Heartland Odyssey
This extended 10-day journey takes you deep into the heart of Japan, offering a richer, more immersive adventure. Ride through towering mountain passes, explore serene forests, and uncover hidden cultural gems along the way. You'll have the time to truly connect with local traditions, stay in authentic Japanese accommodations, and indulge in regional specialties that offer a true taste of the country. With extra days to ride, relax, and explore, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of Japan's unique culture and history.
ITINERARY
Day 1
Mt Fuji & Yamanakako
We pick up our bikes and leave behind Tokyo’s hustle & bustle, heading southwest toward Mount Fuji. After a refreshment stop, we ascend to Fuji’s highest point, taking in breathtaking views—perfect for photos. We then descend to our lakeside accommodations at Lake Yamanaka, where the iconic Fuji-san stands ever-present over the tranquil waters.
Day 2
Lake Ashi, Owakudani & Hakone
Departing Lake Yamanaka, we stop at Biker’s Paradise Café for coffee and memorabilia before riding along Lake Ashi’s scenic north shore, with Fuji in the background. The afternoon is yours to explore the Owakudani volcanic area, take a gondola ride over steaming terrain, savor the famous Owakudani Curry, or visit shrines and winding mountain roads.
Day 3
Izu Peninsula
We ride south into the Izu Peninsula, where mountains meet the ocean. Twisting coastal roads along the western edge provide thrilling riding with Mount Fuji as a backdrop. We then head inland to the Kawazu Seven Waterfalls, hidden in the mountains. After a short optional trek, we unwind in the region’s famous geothermal onsen to relax for the night.
Day 4
Izu Skyline & Kawaguchiko
We begin by climbing the Kawazu Loop Bridge before heading to the Izu Skyline, a favorite among riders for its thrilling curves and sweeping views of Fuji and the coastline. After a traditional Japanese lunch, we visit a local brewery that crafts sake in winter and whiskey in spring, learning about the process and sampling some of Japan’s finest spirits.
Day 5
Nakasendo Trail, Magome & Tsumago
We ride along the picturesque Tenryu River to the historic town of Magome-Juku, where we enjoy a traditional lunch. Later, we take an optional 8km hike on the Nakasendo Trail to Tsumago-juku, following the footsteps of samurai. We return to Magome-Juku to spend the night in traditional accommodations.
Day 6
Nakasendo Trail & Kusatsu
Continuing our journey along the Nakasendo Trail, we ride through the Kiso Valley to the historic town of Narai, exploring local museums and artisan workshops. We then tackle epic mountain roads, including Japan’s highest national route, before arriving in Kusatsu, renowned for its geothermal onsens.
Day 7
Ueda & Matsumoto
After a morning stroll around Kusatsu’s hot spring town, we head to Ueda, where we delve into Sengoku-era history with a visit to the castle and old merchant district. Afterward, we continue to Matsumoto, staying for two nights and soaking in the town’s rich samurai history.
Day 8
Matsumoto
In Matsumoto, we take a guided tour of Matsumoto Castle before choosing from cultural experiences like samurai training, taiko drumming, or soba-making. Spend the afternoon exploring Matsumoto at your own pace or join an optional ride into the surrounding mountains for some extra adventure.
Day 9
Venus Skyline & Tateshina
We depart Matsumoto for an epic mountain ride, stopping for lunch before continuing on the scenic Venus Skyline towards the alpine Lake Shirakaba and beyond. We spend the night deep in the mountains.
Day 10
Marchen Road, Final Twisties & Tokyo
Our final day features a famous alpine stretch, then twisting roads in hidden valleys, capturing the essence of our adventure together. Then we hit the highway back to Tokyo, wrapping up with a farewell party to celebrate an unforgettable journey.
tour
Map
tour
Dates
Group guided
2026
May 28th -> June 6th
September 16th -> September 25th
2027
May 27th -> June 5th
September 15th -> September 24th
With a maximum of 8 riders, you'll get a more personal, immersive experience. Places are limited, so we recommend booking early.
Self Guided
2026
Available from May 1st -> October 31st
2027
Available from May 1st -> October 31st
Prefer to ride independently? Book the self-guided version of this tour and follow the same curated route – on your own schedule.
BIKE OPTIONS
**Note, all motorbikes are subject to availability and we cannot guarantee any particular motorbike will be available for your tour. If there is a particular bike you are interested in riding in Japan, please let us know after you book and we will do our best to source it for you.
Tour Inclusions
Included
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Not Included
Accommodation & Dining
- Accommodation will usually be split half-half between traditional Japanese ryokan accommodation with onsen, and Western-style hotels.
- Shogun only uses reputable highly-rated accommodation providers. However, we request you bring a flexible attitude with you, as services and facilities in some locations may not be what you are accustomed to. They are, however, a part of the Japan experience!
- All accommodation is single-occupancy (no sharing!), unless you are a couple or family.
- Breakfast - Your tour includes breakfasts for each day of the tour.
- Lunch - Lunches are not included.
- Dinner - We typically provide dinners on half the nights on tour. You will have the opportunity to sample local delicacies and traditional Japanese food during your stay at ryokan accommodation.
Climate
The Heartland Odyssey tour runs in late May/early June and mid-September, offering excellent riding conditions with comfortable temperatures and beautiful seasonal scenery. In late May/early June, expect mild late-spring weather, with daytime highs typically around 18–26°C (64–79°F) and cooler mornings that are ideal for riding with light layers. The countryside is lush and vibrant, with fresh greenery and early summer colour in the mountains and rural valleys. In mid-September, temperatures usually sit around 17–25°C (63–77°F), with warm days and cooler evenings, and the air often feels noticeably less humid than peak summer. These periods are generally favourable for riding, but conditions can still change quickly in mountainous areas—so it’s wise to be prepared for some rain.
Ride Profile
Generally, the roads on this tour are in superb condition. Some of the back roads are single lane only with unprotected shoulders. Some roads can have loose gravel and some rarely used country roads can have vegetation on the roads which may make them slippery. There are many many twisties on this ride with some twisties having steep ascents as you ride through the corners.
TOUR GALLERY
FAQ
You can find a full list of FAQs on our FAQ Page
How many people will be on my tour?
We aim for no more than 8 riders on group tours. We have a minimum group size of 3 riders.
What distances will we cover on this tour?
The total distance covered on the Heartland Odyssey 10 day tour is 1716km (1066 miles). Day 6 is the longest day at 277km (172 miles). Day 2 is the shortest day at 101km (63 miles). On average, we'll ride 172km (107 miles) per day.
What are the accommodations like?
Enjoy a blend of Japan's rich tradition and modern comfort with our included accommodations. From the night before the tour begins to the final evening, all accommodations are covered, providing a seamless experience. Relax in charming ryokans, complete with tatami mats and onsen baths, and unwind in contemporary hotels that offer all the amenities. This unique mix allows you to experience the best of both worlds while exploring Japan on two wheels.
Most ryokan accommodation will include breakfast and dinner. Ryokan rooms may or may not have an ensuite toilet and sink, and onsen baths may be shared and gender segregated. You can also expect Japanese style sleeping arrangements with futons on tatami mats. This may be different to what you are used to, but staying in a ryokan is an authentic Japanese experience not to be missed!
Will I be sharing my room?
You'll have your own room each night. At some Ryokans there may not be ensuite toilet and sink, in which case those will be shared. Onsen baths may also be shared and gender segregated. However, accommodations in Japan have some of the highest cleanliness standards of any country, so while facilities may be shared you can be rest assured that they will be spotless!
How will I know the route and directions?
All participants on our tours receive an electronic tour guidebook, viewable on any smartphone.
The guidebook will have the complete itinerary, with useful information, tips, hints and suggestions for each day. It will also have map links that can be used in Google Maps.
The guidebook provides an enriched experience for you on your tour, as well as ensuring no-one gets lost should the group get split up.
Do I need a special license to ride a motorbike in Japan as a tourist?
You must hold a valid domestic drivers license (authorising you to ride motorbikes) and an International Driving Permit (IDP).
Your IDP must be issued in your own country by an authorised issuer (e.g. AAA in the United States, CAA in Canada, RAC/NRMA in Australia). IDP's should be valid for 1 year, if yours is claiming to be valid for 5 years it's probably a scam IDP - watch out as there are a lot of websites out there selling scam IDP's. Your IDP must be issued under the 1949 Geneva Convention - make sure it says that on the front.
If you are from France, Germany, Switzerland, Belgium or Taiwan, a Japanese translation of your driver's licence is sufficient.
Not every country is a signatory to the relevant Convention. For example, it is simply not possible for riders holding an Indonesian drivers license to get an IDP for riding in Japan. Unfortunately, there seems to be no change to this on the horizon.
Please check this page for further information.
What kind of roads will we be riding on?
100% asphalt all the way. The roads in Japan are some of the highest quality roads in the world and are a pleasure to ride on!
Can I bring my partner/wife/girlfriend/better half with me?
We would love for you to bring your partner/wife/girlfriend/better half! Simply select the pillion option when booking this tour.
Our tours are designed specifically for riders, so we're unable to accommodate non-riding partners or provide separate transport.
Is this tour right for me?
Our routes are suitable for motorbike riders of all levels. There is no off road riding, so as long as you can ride on roads and highways you’ll have a great time! However, we do recommend to have at least a couple of years of riding under your belt.
If you have any concerns or you would like to chat about our tours, just reach out via our contact page.
Ready for an unforgettable adventure? Register your interest today!
With a limited group of just 10 riders per tour, you’ll enjoy an exclusive, immersive experience. Once these spots are filled, the next chance won’t come until our new calendar is released next year. Don’t miss out!
