Ride report from Japan - Iron Butt Saddle Sore 1600K and Kyushu Ride

[Blue Star]

HI guys and admins,

I recently did a 6 day long ride in Japan on my Super Tenere and thought of sharing the report and pics. However I am really not sure which is the right section for these reports. Admins please feel free to move if this is not the right section.

The complete ride report is here, hope you will enjoy pics from Japan.
http://riachan.com/wordpress/?cat=25

 

[Doug C]

Congrats on the Iron Butt. Beautiful pictures. Thanks for sharing.

 

[tomatocity]

Very nice Blue Star. Love the island of Kyushu.

 

[camardelle]

Great pics and great report! Thanks.

 

[Ramseybella]

Six days and with all those photos!!
Nice report looks like you had some good food as well.. ::008::

 

[Brick]

Excellent! Fantastic photo's!
Thanks

 

[eemsreno]

Looks like a great ride! Thanks

 

[TenereStreets]

That's awesome. Thanks for posting! ::008::

 

[Checkswrecks]

Japan is really wonderful once you are outside of the big cities. Actually, I enjoy them too, as long as I'm being reimbursed for the living expenses. You're a lucky guy to be able to ride there!


Thanks!

 

[Northernstar]

Bluestar,

That is an excellent ride report with outstanding photos!!!!!!

A quick open question since others may have this in the back of their minds as well:
Is there a place that offers rental bikes to foreigners in the greater Tokyo area to do a multi day trip? What are the usual requirements - international drivers license, insurance, etc... You more than likely speak and are able to read the language, for someone like me who is illiterate in Japanese, I know some of the signs have both English and Japanese directions but this is only on the main thoroughfares.

I have been going to Japan about once a year to visit my brother who has been a missionary there for the last 18 years, my trips have always been about a week in duration but has always been busy with other activities that have brought me as far south as Hiroshima and north to Nagano but always on the "Shinkansen". I have always yearned to ride around Japan but was either too busy or when I find myself with a day or two of furlough was completely lost as to how to go about renting. Now that I find myself with a bit more free time in the area, the opportunity becomes more feasible. Any advice and guidance would be greatly appreciated.

Wishing your adventures never ends,
Frank

 

[Blue Star]

Thanks all and I am glad you enjoyed the report and the pics.

Northernstar - yes there are places that will rent bikes to foreigners. You will need a international driving license and along with a valid entry permit, that should be it. As for the road signs go, I usually navigate by route numbers. There is a english road atlas of Japan and detailed Japanese versions. Using a combination of these with my navi and smartphone, I can make my way around. It will certainly be difficult for someone trying this for the first time but you can't get lost for long. The true challenge will be towards the end of the day i.e. finding accommodation etc, which need some Japanese skills, unless you have planned out everything in advance.

Happy to help to and even ride together to the extent possible if you or anybody else is serious about coming over to ride here. In addition, a very good source of advice is www.gaijinriders.com (gaijin = foreigners) with plenty of riders from different pat of the world, now living in Japan.

 

[Northernstar]

Bluestar,

Just registered and signed up on Gaijinriders -amazing forum and group of guys - very strong semblance to this Super Tenere forum. Thanks for the link and referral hoping to finally find a place to rent a ride when I am over there again this Nov.14th.

Appreciate the guidance and help,
Frank