Volcanic Voyage
This epic week-long ride through Kyushu takes you deep into one of Japan’s most dramatic and diverse landscapes. From steaming volcanoes and winding coastal roads to ancient mountain towns and lush green valleys, every day delivers unforgettable two-wheeled adventure. You’ll carve around active craters, soak in legendary hot springs, and ride through regions steeped in myth and tradition. With some of the best riding roads in the country, this tour is a feast for the senses—and the soul.
ITINERARY
Day 1
Tsuetate Onsen, Yufuin & Beppu
We kick off our adventure by leaving Fukuoka behind and heading into the lush mountains of Kyushu. Our first stop is the charming riverside town of Tsuetate Onsen, known for its nostalgic atmosphere and traditional ryokan. After soaking in the old-town charm, we visit the Yufuin Motor Museum, a hidden gem showcasing classic motorcycles and vintage cars that transport you to another era. The day winds down in the hot spring haven of Beppu, where steaming vents and onsen culture welcome us for the night.
Day 2
Mt Aso & Kumamoto
Today is all about riding. Departing Beppu, we carve our way around the dramatic volcanic landscapes of Mount Aso, including an exhilarating ride up to the crater rim of Nakadake, one of the most active volcanoes in Japan (access dependent on volcanic warnings). The roads are some of the best in Kyushu—open, winding, and utterly unforgettable. We end the day near Kumamoto, a city that blends samurai heritage with modern comfort.
Day 3
Kagoshima
We begin the day with a serene tea ceremony, a window into Japanese tradition and mindfulness. From there, we ride south to Kagoshima, often dubbed the "Naples of Japan" thanks to its seaside setting and the imposing Sakurajima Volcano looming across the bay. A spectacular city of hot springs and hearty cuisine awaits.
Day 4
Kagoshima, Sakurajima
This is a more relaxed day, with the option to take a short ferry ride over to Sakurajima for a ride on the volcano itself. For those wanting a longer ride, there's a scenic route around the bay, allowing you to ride onto Sakurajima via its eastern flank, now joined to the mainland due to a dramatic 1914 lava flow. Optional excursions include a visit (numbers permitting) to a top-tier local whiskey distillery. We stay a second night in Kagoshima.
Day 5
Cape Toi, Aoshima, Miyazaki
We leave Kagoshima and ride east toward the southern tip of Miyazaki Prefecture to visit Cape Toi, known for its wild horses and dramatic ocean views. Then it’s on to an incredible coastal road, winding north along cliffside vistas, before a final stop at Aoshima Shrine, nestled on a tiny island ringed by the otherworldly “Devil’s Washboard” rock formations—an unforgettable place to finish the day.
Day 6
Takachiho
We dive into Kyushu’s mountainous heartland today, riding some of the region’s most epic inland roads. Our destination is the mystical town of Takachiho, steeped in legend and home to the stunning Takachiho Gorge, where sheer cliffs and emerald waters set the scene for an awe-inspiring end to the day.
Day 7
Kokonoe, Hita, Fukuoka
Our final day is a celebration of the ride itself. We cruise through Kyushu’s interior, enjoying one last dose of twisty mountain passes and quiet country towns. With stops in ancient post towns and roadside gems, we make our way back to Fukuoka, wrapping up a week of unforgettable roads, landscapes, and culture.
Day 8
Day 9
Day 10
tour
Dates
2026 Dates
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 Volcanic Voyage tour runs in early May and late October, offering excellent riding conditions with comfortable temperatures and spectacular seasonal scenery. In May, Kyushu enjoys mild spring weather, with daytime highs ranging from 17–24°C (63–75°F) and fresh mornings ideal for riding. Cherry blossoms linger in some areas, while the countryside bursts into vibrant green, making for breathtaking views along coastal and mountain roads. In late October, temperatures range from 14–21°C (57–70°F), and the island is ablaze with autumn colors, particularly around Mount Aso and Takachiho Gorge. These months generally bring stable weather, though occasional showers are possible, especially in the mountains.
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 making 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 this tour is approximately 1,200 km (745 miles). Day 5 is the longest day at around 280 km (174 miles). Day 4 is the shortest day, with optional rides of 40 km (25 miles) or 120 km (75 miles). On average, we’ll ride around 200 km (125 miles) per day, mostly on twisty mountain routes.
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!
