Behind the Scenes: A Day on a Shogun Motorbike Adventure
It’s Day 6 of the Fuji Explorer tour, and I wake up to the soft morning light spilling through the curtains of our hotel in Matsumoto. There’s a familiar buzz of excitement in the air—the kind that comes with being halfway through an epic ride. My gear is stacked near the door, and I can already smell the comforting aroma of freshly brewed coffee drifting from the hotel’s breakfast area.
We start the day the way every rider should: with a hearty, complimentary breakfast at the hotel. Bowls of steaming miso soup, plates of fresh fish, scrambled eggs, bacon and flaky croissants vanish quickly as laughter fills the room. There’s a camaraderie that forms on group motorbike tours that’s hard to explain to anyone who hasn’t been on one: strangers just days ago are now swapping riding stories, and ribbing each other about yesterday’s hairpins.
Once we’re full and caffeinated, it’s time to trade helmets for history. We set out on foot for Matsumoto Castle, one of Japan’s most beautiful and well-preserved samurai fortresses. Its jet-black walls stand stark against the backdrop of the Northern Alps, earning it the nickname “Crow Castle.” A local guide takes us through its winding wooden staircases and defensive towers, weaving tales of feudal lords, daring battles, and ancient samurai codes. It’s the perfect reminder that riding through Japan isn’t just about the roads—it’s about immersing yourself in the culture that makes this country so extraordinary.
But our brush with history doesn’t end there. Just a short stroll away, we arrive at a samurai workshop, where we’re greeted by an instructor dressed in traditional attire. He hands us sets of wooden swords, and within minutes, we’re transformed—modern-day bikers turned 16th-century Japanese samurai warriors. We learn the art of wielding a katana (samurai sword): how to stand, how to grip, how to deliver a cut with precision and respect. It’s a physical lesson, part-play, part-performance, and wholly unforgettable. Cameras click as we pose like warriors, grinning ear-to-ear.
By lunchtime, it’s time to shift gears—literally. We walk back to the hotel, pick up the bikes, and with engines rumbling to life, we’re off. Lunch today? A quick pit stop at a convenience store. This is the unsung hero of every motorbike tour in Japan. Lawson, FamilyMart, 7-Eleven… these places are a rider’s best friend. We grab onigiri rice balls, hot fried chicken, and canned coffee, eat standing by our bikes, and laugh at how even a convenience store lunch in Japan somehow hits the spot.
With stomachs satisfied and bodies fuelled, we aim north and ease into the kind of riding we came here for. The roads wind gently at first, tracing Route 254 through a picturesque valley dotted with quiet farming towns. The air smells faintly of cedar and rice paddies, and locals wave from their front doors as we glide past. Soon enough, we peel off onto Route 464, and this is where things really get fun.
Route 464 is a narrow, twisty climb that snakes up into the mountains, the kind of road that demands focus but rewards you with every perfectly carved corner. After a thrilling ride, we emerge at the Utsukushigahara Open Air Museum, perched high above the world. From here, the panorama is staggering: the Japanese Alps stretch endlessly in every direction, jagged peaks piercing the sky. We park up, grab coffees and snacks from local vendors, and simply soak it all in. The air is crisp and thin, a refreshing bite that fills your lungs and makes you feel alive.
But as spectacular as this is, the day’s crown jewel still lies ahead: The Venus Line.
For those who don’t know, the Venus Line is one of Japan’s most iconic riding roads. Stretching nearly 70 kilometres (44 miles) across the Nagano highlands, it’s a ribbon of tarmac that dances over ridgelines and through high meadows. The views shift constantly—alpine forests, sweeping grasslands, and distant volcanic peaks like Mount Asama stand guard on the horizon. It’s the kind of road that feels tailor-made for motorcyclists: flowing curves, light traffic, and that intoxicating sense of freedom that comes when the world seems to open up in front of you. We ride it hard, leaning through every bend, our engines singing in harmony with the wind.
By the time we roll into Tateshina, golden-hour light is spilling across the hills, deer are starting to emerge from the thick forest to graze at the edge of the trees. Our stop for the night is the Tateshina Shinyu Onsen, a luxurious traditional ryokan tucked deep in the highlands. Inside, tatami mats and sliding paper doors greet us, while staff in kimono bow and welcome us warmly. But the real magic? The onsen.
Fed by natural geothermal springs, this is no ordinary bath. We sink into steaming outdoor pools, muscles melting after the day’s ride, while mist curls off the surface into the cool mountain air. Overhead, stars prick the darkening sky. The laughter is softer now, tired but content, as we all settle into that post-ride bliss that only bikers truly understand.
Day 6 of the Fuji Explorer had it all: ancient castles, samurai swords, twisting mountain passes, and one of the best roads in Japan—all capped off with an unforgettable onsen soak. For us, it’s more than just a ride. It’s a perfect blend of culture, camaraderie, and world-class motorcycling—the kind of day that makes you wonder why you didn’t book this tour sooner.
To join our Fuji Explorer tour in 2026, head to the tour page and click book!
