Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Planning, Trip > Tours
Tours Take a tour to get your feet wet, or when you just don't have the time to plan and organize it and ship the bike etc. NOTE: This forum is NOT for free advertising, but it IS for discussions by travellers on tours they have taken, or are interested in taking.
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



Like Tree4Likes
  • 1 Post By racer162
  • 1 Post By racer162
  • 1 Post By racer162
  • 1 Post By racer162

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 10 Sep 2018
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Sep 2018
Posts: 28
Epic Japan ride 2019

Greetings to all. We ( myself and a couple friends)are currently in the process of planning an epic 2 week ride in northern japan from August 2nd-16th.
We will be stRtinh in Kyoto and taking the ferry up north and zig zagging over 2 weeks back down.
For those of you RTW folks if you happen to be around join us for all the rest ship your bike over OR plan a rental bring your gear and join us. I’m happy to answer your questions I’m an American whose been living here more than 10 years now so ask away. As we get more info I’ll post.
Thanks for reading and happy ridong
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 12 Sep 2018
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Netherlands
Posts: 377
August? You must mean a different month.

We are going to Japan yes, but I'm not sure if we keep up with you with our old diesel van haha.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 13 Sep 2018
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Sep 2018
Posts: 28
Quote:
Originally Posted by Lovetheworld View Post
August? You must mean a different month.

We are going to Japan yes, but I'm not sure if we keep up with you with our old diesel van haha.
No, ABSOUTLY mean August. For those of us who live here we have a holiday then. But we are extending it to do the trip. This isn’t a “balls to the Walls” or “iron butt” kind of ride. We intend to have a casual fun take in the sights, sounds and smells ride. So if you’ve never been or you have it will be a great time. Your welcome to join on 4 wheels or 2
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 13 Sep 2018
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Sep 2018
Posts: 28
Quote:
Originally Posted by Lovetheworld View Post
August? You must mean a different month.

We are going to Japan yes, but I'm not sure if we keep up with you with our old diesel van haha.
No, ABSOUTLY mean August. For those of us who live here we have a holiday then. But we are extending it to do the trip. This isn’t a “balls to the Walls” or “iron butt” kind of ride. We intend to have a casual fun take in the sights, sounds and smells ride. So if you’ve never been or you have it will be a great time. Your welcome to join on 4 wheels or 2
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 13 Sep 2018
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Brisbane Australia
Posts: 193
I would love to do a tour around Japan. Have been a couple of time skiing and it is an awesome country.
Will be following this with interest.

Are you renting bikes?
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 13 Sep 2018
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Bellingham, WA, USA
Posts: 3,969
OP, check the date in your thread title.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 13 Sep 2018
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Sep 2018
Posts: 28
Quote:
Originally Posted by markharf View Post
OP, check the date in your thread title.
Just saw that oops
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 13 Sep 2018
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Sep 2018
Posts: 28
Quote:
Originally Posted by mcguyver View Post
I would love to do a tour around Japan. Have been a couple of time skiing and it is an awesome country.
Will be following this with interest.

Are you renting bikes?
Your welcome to join.
I live here as does one of the people going so we’re not renting as we have bikes. My friend from the states is bringing his bike over as we will continue to the next destination in phase 2.
BUT you can rent a bike there’s a great company here for that.
As I get more details I’ll post them up.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 13 Sep 2018
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: aachen
Posts: 127
patience

i am just touring the south of japan on a rented bike and i can tell you the speed limits vary between 40 to 50 and 50 to 40 km/h,GREAT FUN.
instead of spending all your money on renting a bike you might go to a zen monastery and learn the art of patience much cheaper.
and today i found out that they did rent me a bike with hardly any brake pads left on the front brake.
as i like doing my own servicing it was great fun to go and chase for brake pads and burrow tools to put them in and all this without any knowledge of the japanese language.
much more fun than crawl along japanese roads!!!
have fun
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 14 Sep 2018
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Sep 2018
Posts: 28
Quote:
Originally Posted by manzini View Post
i am just touring the south of japan on a rented bike and i can tell you the speed limits vary between 40 to 50 and 50 to 40 km/h,GREAT FUN.
instead of spending all your money on renting a bike you might go to a zen monastery and learn the art of patience much cheaper.
and today i found out that they did rent me a bike with hardly any brake pads left on the front brake.
as i like doing my own servicing it was great fun to go and chase for brake pads and burrow tools to put them in and all this without any knowledge of the japanese language.
much more fun than crawl along japanese roads!!!
have fun
Excuse me but telling people not to be involved in the tour is a bit rude.
Sorry if that offends you.
I live here I know the roads. I also know that while road speeds here are lower than many parts of the world the riding here is by far some of the better I have experienced. As I previously mentioned there are people bringing their bikes as well as renting which is a 100% viable option.
If you want to see what japan has to offer this is a great way to do it.
If you want to go to a monastery this is not the TOUR for you nor the thread to post it on.
As to the trip itself while we will ocasionsly stay in a hotel or rider house most of this trip will be camping.
More details WILL be posted in the coming months.
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 19 Sep 2018
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: aachen
Posts: 127
sorry didn't want anybody to put off the tour.
japan is certainly very interesting.
just the speed limits do frustrate me a bit.
here around mt. aso i found at least some space without worrying too much about speed limits.
but that seems to be rare around here.
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 20 Sep 2018
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Sep 2018
Posts: 28
Quote:
Originally Posted by manzini View Post
sorry didn't want anybody to put off the tour.
japan is certainly very interesting.
just the speed limits do frustrate me a bit.
here around mt. aso i found at least some space without worrying too much about speed limits.
but that seems to be rare around here.
You are right that the POSTED speeds are lower than the states and many other countries. BUT like most countries people generally travel 20kph above.
Now all this being said. The roads in japan ( not expressways) are some great roads and it’s hard to be boarded. Weather you like the coast or the mountains you’ll love the ride. Which brings me to this you’ll get both on this ride with temples, shrines world heritage sites and Onsens thrown in. So if your ready for some fun we are starting and engine in Kyoto from August 2-17 next year (2019) if your ready, have questions just ask away
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 31 Dec 2018
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Sep 2018
Posts: 28
Update

Hey everyone. Sorry I have not updated been busy, end of the MotoGP season, holidays family ect.... But I have been working on the route a bit and thought I'd just give a bit of an outline. I will link a google map in the coming weeks/months .
SO here is what we have planned to dats.
Leave Kyoto on August 2nd 2019 and head to the Ferry. The ferry is 18 hours and leaves at night. We arrive in Otaru in Hokkaido the next day. Over the next few days we will ride Hokkaido hitting places like Ueno Farm and the Road to heaven before making our way to the ferry to Amori ( about a 90 minute ride)
Stops will include Amori, Lake Towanda, Hachinohe, Hakuba/Nagano FUjo.
We will be camping most of the way with a couple japanese styled inns along the way. And arriving back in Kyoto roughly 12-14 days later around the 14th-16th of August.
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 14 May 2019
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Sep 2018
Posts: 28
We are getting close

Sorry been absent had a couple rides and such. But its May and we leave on this trip in August. We have maps prepped and getting ready to find out about booking the ferry. Hope people may want to join.
Ill post more as we get close
Reply With Quote
Reply

Tags
camping, japan, tour


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Register residence in Japan for vehicle registration !? silencium Northern and Central Asia 8 19 Nov 2017 09:51
UK - Japan 2019 RWC Mark Farrell Travellers Seeking Travellers 0 24 Aug 2016 10:01
Vietnam to Japan through China by bike ! Lucas7 SE Asia 9 20 Aug 2016 16:33
Vanino(Russia) to Sakhalin to Korsakov to Wakkanai (Japan) TenereFletch1995 Route Planning 7 23 Feb 2016 19:04
From Italy to Japan through Balcans, Caucasus and Russia francescoristori Route Planning 21 1 Apr 2014 09:37

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-14
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 08:11.