Words and Photos by: @monster.rally
YELENA IN JAPAN
Intrepid adventurer Yelena Sophia recently crossed the globe to ride the Land of the Rising Sun. Transversing almost 1000 miles around Japan with her boyfriend, she learned a thing or two about how to ride, explore, and enjoy this beautiful island country during the summer.
Tokyo > Karuizawa > TayAma > Nagoya > Osaka > Kyoto > Ise > Shizuoka > Hakone > Tokyo
We spent two weeks touring the Japanese countryside: here’s what we learned.
Neon-lit streets, skyscrapers, and all that urban glitz of Tokyo are great, but there's a whole different world in Japan that most people don’t see and it’s hidden in the countryside. As you bid farewell to the bustling cityscape and dive headfirst into the mountains, there’s an enchantment that fills the air. It murmurs through the leaves of ancient trees, waltzes across serene rice fields, and drifts alongside the crystalline waters of meandering rivers. This enchantment is an exclusive experience reserved for those who take to two wheels and venture into the unknown. Here are some things I learned from riding just under 1,000 miles across Japan.
The Cost of Freedom
Motorcycle rentals in Japan can be relatively expensive, especially if you're after a high-quality bike. We rented our motorcycles from Rental819 in Odaiba and they were practically new. After insurance and the cost of rental, each bike costs $1,400 to rent. The benefit of a fancy bike was that the 2022 Honda Africa Twin came equipped with a DTC self-shifting clutch. In general, Japanese drivers are very slow and you get away with a smaller bike but be prepared to need power if you intend to use the highway system.
Left-Side Learning Curve
Riding on the left side of the road in Japan can be a real mind-bender for those accustomed to the right side. It takes time and patience to adapt to this unique traffic flow, so be prepared for a learning curve. Unlike riding at home, when you’re turning right, remember that someone is trying to kill you because they don’t have to stop.
Tunnel Vision
Japan's mountainous terrain means you'll encounter tunnels everywhere you go. These engineering marvels make for some exhilarating rides but also demand careful navigation due to varying light conditions and traffic. The temperature drops in the tunnels, so if it’s already cold prepare for it to dip even colder. For us, it was a welcome relief from the summer heat.
As you bid farewell to the bustling cityscape and dive headfirst into the mountains, there’s an enchantment that fills the air.
Pricey Toll Roads
While the highways in Japan are well-maintained and have wonderful rest stops, they can be expensive to ride on. For two bikes and two weeks, ETC cost us $260 in total. Be sure to budget for tolls, as they can add up quickly and significantly impact your travel costs.
Parking Puzzles
Parking your motorcycle in Japan can be a quirky experience. Some people treat your motorcycle as if it were a bicycle and are happy to find a little corner to tuck it into, while others may be hesitant to let you park at all. Familiarize yourself with local parking rules and etiquette to avoid any awkward situations. Give yourself extra time to park in crowded areas.
Battling the Elements
Japan's climate is diverse, and one element that can impact your trip is the occasional typhoon. Being prepared for adverse weather conditions is crucial. Monitor weather forecasts and have a flexible itinerary to adapt to changing conditions. We spent the majority of our trip in the heat and I was grateful to have my Atwyld Barricade Armored Shirt and Atwyld Maxi Armored Ride Shorts. I also used an Alpinestars Cooling Vest, which worked okay. At the end of the day, drenching water over my head worked best.
Keep your coins
Even in the most remote villages, you’ll be able to find a vending machine with cool drinks. It’s probably one of the things I’ll miss the most.
