Do I need to speak or read Japanese to rent a motorcycle?
NO! Absolutely not! We speak English. The contracts and forms are all in English, too. Since we can understand each other perfectly, we can avoid misunderstandings and fully understand any questions or concerns that you have.
That being said, if you really WANT to practice your Japanese skills with us, go ahead!
What happens when I book a Ninja Tours Vacation?
After we collect a 20% deposit payable by credit card (via PayPal) or telegraphic transfer, your motorcycle selection is confirmed, and we immediately work on your accommodations reservations. We share all the accommodations details with you, and provide weblinks to each place you will stay. If you approve of our selection of accommodations, our ride coordinator will ask for your ride preferences, and then hand-craft a complete turn by turn route, broken down by day. This will also be shared with you for your approval. Only after you are completely happy will we charge you the remaining 80% of your tour package about 14 days prior to your Japan arrival.
You may cancel your reservation and receive a 100% refund of your deposit with 2 weeks prior notice. Exceptions may arise due to season and policies may vary with some accommodation bookings. If differences arise, you will always be informed of the policy in place for your booking, before we ask you to pay for your deposit.
Sure! No extra charge for the motorcycle, and the insurance cover will apply. Just pay for the pillion accommodations and meals. Please be advised that helmets are required for both riders, the accompanying rider must be age 20 or above, and you MUST have at least 3 years of riding experience. In the contact form, just include a message for us that you are riding with a pillion, and we will provide an estimate for accommodations and food, accordingly.
Is a damage deposit required?
If you have a Visa or MasterCard, there is no need to pay a damage deposit. During your rental period, you are responsible for any and all damage to the bike or other equipment not to exceed the deductible, irrespective of the cause. Depending on your riding experience, your deductible can be reduced to as little as 50,000 yen for an additional charge. Please contact us for information about this special offer. Are there any daily mileage limitations?
Where do I pick up the motorcycle?
The motorcycle is picked up and dropped off at our conveniently located Tokyo offices. In addition, you deal only with Rushcorp, our affiliated rental agency, for all motorcycle arrangements. There is no need to sign secondary contracts with outside agents.
What motorcycles are available?
We have a great selection of motorcycles rarely, if ever, seen for rent in Japan or elsewhere, including BMW, Aprilla, Kawasaki, Benelli, Ducati, Honda and Yamaha bikes. Please see any of our tour packages for pricing and specifications!
What level of riding experience do I need?
All participants must have the ability to safely handle a motorcycle in traffic, and exhibit confidence in riding under a variety of road, traffic and weather conditions. Note that riding takes place on the left side of the road, and there are some very narrow windy roads on some tours. Also, if you are riding with a pillion, traffic laws require you to have at least 3 years minimum of solo riding experience with motorcycles over 400cc.
What documents are required?
Riders must have a valid motorcycle operator's license (with the correct motorcycle size endorsement).
Visitors to Japan (less than 1 year stay) must have a valid International Driver’s Permit with motorcycle endorsement. This document is available at your local motor club office.
Please insure that it is a PAPER BOOKLET that says
'INTERNATIONAL DRIVING PERMIT'
and the date MUST be '19 September 1949'
If it says 'INTERNATIONAL DRIVING DOCUMENT', or if the date is not 19 September 1949, it is NOT valid in Japan.
If your license is from TAIWAN, SWITZERLAND, GERMANY, FRANCE, BELGIUM, ESTONIA, or MONACO, you do NOT need an International Driver Permit. An official Japanese translation of your driver license will be sufficient. Contact Us for procedures.
What insurance do the motorcycles carry?
All of our motorcycles carry the legal limit liability required in Japan. This covers damage to others AND collision coverage for the motorcycle. In the case of motorcycle damage, the motorcycle operator is responsible for the deductible, which ranges from 200,000 yen and upwards, dependent on the type of motorcycle rented. Personal injury coverage is set at up to 30,000,000 yen each for the rider (and passenger, one incident only). Third party property damage and personal injury coverage is unlimited.
We also advise you to secure travel insurance coverage.
What are the age limitations?
Operators must be at least 18 years old for bikes over 400cc. Some restrictions apply. Please contact us for details. How much risk is involved?
Motorcycle riding is, by nature, an intense, risk-filled sport. It is very difficult to say how much risk is involved in our tours, as much depends on the ability of the participant. A road or set of conditions offering considerable challenge and risk for a novice rider often present an experienced rider with little risk. Likewise with weather conditions — a rider accustomed to riding in the rain will possibly find it uncomfortable. A rider terrified of riding in the rain will possibly make poor decisions and put himself in a dangerous position. Riding in Japan is certainly some of the most varied riding a motorcyclist will ever encounter. It will also certainly be the most rewarding from the standpoint of the scenery, the challenge, and the daily options available. In Japan you drive on the left hand side of the road. This requires constant diligence. A rider who spends too much time thinking about the handling or operation of the motorcycle may find himself in trouble. The operation of the motorcycle must be second-nature, so that attention may be focused on safe riding.
What weather conditions can we expect?
Japan has 4 distinct seasons, with temperatures ranging between tropical in summer to alpine in winter. We recommend that you carry wet weather gear, and during the summer season (from June to September) summer weight riding gear is sufficient the majority of the time. In colder parts of the year outside of this time, we recommend that you be prepared for colder temperatures if you are traveling in alpine regions. Feel free to contact us for specific advice pertaining to your exact route. Will my credit/debit card work in Japan?
Japan is a mostly cash-based culture. A lot of smaller establishments may not accept credit/debit cards at all, so you should be prepared to pay for some things with cash. You can withdraw cash with your credit/debit card at convenience store ATMs, 24 hours a day/7 days a week. Be mindful of your credit/debit card's daily limit for cash withdrawals, and note that many ATM machines in Japan limit you to 30,000 yen per transaction (but multiple transactions are permitted per day, up to your maximum daily cash limit). Have some backup emergency cash at all times!
If your credit/debit card has one of the below logos, you are technically able to make ATM withdrawals from Seven Eleven convenience stores (and many others) nationwide. Your credit/debit card issuer may need to be informed that you are traveling to Japan in advance.
How much should I budget for fuel and lunch?
Basically, for an average of 350 km of riding, you will use 2 tanks of petrol, which equals 2500-4000 yen/day. If highway tolls are applicable, and you opt to pay for them with cash (instead of our pre-paid toll option), allow for 2000-3000 yen/day on average. Lunches, refreshment, and a few beers may total about 5000 yen/day.
What happens to my luggage?
You have the ability to carry luggage on most of our bikes. However, not everyone will wish to take everything with them all the time, so we can arrange forwarding of your luggage to various destinations along your route. Alternatively, you are welcome to leave your luggage in our secured office.
Anywhere! We can suggest restaurants on the route you are taking for the day. Restaurants are open from about noon to 2:30 for luncheon ... and generally, you can’t go wrong in choosing local dishes.
In rural areas, the range of restaurants will vary widely depending on your location. Most establishments are open throughout the day. Many will have pictures or plastic models of the food, so it is easy to understand what is being offered.
I require a special diet. What do I do?
Call or e-mail us. We will be happy to answer any and all questions for you. Here is a page with contact information. We strive to answer any and all of your questions before you depart, so that the only surprises on tour are the pleasant ones we have planned for you! 
