Ultimate Japan One-Way Guided Tour
Wild landscapes & sacred traditions -Departure from Fukuoka-

Departing from Fukuoka, you’ll ride through the gentle hills of Yame, where vast tea fields stretch as far as the eye can see. At Nabegataki Falls, you can even walk behind the curtain of water—an unforgettable way to feel the cool breath of nature. After a break at Senomoto Rest House, a beloved stop for Kyushu riders, continue toward Aso’s iconic Daikanbo viewpoint. The outer rim road leading there offers sweeping views of Aso’s grand grasslands and endless sky. Passing through the crystal‑clear waters of Kikuchi Gorge, you’ll arrive in Kumamoto.

Leaving Kumamoto, you’ll take a short break at a roadside station before riding across the elegant spiral of the Hitoyoshi Loop Bridge, surrounded by mountain scenery. The Ebino Skyline then welcomes you with dramatic volcanic landscapes that shift as you climb in elevation. A visit to Kirishima Shrine follows, where the deep forest and vivid vermilion shrine buildings create a serene, spiritual atmosphere. The day ends in tropical‑feeling Miyazaki, where the sound of Pacific waves sets the tone for a relaxing evening.

Today you head north from Miyazaki to the mystical Takachiho Gorge, famous for its towering basalt cliffs and emerald‑green river. After lunch, enjoy a gentle mountain ride toward Beppu and visit “Umi Jigoku,” one of the city’s iconic hot‑spring hells. The bubbling cobalt‑blue pool is a sight found nowhere else. You’ll finish the day in Beppu, a town rich with hot‑spring culture and perfect for unwinding.

This is the longest riding day of the tour. After leaving Beppu, your first stop is Hiraodai Karst Plateau—one of Japan’s three major karst landscapes—where white limestone rocks dot a wide, open highland. Next, you’ll explore Akiyoshido, one of Japan’s largest limestone caves and a designated Special Natural Monument, stepping into a vast underground world carved by nature. Crossing the Chugoku Mountains, you’ll enjoy a rewarding ride all the way to Hiroshima.

Hiroshima Sightseeing Day (Riding Rest Day). Enjoy your free time exploring historical sites such as Miyajima Island and its iconic torii gate in the harbor, the A-Bomb Dome and its museum, and savoring Hiroshima’s famous okonomiyaki (a delicious teppan hotplate dish), among other local attractions.

On this day, depart Hiroshima and head to Kure to visit the Yamato Museum, where you’ll learn about the legendary battleship Yamato and Japan’s naval engineering history. From here, the journey continues onto the Shimanami Kaido, a scenic route crossing the calm island‑studded Seto Inland Sea. 
This route was celebrated by CNN as one of the 7 most amazing cycling courses in the world. So cyclists and riders from around the world gather here, creating a lively two‑wheel atmosphere.
On Ikuchijima, you will first visit Miraishin Hill, a garden made of chalk marble, where you can enjoy the refreshing scent of lemons. Continue across the bridges and islands toward Matsuyama on Shikoku. 

On this day, heading south from Matsuyama, you’ll ride into the Shikoku Karst—one of Japan’s three great karst plateaus—where sweeping grasslands, white limestone, and wind turbines create a breathtaking “sky meadow” landscape. Descending into the valley, you’ll follow the clear waters of the Shimanto River, where traditional low‑water “chinka bridges” appear along the route. Crossing a couple of them offers a mix of gentle thrill and timeless river scenery. The day ends in Kochi, welcomed by warm local culture and delicious Tosa cuisine.

Another long but rewarding day begins as you bid farewell to Shikoku and cross the Seto Ohashi Bridge, enjoying sweeping views of the island‑dotted Seto Inland Sea. In Kurashiki’s Bikan Historical Quarter, white‑walled storehouses and riverside scenery deepen the sense of travel. Riding through stylish Kobe, you’ll continue toward the ancient capital of Kyoto.

On this day, we will take a break from riding and enjoy sightseeing in Kyoto. This will be a free day for sightseeing, so if you prefer to explore on your own, feel free to do so. Our guide will take you to three main attractions: the Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji), covered in gold leaf; the large Kiyomizu-dera Temple perched on a hill; and Nishiki Market, you can sample Kyoto’s culinary delights in a lively, walkable atmosphere. Let’s explore these must-see spots in Kyoto together. (Transportation will primarily be by train and taxi.)

Leaving Kyoto, you’ll visit Nara Park, where friendly deer roam freely and the calm atmosphere of Japan’s ancient capital surrounds you. Continuing south, we will arrive at Mount Koya, one of Japan’s sacred sites and the center of Shingon Buddhism, founded by the prominent religious figure Kobo Daishi. Despite its small size, Mount Koya boasts a high concentration of revered sites, including Kongobuji Temple, the head temple of Shingon Buddhism, and Okunoin, where you can take a 2 km walk to Kobo Daishi’s mausoleum. After enjoying the mountain curves of the Ryujin Skyline, you’ll descend toward the coastal resort town of Shirahama.

Start the morning with a meditation experience at Daitaiji Temple, a peaceful way to reset your mind for the day’s ride. Next, we will visit a World Heritage site nestled in the mountains of Kumano. There are three major shrines in the Kumano area that are registered as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and the tour will visit one of them: Nachi Taisha.
Nachi Falls, one of Japan's top three waterfalls, is located very close to Nachi Taisha and is a popular power spot believed to promote longevity. In fact, the three-legged crow "Yatagarasu," featured in the emblem of the Japanese national soccer team for many years, is actually a messenger of the gods of Kumano. You can find depictions of Yatagarasu everywhere, so keep an eye out for them.
Next, we’ll ride to Oni-ga-jo, a fascinating historical site where we’ll delve into the local history and enjoy a delicious lunch. The day concludes in the scenic Ise‑Shima area.

Firstly, we’ll ride a short distance to Ise Grand Shrine, one of the top three shrines in Japan, to explore the rich history of this magnificent shrine. Set within a serene forest, with walkways dating back to the early 19th century, Ise Grand Shrine is dedicated to the Sun Goddess Amaterasu. This sacred site has been revered for over 2,000 years.
After enjoying local specialties like Akafuku mochi and Ise udon, ride the Ise‑Shima Skyline, where sea and mountains blend into a spectacular panorama. From Toba Port, take a short ferry ride across the bay and continue to the Suzuki History Museum, home to many iconic motorcycles and vehicles. Stay overnight in Hamamatsu.

Depart Hamamatsu and visit the Yamaha Communication Plaza, where the heritage and innovation of one of Japan’s major motorcycle manufacturers come to life. Ride the scenic Nihondaira ridge, enjoying views of Mt. Fuji and Suruga Bay, before stopping for a famous eel lunch. The afternoon takes you along the western coastline of the Izu Peninsula, arriving at your hotel just in time for a beautiful sunset.

On the final riding day, you’ll enjoy some of Japan’s most iconic mountain roads with views of Mt. Fuji. The Nishi‑Izu Skyline offers a thrilling ridge‑top ride where sea and mountains unfold on both sides. At Darumayama Plateau, a sweeping panorama of Mt. Fuji and Suruga Bay marks a perfect climax to the journey. Visit Hamamatsuya in Hakone to see traditional yosegi woodcraft, then stop at Biker’s Paradise Minami‑Hakone for fresh coffee before your last exhilarating run on the Hakone Turnpike. After returning your motorcycle safely in Yokohama, celebrate the adventure at a farewell dinner.

Please check out of the hotel and begin your journey home; safe travels, and we look forward to seeing you on our next tour! You can join an optional Tokyo short trip, if you are interested in it. A specialist guide will accompany you around the Shibuya area.

Safe travels, and we look forward to seeing you on our next tour!