Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How big are the tour groups?

Our groups are intentionally small to give you the best experience. A typical group size is one guide/organizer/translator and between 2-5 customer motorcycles.

What is the best season to tour in Japan?

All seasons. Spring: Blossoming flowers. Summer: high elevation passes. Autumn: colorful foliage. Winter: crystal clear blue skies.

What climate should I expect?

The climate in Japan is similar to Western Europe and the northern East Coast of the United States, but more compact in area. Depending on the day, ride distance and elevation change, it’s possible to experience 3 seasons in a day. Weather is unpredictable and it’s no fun to ride in rain-soaked clothes, so please remember to bring rainwear including waterproof gloves and boots.

What terrain should I expect?

Japan is fun to tour because of the continuous variance in terrain. Ride from the ocean into the mountains in a few hours. Navigate through cities, towns, villages, and nature in a single day. The continuous variance makes every touring day unique and enjoyable.

How safe are the roads?

A driver’s license is a privilege in Japan, and nearly all drivers are courteous and attentive to motorcycles. Urban roads are cleanly paved. Rural roads are paved but many have deep open ditches along either side. Paved mountain roads can be narrow, mossy, and have many fallen rock or tree branch obstacles.

Are the roads in Japan open all year round?

Japan is mountainous and whilst roads in the southeast along the Pacific coastline are open to motorcycles during the winter, some high passes may be completely closed to vehicles during winter and spring.

Can I ride a UB TOURING JAPAN motorcycle off-road?

Yes, under the following conditions: 1. You are accompanied by someone familiar with offroad routes and who is approved by UB TOURING JAPAN, 2. You rent a motorcycle that has an off-road mode, and 3. You pass a free-of-charge offroad riding test conducted by UB TOURING JAPAN.

Are there toilets where I’m riding?

Public toilets are plentiful, clean, and supplied with toilet paper. There are roadside public restrooms, and there are public toilets at every convenience store, shopping mall, and expressway parking area.

What are the requirements to ride a motorcycle in Japan?

You are required to have a valid motorcycle license from your home country permitting the operation of motorcycles with engines greater than 400cc capacity and an International Driving Permit (IDP) from your country based on the 1949 Geneva Convention. (We apologize in advance to riders who cannot ride in Japan because your country does not provide IDP based on the 1949 Geneva Convention. A subset of such countries is Brazil, China, Costa Rica, Indonesia, Mexico, Pakistan, Russia, and Saudi Arabia.) Please see a list of verified countries that provide the IDP required by Japan at the bottom of this page.

Can I bring a pillion passenger?

Yes, all UB TOURING JAPAN motorcycles have a rear seat, but both of the pillion passenger’s feet must be able to reach the motorcycle’s passenger foot pegs. Please see UB TOURING JAPAN pricing for the passenger. Warning: many expressways in Tokyo do not permit pillion passengers.

My pillion passenger isn’t available for the entire duration of a tour. Can my passenger join for only a portion of the tour?

Yes, we give you the flexibility to choose the days your passenger will join the tour. The reservation system defaults all products to the selected dates. Please reserve both tour and passenger for the published tour dates. We will only charge the per-day passenger fee for the actual passenger participation days at the time of payment. Please let us know by email if your passenger is joining only for a portion of the tour so we can book the accommodation accordingly. Your passenger may join for a portion of a tour, but your passenger is responsible for own motorcycle gear and transportation to reach or depart the pre-agreed location along the tour. The rider will carry the passenger and the passenger's luggage for the portion of tour on which the passenger joins. The per-day fee is for 24 hours or any portion thereof.

Are the UB TOURING JAPAN motorcycles reliable?

All UB TOURING JAPAN motorcycles are serviced by an authorized Triumph dealer at the manufacturer recommended intervals.

Does UB TOURING JAPAN add lots of extra charges for equipment one would inevitably need for touring?

There are no extra charges for equipment you would expect on a touring motorcycle. The basic motorcycle rental includes 1) the motorcycle, 2) a top box, 3) two side panniers, 4) heated grips, 5) a QuadLock wireless phone charger with vibration dampener, 6) mobile phone in a QuadLock case for GPS navigation (SIM card not provided), 7) wind protection for body and hands, 8) ETC equipment and ETC card for tollways (see https://www.c-nexco.co.jp/en/inbound-en/etc/etc_guide/start/), 9) photocopies of motorcycle registration and insurance under the seat. The higher-end motorcycles also have 10) heated rider and pillion seats, 11) cruise control, 12) quick-shift and auto-blip, 13) off-road riding mode option. Helmet and intercom however are additional fee if you need to rent them.

Where can I leave luggage that I’m not taking on tour?

The UB TOURING JAPAN office has ample storage in a log house where you can keep your luggage securely free of charge.

How much luggage should I carry on the tour?

Pack 3 days change of clothing. About 30% of the hotels on the route have coin laundry facilities. In addition to 3-season motorcycle wear, we recommend you bring sturdy waterproof riding boots, rainwear, toiletries, a few days of clothes, and comfortable walking shoes. Accommodation at a Japanese inn or hotel normally includes bath towels and robes.

When can I rent a motorcycle from UB Touring Japan?

UB TOURING JAPAN operates full time from the middle of March to late January excluding August when the climate is terribly hot and humid. Each of the motorcycles are at the Triumph dealer for annual servicing for a week or so, some bikes in February and some bikes in August. If you want to rent a motorcycle during posted business closure dates, please email UB Touring Japan well in advance with your request to see if we can schedule a special arrangement for you.

Do I get a tour refund if my rental motorcycle gets stolen or I crash?

UB TOURING JAPAN does not refund for stolen or damaged motorcycles, and you will be liable for any portion of the motorcycle replacement expense that is not covered by the motorcycle insurance included in your motorcycle rental fee.

Do I get a partial tour refund if I unexpectedly need to leave the tour early?

UB TOURING JAPAN does not refund any portion of a prepayment on or after the day of tour departure.

Can I change my tour dates or get a partial tour refund if there is extreme weather?

UB TOURING JAPAN will honor tour date changes or partial refund in the case of emergency weather warning by the Japanese government or snowstorm that strands the rider in a particular location. Rain and wind do not qualify as extreme weather.

Should I purchase personal medical insurance and independent travel insurance?

Personal medical insurance and independent travel insurance are your responsibility.  Medical insurance is mandatory, and you should provide UB TOURING your medical insurance information in advance. UB TOURING JAPAN recommends that your purchase independent travel insurance so that you are covered in the case of illness or some other unexpected non-motorcycle related incident.

Can I withdraw cash from my bank account while I’m in Japan?

Japan post office ATMs are connected to the Plus and Cirrus international banking networks.

Can I use my credit card while I’m in Japan?

While you can use your credit card in most places in Japan, there remain a surprising number of shops, restaurants and Japanese inns that only accept Japanese Yen cash.

What is the % sales tax in Japan?

10%

Should I tip in Japan?

No, please never try to give someone in Japan a tip. It will only cause confusion, and the service industry person will go through lots of trouble to track you down to return the money you “misplaced”.

Is Japan safe for travelers?

Yes, Japan is one of the safest countries in the world. There are no dangerous areas to avoid. Theft is rare. Crime is rare.

How do I reach the UB TOURING JAPAN office?

The best way is to use a Japan train schedule app on your phone and come to JR Narita Station or Keisei Narita Station in Chiba Prefecture. Let us know your arrival time for pick up.

For 5-day or longer tour participants, UB Touring Japan provides free van transfer from locations between Tokyo and Narita International Airport with prior arrangement.

What are the license and permit requirements to ride in Japan?

The International Driving Permit from your country must be based on the 1949 Geneva Convention, must be valid for the full duration of your Japan trip, and have a stamp in the “motorcycle” category. If your country has several tiers of motorcycle license, you must have an unrestricted motorcycle license for any capacity motorcycle engine to rent a motorcycle from UB TOURING JAPAN. If your country is not listed below, there is a high probability that your country does not issue an International Driving Permit based on the 1949 Geneva Convention and you are therefore not permitted to drive in Japan.