Word is out and people from around the world are now descending on Japan to experience all its wonders; but most travelers never go beyond Tokyo, Kyoto and Mt. Fuji. If you're someone who feels the need to go deeper, to explore more, to get off the well beaten path, then there's no better way to see Japan than by motorbike.
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Japan is an ideal motorcycling destination, and has everything you could wish for: diverse scenic landscapes, great twisty mountain roads, rugged coastlines, and thousands of temples, shrines, castles and small villages to discover. Japanese onsen hotsprings are never too far away after a long days ride, and accommodation nationwide offers fantastic Japanese service and first rate cuisine.
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MOTORCYCLING IN JAPAN
If you have just a few days to get out of the city, head to the Izu peninsula. Take the Tomei expressway west out of town and down towards the coast. With the smell of the ocean and the sight of the swell rolling in, thoughts of Tokyo will be left far behind. After an hour or so, you’ll find yourself in the seaside onsen town of Atami. With a beach, a harbor and plenty of restaurants, this is an ideal spot to take a walk and find some lunch.
Next, climb up from the coast to meet the famous Izu skyline, Enjoy the gentle twists and turns as you make your way south to meet up with scenic route 59; a personal favorite that will take you deep into the heart of the peninsula. Weave your way through forgotten mountain villages, past bamboo forests, small rice paddies, and hillside wasabi plantations. Now, this is the real Japan.![MOTORCYCLING IN JAPAN]()
MOTORCYCLING IN JAPAN
The road soon narrows and the forest closes in as you clear the mountain pass. Pop out the other side and join route 414, renowned for its 720 degree loop-the-loop bridge. Designed to bring you down from the mountains into the valley, this stretch of road puts a smile on my face every time. Now you are back at the coast, and what a magnificent coast it is.
Shirahama beach (or ‘white beach’ in Japanese), is beautiful. Continue on further to Shimoda town, famous for Perry and the black ships. Then it’s cove after cove of white sandy beaches; picture perfect, and more often than not empty of crowds. This is a perfect place to spend the night, or preferably longer. The ride back to Tokyo by way of Irozaki cape and the Izu west coast is even better (if that’s possible); rugged cliffs, crystal clear bays, small fishing villages, and Mt. Fuji views along the way. You won’t believe you’re just a day’s ride from Tokyo.![MOTORCYCLING IN JAPAN]()
MOTORCYCLING IN JAPAN
If you have more time available and wish to go beyond Izu, Mt. Fuji and Nikko, head up to the highlands of Nagano and ride the Japan Alps. These mountains rival the European Alps and are huge. Mountain passes are as high as 2000m, which means the riding season is shorter here, but during the warmer months you can ride for days on awe-inspiring roads.
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MOTORCYCLING IN JAPAN
And for those who really wish to explore, there is so much more. Visit the less-traveled regions of Shikoku, Chugoku or Kii peninsula, where you’ll find villages frozen in time. Each region has its own style of architecture, its own local delicacies and the Japanese dialects here are so unique that even most Japanese look around for a translator. Go further still and discover the island of Kyushu, Japan’s fourth and most volcanic island. Aso National park, at the heart of the island, is a must see, and what better way to take it all in than from the saddle of a motorcycle.
![MOTORCYCLING IN JAPAN]()
MOTORCYCLING IN JAPAN
By now, you are probably itching to get a bike and go, but you’re thinking it just can’t be that easy. But actually it is. Naturally, you’ll need a motorcycle licence, and Japan requires that you also have the correct type of International Driving Permit (or a licence translation if from certain countries). Due to the growing interest in Japan, getting on the road is easier than it used to be. Services like Japan Bike Rentals will be able to help you plan your trip and answer any questions you have. They rent BMWs and Japanese bikes, and also have cases and riding gear available for rent, so you won’t even need to bring your own helmet. They have GPS units so you won’t get lost, and they offer a range of touring packages, so that if you wish to have your riding route planned and your hotels booked, that can all be done for you.
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MOTORCYCLING IN JAPAN
Now you know what’s out there and how to do it, there’s nothing holding you back. Get adventurous, escape the usual tourists traps and see what Japan really has to offer. You won’t regret it.
ボルダリング&SPA-安吏樹リゾート修善寺ANNEX-
熊坂1256-9 Izu
AMAO VILLA 熱海
熱海市伊豆山 1165番地201 Atami
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