A packed guide to travelling overland in Japan with info on paperwork, roads, visas, navigation, tips and loads more.
Motorcycle Travel Guides
JAPAN
Budget
Cheap: £20-£50 per day
Mid: £50-£100 per day
Money: Card is accepted but cash is king. ATMs are found in 7-Elevens and Family Marts.
Currency: Yen ¥
Food: Cafe £6. Restaurant £22.
Accommodation:
Plenty of government run free campsites. Paid campsites are £10 – £15. Dorms £22. Business hotel double room £75
Petrol: £1.11 litre
When to go
Blossoms: April-May
Autumn: Sep-Nov
High: Apr and May is cherry blossom season and peak travel time. Sights are more crowded, accommodation is more expensive and usually fully booked. Mountainous regions are popular in August.
Mid: Jun-Jul and Sep-Nov. October is our favourite time to travel because of cooler temperatures. Autumn is gorgeous but draws big crowds.
Low: Dec-Mar. Sights are quiet and accommodation is at its cheapest (except ski resorts). Many businesses close over the New Year period (end of Dec to early Jan).
Paperwork
Visa: Free on arrival 90 days
Carnet required: Depends
Visa: Many countries are offered a free visa on arrival for 90 days.
Carnet: You need a Carnet if you enter/exit via shipping or freight.
Temporary Import: You can use a TIP instead of a Carnet if you enter/exit with a ferry.
International Driver’s Permit: Compulsory. You must have an IDP to operate a vehicle in Japan.
Insurance: Compulsory. You must have insurance to operate a vehicle in Japan.
Don't miss
Hokaido: Wild West
South: Stunning nature
Hakuba is incredible for biking and known as Japan’s Little Switzerland.
Hokaido is Japan’s wild west.
A Big Four Museum Tour is a must for bike fans.
Kochi and Kumamoto are beautiful places to ride too.
Getting in/out
Ferry: SK or Russia
Shipping: Worldwide
As Japan is an island, your only options for entering are via ferry from either South Korea or Russia; or shipping your motorcycle from another country.
Japan is a phenomenal blend of culture, architecture, stunning scenery and fascinating ancient history. And riding a motorcycle through this incredible country is the best way to explore it and uncover its hidden gems. Japan is seriously addictive and you’re going to love it.
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