Japan is an absolute dream destination for motorcyclists, and it should be close to the top of your bucket list! Providing perfectly paved roads, stunning mountain passes, serene coastal routes, and rich cultural stops along the way, it offers a perfect combination of excellent riding and a beautiful culture.
But, if you’re visiting from overseas, navigating the process of renting a motorcycle can feel daunting. Fortunately, with the right information and preparation, you’ll be on the road in no time!
Choosing the Right Rental Company
Japan has several motorcycle rental providers, but easily the most accessible and reliable options is Rental819, with over 130 locations nationwide. Shogun Motorbike Adventures partners with Rental819 for our bikes for good reason. Their wide selection—ranging from scooters to high-end touring machines—makes it easy to find something that fits everyone’s style and experience level.
Rental819’s bikes are well-maintained and come with roadside assistance, giving you the peace of mind you need to just enjoy the ride.
Their online booking system is available in English, with clear instructions and easy payment options, and many locations (especially in major cities) are familiar with foreign riders. Big shoutout to Fukuoka branch – one of our favourites!
Documentation You’ll Need
Make sure you have the correct documents with you, otherwise you will be turned away when you arrive to pick up your bike. Japan is a country where following the rules is extremely important, so don’t expect any flexibility!
You need:
- Your domestic motorcycle license – you must hold a valid license in your home country for the class of bike you intend to ride
- International Driving Permit (IDP) – this must be issued in your home country by an authorised issuer under the 1949 Geneva Convention. It should be valid for 1 year. Please note Japan does not accept IDPs under the 1968 Vienna Convention. Double check your IDP has “1949 Geneva Convention” on the front.
- Your passport – this is used for identification purposes, and the rental shop usually makes a copy, just like a hotel.
- Physical copies – you must bring the original physical copies of all of the above, electronic digital or scanned versions are not accepted.
Age Restrictions
Japan’s legal driving age for motorcycles is 20, so you’ll need to be at least 20 years old to rent a bike. For larger bikes (like those over 750cc) there may be a higher age requirement due to insurance limitations, this will probably depend on the particular bike company’s arrangements.
Riding Gear Requirements
Another key point to be aware of is gear. Many shops expect you to arrive properly equipped and they may refuse to rent a bike if you’re not. At minimum, you will need:
- A full-face helmet
- A protective riding jacket
- Long pants – technical riding pants are preferred, but sturdy jeans will likely be accepted
We also strongly recommend gloves and boots for safety. Most Rental819 branches offer gear rental, so while bringing your own gear is usually most comfortable there should be gear available to rent—just reach out to the particular branch you’re renting from.
Fuel Policy
Your motorbike will be supplied with a full tank of fuel, and you are required to return it full. Get the receipt for the final fill up, just in case they ask for proof.
Make sure to build in extra time for the final fuel stop before you drop off the bike.
Navigation and Language Barriers
Most Japanese road signs are in Japanese and English, especially on highways and major roads. However, sometimes smaller rural roads may have limited English signage. You can easily get around this limitation with a smartphone using Google Maps for your routes. All bikes with Rental819 should come with a secure phone holder for free.
You can also navigate language barriers with locals using translate apps. However, it’s helpful to learn some basic relevant phrases like “mantan” which means a full-tank (useful for full service fuel stations) or “yoyaku o shimashita” which means I made a reservation.
Weather Considerations
Japan’s weather varies widely by region and season, so it’s important to plan accordingly:
- Spring (March–May): Mild and beautiful, but high mountain roads may still have snow. Double check the roads you want to go on are actually open. For example, the Venus Skyline in Nagano doesn’t open until early May.
- Summer (June–August): Hot and humid, with a rainy season in June–July and potential typhoons in late summer.
- Autumn (September–November): Ideal riding weather—crisp air, clear skies, and stunning foliage.
- Winter (December–February): Cold and snowy, with mountain passes and northern regions often closed to bikes. Southern Kyushu and Okinawa remain rideable year-round.
Always check forecasts before riding and be mindful of seasonal road closures in mountain areas. Bring or hire the appropriate gear for the season as well!
Insurance and Riding in Japan
Rental packages typically include basic insurance, but it’s worth upgrading to more comprehensive coverage that reduces or removes excess liability in the event of an accident. Repair costs in Japan can be expensive, so this small investment adds valuable peace of mind. However, it generally isn’t possible to completely waive deductibles or excess. That’s why Shogun strongly recommends you take out appropriate travel insurance for ultimate peace of mind.
On the road, make sure to keep in mind:
- Ride on the left-hand side
- Observe strict speed limits: 30–40 km/h in cities, 50–60 km/h on rural roads, and 80 km/h on highways. These often seem very slow, but it’s best to follow the rules—you don’t want to get in trouble with the police.
- Highway tolls are common—bikes from major rental companies are usually equipped with ETC cards for automatic toll payment. Make sure this is included in your rental. The purple gates are the ETC gates (green for cash).
- Parking rules are enforced. Always use designated motorcycle parking areas to avoid fines or towing.
- Pillions prohibited on expressways in central Tokyo. See our Road Rules page for an explanation and map.
Booking Tips for a Smooth Experience
We recommend reserving early—Rental819 allows reservations 4 months out, and popular touring bikes can book out quickly during peak riding seasons (spring and autumn).
Plan your pickup locations—urban branches like Ikebukuro or Odaiba in Tokyo are more accustomed to working with foreigners.
Allow extra time—on pickup, expect around 30–45 minutes for paperwork, a discussion on insurance and a briefing about the bike.
Learn the basic road rules—you can check out our Road Rules page for an overview.
Why It’s Worth the Effort
Renting a motorbike in Japan can be daunting, and involves preparation—but it’s totally worth it. From the sweeping curves of the Ashinoko Skyline near Mt Fuji, to Hokkaido’s open expanse, and Kyushu’s volcanic landscape, Japan offers the most rewarding motorcycle experience on earth.
With the right documents, proper riding gear, and a great bike from a great rental company like Rental819, you can ride confidently and immerse yourself in everything Japan has to offer—natural beauty, precision roads, and rich culture. It’s time to ride, explore and immerse!
