Japan is undoubtedly home of some of the world's finest motorcycles. Companies such as Kawasaki, Honda, Suzuki and Yamaha continue setting the standards in todays highly competitive motorcycling industry. The Japanese love building great bikes, and they love riding them even more. Touring is one of the many types of riding popular with motorcycle enthusiasts here in Japan and worldwide. As a group of islands, the Japanese archipelago has such geographical variance. Stretching 3,353km (2,083 mi) from the snow-peaked mountains of Hokkaido in the north, to the sunny, coral lined beaches of Okinawa in the south, this island, although small in comparison with some other countries (or states!), has much to offer. Whether it be traversing the mountains, negotiating each twist in the road as your eyes and mind are drawn towards the ebbing foliage of Autumn, or cruising slowly in the pre-dawn morning through muted rice fields blanketed by ghostly fog, touring is all about experiencing something new and enjoying the ride. There are so many great aspects of touring, one being able to meet new people and make new friends. It could be someone at a local restaurant, another biker on his own journey, or visitingfriends you may have met the previous tour. No matter who you run into, meeting new people is a great part of any ride. Accommodations on a tour can vary from tents and hostiles on up to hotels and Ryokans (a old style Japanese hotel). Doing it both ways (so to speak) is the usual format for most folks who enjoy "roughing it" in a tent but who also enjoy a hot bath and a bed to recharge a saddle-beaten posterior. Touring however, is not always sunny skies and winding roads. If the thought of riding a motorcycle for 2 or 3 weeks in all types of weather and spending almost every night in a tent doesn't appeal to you, maybe you should consider the blogs on Winnebagoes, 5 star hotels, and rainy Sunday afternoons at home. For those of you who enjoy defying Mother Nature and don't mind a little saddle-soreness, pack your bags, tell the wife you'll be back "sometime" and call in sick...It's time to hit the road! Join me, and feel free to use this blog as a channel to post your own stories and experiences alongside mine, as I see Japan, "through the visor."
Where I'm Currently Riding
