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MotoQuest
Tours Presents
Japan Three Island Tour
Seats Available!
March 28th – April 5th, 2009 (7 days All paved)
Price:
Tour Rider with Double Occupancy: $5,700
Tour Rider with Single Occupancy: $6,700
Couples Price: $10,400Japan Three Island Tour
March 28th – April 5th, 2009
Cherry Blossoms, Natural Hot Springs and World-Class Riding!
Highlights:
Cherry Blossoms
Japanese Hot Springs (Onsen)
Japanese Cuisine
Honshu
Kyushu
Shikoku
Okayama Korakuen Garden
Mt. Aso National Park
Iwashita Motorcycle Collection
Ancient Temples
Steaming VolcanoesDozens of Tunnels and Hundreds of Curves Before Lunch!
Let Japan amaze you!Ride the best of southern Honshu, Kyushu and Shikoku Islands! Experience exceptional riding, exotic meals, the beauty and elegance of the Japanese culture! This all-paved ride takes you out of the city to the country: the heart of the best riding in Japan.
This route has been hand-picked by local riding members of the BMW Flat-Twin Club. During the tour, members of that club and their friends will be riding with us. They will also join us at the hotels we stay, making it a perfect opportunity to meet and get to know these riders.
This is more than a motorcycle tour, it is unique way to learn about Japan and meet Japanese riders (some who have never ridden nor spoken with foreigners before!). Indeed, this tour is a celebration of riding, cultural awareness and above all, having fun!
This ride is timed to coincide with the peak of the cherry blossom season of Japan. Ride through snow flurries of cherry blossoms while setting up for another perfectly manicured turn.
Anyone who has an interest in Japan or Japanese culture will thoroughly enjoy this tour. This is a great adventure for couples. Whether riding two-up, or in the 11-person passenger van, non-riders will have the opportunity to experience a side of Japan foreigners rarely see. Discover quaint countryside and profound history in Japan!
Traditional Japanese Hot Springs
Price: *Does NOT include motorcycle Rental
Tour Rider with Double Occupancy: $5,700
Tour Rider with Single Occupancy: $6,700
Couples Price: $10,400Payment: A $1,000 Deposit is required to secure booking
Inclusive
- Japanese-Speaking American Guide (Phil)
- Two Motorcycle Guides/Fixers (Phil and Mr. Hirata)
- Excellent Accommodations
- All Dinners (5-Star) and Breakfasts of the Highest Quality
- 1 x 11 Passenger Support Van + Staff Driver (Akiko)
- Toll Road Fees
- Ferry Passage between Kyushu and Shikoku
- Premier Welcome and Farewell Dinners
- MotoQuest Garment and Goodies
- Detailed Road Maps, GPS Waypoints, and Garmin Compatable Software!
- Entrance Fee to Iwashita Motorcycle Collection
- Memories to last a lifetime!
Exclusive
- Flights : Contact our travel agent: Sally@alaskatravelsource.com, (907) 562- 2213
- Visa (Not Required by U.S. Canadian, or U.K. residents)
- Meals not Indicated (All Lunches)
- Travel insurance
- Laundry (available during the trip)
- Personal Expenses/Alcohol
- Tips
- Motorcycle Insurance (Two options are available and explained in the information section.)
- Motorcycle Rental*
- Gas
* Motorcycles available for this tour will not be known until ONE MONTH BEFORE THE TOUR. The Style of motorcycle you get will be determined on First-Come-First-Serve Basis. Those who sign up first for the tour will get the first choice, when motorcycle styles become available.
Motorcycle Rental Fee will be based on size, style and make of bike.
-Example of list of style and price of motorcycles from last year.
-Makes and Models of bikes will change from this example list for the 2009 Season.
-Add Motorcycle Rental Price to Tour Base Price for Total Tour Price.
-Prices for motorcycle rental will remain the same as 2008.Triumph(6)
+ $1,800 1. 2005 Bonneville 865cc
+ $1,800 2. 2007 Tigar (with pannier side case)
+ $1,800 3. 2005 Sprint ST 1050cc
+ $1,800 4. 2006 Speed Triple 1050cc
+ $1,800 5. 2005 Rocket III 2294cc
+ $1,800 6. 2007 Scrambler 895cc
Kawasaki(3)
+ $1,000 7. 2007 Valcan 900 900cc
+ $ 800 8. 2002 W650 650cc
+ $1,000 9. 2002 ZZR 1200 1200cc
+ $ 800 10. 1999 Vulcan 400 classic 400cc
Yamaha(1)
+ $1,000 11. 2001 XJR 1300 1300cc
Honda(1)
+ $ 800 12. 1992 CB400SF 400cc
BMW(1)
+ $1,800 13. 2002 K1200RS (with pannier side case) 1200cc
Itinerary:
*Meals Included in package: (D) = Dinner (B) = Breakfast
Day 1 Saturday March 28th:
Arrival in Okayama, Japan
Welcome to Japan! Most will be arriving late, so we'll hold the welcome dinner on the next night. All accommodations are included in the tour price. (D)Day 2 Sunday March 29th:
Free day in Okayama/Welcome Dinner
There are lots of things to see and do in Okayama while you may be catching up on jet lag. Visit the famous and historic Black Castle of Okayama and walk around town. Other sights include the Korakuen Garden (one of Japan's official Three Great Gardens) and the Okayama Oriental Museum. For those interested, we can go to a bike shop and see the downtown shopping arcade. Welcome dinner and orientation at our Hotel this evening. (B/D)Day 3 Monday March 30th:
Bike Pick-Up and Ride to Arifuku Hotsprings (110 miles)
The riding starts today! We'll be taking a one-hour bus out of town to the rental location to pick up the bikes. Then, we'll ride north through the Japanese Alps and along the coast of the Sea of Japan to our evening resting place: a 600-year old, completely natural historic hot springs resort, tucked away in the countryside and known for its healing properties. (B/D)Day 4 Tuesday March 31st:
Arifuku Hot Springs to Chinsui Hot Springs(125 miles)
Experience riding you never thought existed in Japan. Today, we’ll travel south through the backroads of Honshu Island and ride past stunning vistas along the Sea of Japan. Half of today’s riding is along the coast of the Sea of Japan, and the other half is through the mountainous interior. We’ll be staying at a hot springs resort town in the mountains as cherry blossoms float in the air and koi fish swim in a stream below your window. (B/D)
Day 5 Wednesday April 1st:
Chinsui Hot Springs to Kurakawa Hot Springs(210 miles)
Fairly long day of riding on this day. We’ll ride some fantastic roads, see many temples and old farm houses. We’ll be riding the roads of the “real” Japan – the Japan most foreigners never see. We’ll ‘Ride the Dragon’ – a long stretch of road with hundreds of twisties. It’s a blast! We’ll ride south to the island of Kyushu, the most Southerly and Westerly of Japan’s four main islands. Kyushu is known for its friendly, festive locals and is considered to be the birthplace of Japanese civilization. Toward the evening, we’ll stay at a nationally-renowned Kurakawa hot springs. This particular hot spring is very special and very high-end, with some guest houses dating over 350 years old. Even members of the Royal Family have stayed here! (B/D)Day 6 Thursday April 2nd:
Kurakawa Hot Springs to Yufuin (130 miles)
Another day of world-class riding. Explore volcanoes, backroads and small towns of Kyushu. Ride around the rim of one of the largest calderas in the world at Aso-kuju National Park. This mountainous area has many volcanoes and one of the world’s largest caldera basin,
with a circumference of about 55 miles. The Aso area also has a magnificent view of Aso Gogaku Five Mountains, including meadows and the active volcano, Mt. Naka-Dake. We’ll stay at a hot springs resort under the shadow of volcanoes, overlooking the town of Yufuin, where the rhythmic ringing of temple bells can sometimes be heard.(B/D)Day 7 Friday April 3rd:
Yufuin to Shikoku Island and Misaki Pennisula (105 miles)
Today, we’ll make a side-trip to the Iwashita Museum – an amazing collection of hundreds of motorcycles from around the world (including the 1600cc Amazonus!) Then we’ll take a ferry from Kyushu Island to Shikoku Island where we’ll feast on seafood in a little fishing town on the Misaki Peninsula. Food is literally carried straight from boats to the kitchen to your table. It doesn’t get any fresher than this! (B/D)Day 8 Saturday April 4th:
Misaki to Kazurabashi (180 miles)
We’ll ride across the island of Shikoku to the Kuzaribashi area where we’ll ride through more than 60 tunnels before lunch. This is by far the best day of riding. Twisties, mountains, tunnels, LOTS to see! After a superb day of riding, we’ll be stay at a top-notch hotel that provides a tram-way to the uppermost outdoor pools overlooking the valley. Absolutely breathtaking.(B/D)Day 9 Sunday April 5th:
Full Circle (Farewell Dinner)(100 miles)
We’ll ride back to Okayama on the island of Honshu and turn in our bikes after crossing some of the largest suspension bridges in the world. Our farewell dinner will be in Okayama, where we’ll picnic near an idyllic lake surrounded with blossoming cherry trees in full bloom. This will be our day to relax, kick back, chat and say our goodbyes. (B/D)Day 10 Monday April 6th:
Flight Home from Okayama, Japan.(B)Information:
Visa:
Visas are not needed for U.S., Canadian, or U.K. citizens for up to three months stay.Passport:
You must have a valid Passport that does not expire for six month from the date of entry into Japan.
Travel: The easiest way to get to Okayama is by flying to Incheon, Korea, and taking the Korean Air once-daily evening flight from Incheon, Korea to Okayama, Japan. The group will be staying next to the airport, and the staff will pick you up at the airport.
For those planning on arriving early, or arriving by Bullet Train, you may take a bus from the front of the Train Station in Okayama to the Airport. From there, it is a short taxi ride to the hotel. We are staying at the only hotel near the airport.
For any other travel options, please contact us at: 1-800-756-1990 for advice. You may also reach our travel agent Sally at: Sally@alaskatravelsource.com, or (907) 562- 2213
Just Tell her you are part of MotoQuests’ Japan group!*Send us your Travel Information so I know when and where to meet you!!
Reading:
Lonely Planet Japan
Dave Barry Does Japan
Loading the Ferry from Kyushu to ShikokuMoney:
Japanese Yen
Japan is a CASH-OVER-COUNTER society. DO NOT rely on credit cards and US $ to get you by. Change money before you arrive in Japan! Do not plan to exchange US$ for Japanese Yen after you arrive at the airport!Change your cash to Japanese Yen:
-before you come to Japan at your nearest bank that does currency exchange.
-in the airport where you depart, in transit, or on arrival. (Make sure your cash is free on any marks. (These will not be accepted for exchange.)Change around $US 800. This should cover you for the lunches.
*If you plan to shop or travel independently, bring much more!Things to Bring:
- Drivers’ License with Motorcycle Endorsement from your country.
- One Weeks worth of Clothing. Pack Light!! During the evenings, all guest will be given an evening robe (Yukata) for strolling around the Hotel that can be worn for dinner. Because of this, you will not need to pack clothes for every evening…just double up on underwear.
Riding Gear:
- Plan to ride in 40f to 95f degree weather.
- Plan for rain! Two/Three Pairs of Gloves, electric vest, fleece layers, Waterproof riding wear.
Riding in Japan:
- Left Side of the Road Riding!
Hot Springs Ettiquette:
Most of the Hotels we are staying do not have a shower in the rooms! So, be familiar with the way to bathe in the common baths of our hotels! Please click this link to find out how to bathe correctly in Japan!Additional motorcycle liability reduction:
Optional Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) for bike damage is $25.00 per riding day (cost not to exceed $300). When you purchase this agreement, you will be responsible for the first $2,000 of bike damages. If you decline this option you are responsible for all expenses. (Please note that the LDW does not cover personal property damage or bodily injury.) We recommend that you contact your motorcycle insurance carrier to see if you are covered for rental motorcycles.Arrival day:
Send us your travel information so we know when and where to meet you. Please be prepared to show your current motorcycle drivers license.
Tours
We offer exceptional tours focusing on different areas of the world for different comfort levels. All tours include airport pick-up/drop-off, motorcycle rental, guides, support vehicle, mechanical support, welcome and farewell dinners, video of tour, detailed itinerary/maps packet, MotoQuest “swag bag” and a high staff-to-guest ratio, insuring the best personal service possible. Everyday there is a hot shower, great food, and a comfortable bed waiting for you at the end of the trail.
Tour Size
6 - 10 riders. We have a large staff-to-guest ratio. This way your adventure is personalized and safety is maximized.
Gear
Bring riding gear that is warm and waterproof (a riding suit with pads is best). Recommended items to bring: Stout water-proof boots, rain gear, a warm hat, rain-proof gloves (2 pair), hiking shoes, bug spray, full-faced helmet, swim suit, and a good camera are the things you need on the trail.Our Staff
We pride ourselves in giving you quality service. All staff are experienced riders, trained in first aid, and love sharing motorcycling. Since many of the roads we travel are far from help and out of cell phone range, our expertise in motorcycle maintenance, backcountry first aid, and knowledge of out-of-the-way places will greatly enhance your motorcycle tour. Our guides carry satellite phones for emergency use. The full-time support vehicle makes it possible for you to focus on the ride, the fresh air and the scenery. Leave the logistics to us!
Payment
At the time of reservation $1000 deposit is due to guarantee your spot on the tour. The deposit will be applied to the total price of the tour. The balance is due 60 days prior to tour departure date. We accept personal checks, Visa, MasterCard and money orders (sorry, we do not accept American Express or Discover).
Cancellation Policy
You must give a full 60 days notice to receive a refund for a tour. On cancellations with less than 60 days notice, your deposit is forfeited as a cancellation fee and the remaining balance paid can be transferred to another party or another tour, subject to availability. Cancellations with less than 30 days notice, will forfeit 50% of total tour price as cancellation fee and the remaining balance paid can be transferred to another party or another tour, subject to availability. If your participation in the tour is terminated for any reason at anytime during the tour, no refund will be given.Kitty
Riders will be asked to put money into a kitty at the beginning of the tour, to be used by the group as a whole for gas and other group-oriented activites such as lunches, dinners, park entry fees, water stops, etc. Voluntary participation in this system has proven to make group riding run smoother and ultimately make your tour with us more pleasurable!
Register Online
Fill out and fax/mail in our Registration Form
(requires adobe reader)
email: Info@motoquesttours.com
Telephone: 1-800-756-1990 or +1 (907)
272-2777
Fax +1 (907)
272-2777
skype: motoquesttours
