreme curves and leans
• average experience with unsurfaced roads
• steep ascents and descents

Advanced:

• can ride for 5-6 hours
• extensive riding experience
• assistance on demand (if required)
• experienced with riding a variety of motorcycles
• comfortable with any terrain and weather conditions