Mountain Strider
Embark on the adventure of a lifetime with our Mountain Strider tour, conquering the three majestic Japanese Alps—Southern, Central, and Northern. Starting and ending in vibrant Nagoya, this tour promises thrilling mountain rides, breathtaking vistas, and rich cultural experiences. As you navigate the winding roads, you'll be treated to panoramic views that capture the heart and soul of Japan's rugged beauty.
ITINERARY
Day 1
Shimoguri Colony & Iida
Our journey begins in Nagoya as we head northeast into the mountains. After a delicious lunch stop, we ride into the Southern Alps to explore the Shimoguri Colony, a secluded village perched on steep mountain slopes, often called the “Tibet of Japan” for its stunning views and remote charm. Expect thrilling twisty roads and awe-inspiring vistas. The evening ends with R&R at a comfortable hotel.
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Day 2
Lake Suwa & Matsumoto
We continue through the Southern Alps, visiting an ancient temple before stopping at Lake Suwa to enjoy its tranquil beauty and savor "wakasagi" (Japanese smelt), a local specialty. By afternoon, we reach Matsumoto to explore its iconic “Crow Castle,” one of Japan’s top three original castles, known for its black facade and scenic surroundings.
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Day 3
Kibio Mountain Pass, Tsumago & Gero Onsen
Departing Matsumoto, we ride the Kibio Mountain Pass, offering sweeping views of the valleys below. Next, we visit Tsumago-juku, an Edo-period postal town on the historic Nakasendo Trail. Winding through narrow mountain roads, we end the day in Gero Onsen, where soothing hot springs await.
Day 4
Shirakawago & Takayama
The morning begins with a visit to Shirakawa-go, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its "gassho-zukuri" thatched-roof farmhouses. Afterward, we ride more mountain roads to Takayama, where a sake brewery tour introduces us to the town’s rich brewing traditions.
Day 5
Takayama & Gujo Hachiman
Today offers a mix of cultural and riding experiences. Choose between a tea ceremony, temple tour, or zen meditation with a monk in Takayama. An optional ride to Gujo Hachiman offers thrilling roads and a chance to visit its picturesque riverside castle town.
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Day 6
Northern Alps & Tateyama
Gear up for an epic day of mountain riding as we ascend the Northern Alps. Highlights include Hakusan Shrine, a serene spot for reflection, and Lake Arihime observatory with breathtaking views. After lunch featuring Toyama’s regional cuisine, we continue upward, encountering alpine landscapes and possibly snow. The day concludes with a relaxing onsen stay.
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Day 7
Sea of Japan & Hakuba
We descend from the mountains to the eastern coast, riding along the scenic Sea of Japan. After soaking in the ocean views, we turn inland to Hakuba, a winter sports haven with year-round beauty, where charming mountain scenery awaits.
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Day 8
Jizo Pass, Komagatake Ropeway & Komagane
Winding deeper into the Japanese Alps, we tackle more twisty roads before following the Sai River south. A stop for lunch refreshes us before reaching the Komagatake Ropeway, Japan’s highest aerial tramway, offering breathtaking views of the Southern Alps. We end the day in Komagane for a restful evening.
Day 9
Kiso Valley, Nakatsugawa & Nagoya
The final day sees us riding Gifu Prefecture’s mountainous heartlands, taking on twisty roads with a blend of excitement and nostalgia. We pass through serene countryside, stopping at quaint mountain villages for coffee and snacks. The approach to our final stop of Nagoya offers one last stretch of exhilarating roads. The tour ends with a memorable farewell dinner in the city, where we celebrate our incredible journey and share stories from the road.
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Day 10
tour
Dates
2026 Dates
With a limited group of just 8 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!
2027 Dates
BIKE OPTIONS
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 Mountain Strider tour runs in late May and late September, offering prime riding conditions in Japan’s stunning alpine regions. In May, temperatures range from 15–23°C (59–73°F), with crisp mornings and comfortably warm afternoons. The mountains are alive with lush greenery, snow-capped peaks in the distance, and vibrant spring colors, particularly around Shirakawa-go and the Nakasendo Trail. By late September, temperatures cool slightly to 14–22°C (57–72°F), and the first hints of autumn begin to paint the higher elevations in shades of red and gold, especially around the Northern Alps and Hakuba. These months are relatively dry, but as with any mountain ride, occasional rain is always a possibility.
Ride Profile
The roads on the Mountain Strider tour are in excellent condition overall, but riders should be prepared for a mix of challenging terrain. Many of the mountain routes feature smooth, well-maintained asphalt, but some of the narrower back roads are single-lane with unprotected drop-offs, requiring careful navigation. In remote areas, expect occasional loose gravel, particularly on hairpin turns, and country roads that see little traffic may have fallen leaves or overgrown vegetation, making surfaces slippery. This tour is packed with relentless twisties, ranging from flowing, banked curves to tight, technical switchbacks with steep ascents that demand precise throttle control and confident cornering.
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 Mountain Strider tour is 1632km (1014 miles). Day 1 is the longest day at 217km (134 miles). Day 7 is the shortest day at 153km (95 miles). On average, we'll ride 181km (112 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!
