13 Day Guided Motorcycle Tour in Central Honshu, Japan

Overview

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

Highlights

• Starts and ends in Tokyo
• Explore Honshu and its fascinating duality and natural wonders
• Experience amazing cuisine along the route
• Enjoy Blade Runner-esque atmosphere and winding mountain roads
• Pass through valleys, mountain passes, ancient Shinto shrines, hot springs, and authentic villages
• Track the concrete-hard sandy shores of the Sea of Japan
• 12 nights accommodation

Itinerary

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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 on

5. 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.

6. 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 trad

7. 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'

8. 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.

9. 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

10. 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 H

11. 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.

12. 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.

13. 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.

Ride Details

Terrain

mostly asphalt

Bike

rental bike (Yamaha XSR700, Kawasaki Z650, or similar category)

Mileage

2,000 kilometers / 1,243 miles

Daily rides

222 kilometers / 138 miles

Riding gear

not included: helmet, protective gear, and above-ankle hiking or motorcycle boots

Meals

all breakfasts, 2 dinners

Accommodation

You will stay in nine different types of accommodation, from small-town hotels to large urban hotels, as well as authentic Japanese inns called ryokans and minshukus. Many evenings, you can relax in hot springs at the end of long days, for three to four nights, you will sleep on futon beds and the other nights in Western-style beds. One night you enjoy the view of Lake Suwa, the last night of the motorcycle tour the view of Lake Hamana and every night you enjoy the benefits of heated toilet seats and home slippers. In total, you will spend eight nights in four-star hotels in major cities, two nights in small-town onsen hotels, and two nights in authentic Japanese ryokans and minshukus.

Food

You will be served daily breakfast and two dinners included in the price. Over the 13 days, you will immerse yourself in Japanese cuisine. In addition to rich ramen, fresh dumplings, and authentic sushi, you will try regional specialties such as soba noodles from Nagano. You will enjoy breakfast at the hotel 11 times, and one morning, you will have breakfast at a nearby market. Two evenings, dinner will be provided at your accommodations. For lunch, you will stop along the way, and in the evening, you will explore a local izakaya in each city. Expect noodle soups packed with vegetables, crispy tempuras, fermented vegetables, and table grilling experiences. There will even be moments when you

Getting There

The tour will take place in Japan. This is a road trip from Tokyo to Kyoto and back, through Japan's most beautiful and authentic landscapes. You will be staying in the central area of Japan's main island, Honshu, known as the Chubu region. [+](https://www.tripaneer.com/gobeyond/13-day-guided-motorcycle-tour-in-central-honshu-japan# "Zoom in") [−](https://www.tripaneer.com/gobeyond/13-day-guided-m