Frequently Asked Questions

Yes — a valid IDP is required to legally ride a motorcycle in Japan on a New Zealand licence. You must obtain a Geneva Convention IDP (the version accepted in Japan) before you leave New Zealand.

IDPs are issued by the New Zealand Automobile Association (AA). You'll need your current NZ licence, a passport photo, and a small fee. They can usually be issued same-day at any AA branch. Do this before you fly — IDPs cannot be issued or extended once you're overseas.

Your IDP must be carried at all times along with your original NZ licence and your passport. Riding without a valid IDP can result in fines or having your bike impounded.

Your NZ licence class determines what you can ride. A standard NZ car licence (Class 1) does not cover motorcycles — you need a NZ Class 6 motorcycle licence to ride in Japan.

In Japan, bikes over 400cc require a large motorcycle licence (大型二輪). Your NZ Class 6 with an IDP covers this. If you're on a restricted NZ licence, you'll be limited to bikes up to 400cc. Please let us know your licence class when booking so we can match you with a suitable rental bike.

Absolutely. Japan is one of the best countries in the world for motorcycle touring. Roads are well-maintained, signage is clear, and drivers are courteous and predictable. You ride on the left — the same as New Zealand — so the transition feels natural.

Our guides ride lead and sweep, so you'll never be left to navigate alone. We brief all riders on local road rules, toll systems, and any quirks of the route before we depart. First-timers in Japan are welcome on all our tours.

We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance that includes motorcycle riding before you travel. Rental bikes come with compulsory third-party liability insurance, but this does not cover personal injury or damage to the bike itself unless you add an optional top-up at the rental counter.

We recommend World Nomads or a similar policy that explicitly covers motorbike riding. Check the fine print — some policies exclude bikes over a certain engine size. Contact us if you'd like our current recommendations.

At minimum, wear a full-face helmet, motorcycle jacket with armour, gloves, and sturdy over-the-ankle boots. Full leather or textile riding pants are strongly recommended — jeans offer very little protection in a slide.

Bring your IDP, NZ licence, and passport. A small day bag or tank bag is useful for carrying water, snacks, and a waterproof layer — Japanese weather can change quickly, especially in the mountains.

If you don't have your own gear, our rental partners at Rental819 offer helmet and jacket hire at most locations. Let us know in advance and we'll organise it with your bike booking.

Our tours are suitable for any rider who can comfortably ride for 4–8 hours over a day. You don't need to be a fitness athlete — but you should be comfortable sitting on a bike for extended periods and alert enough to handle winding mountain or coastal roads.

The Tokyo Night Ride is the most accessible — it's mostly urban riding at moderate speeds. The Mountain Explorer involves more technical corners and elevation changes. If you have any physical considerations, please mention them at booking and we'll advise the best fit.

We keep groups small — a maximum of 4 riders per tour. This is a deliberate choice: smaller groups mean a better experience on narrow mountain roads, easier communication, and more flexibility to stop at viewpoints or wait if someone needs a break.

Every group has a lead guide at the front and a sweep rider at the rear. No one gets left behind.

Not at all. Our guides are bilingual and handle all communication with restaurants, toll operators, and locals on your behalf. English-language GPS navigation is used throughout, and we brief you in English before and during the ride.

That said, learning a few basics — arigatou gozaimasu (thank you), sumimasen (excuse me) — goes a long way and locals really appreciate the effort.

Head to our Booking page, select the package(s) you want, and submit your booking request. We'll confirm availability and send payment details within 24 hours.

Alternatively, email us at admin@looongride.com or message us on WhatsApp at +81 80 2580 1438. We're happy to discuss custom dates or route combinations before you commit.

Cancellations made more than 14 days before the tour date receive a full refund. Cancellations within 7–14 days receive a 50% refund. Cancellations within 7 days of the tour are non-refundable, as guides and logistics are already committed.

If we cancel a tour due to severe weather or circumstances outside our control, you will receive a full refund or the option to reschedule at no extra cost.

Yes — a 30% deposit is required to confirm your booking. The remaining balance is due 7 days before the tour date. Payment details will be provided when we confirm your booking.

Absolutely. We offer private group bookings and can tailor routes for riders with specific interests — alpine passes, coastal roads, historical sites, or multi-day adventures beyond our standard packages. Contact us to discuss your ideas and we'll put together a custom proposal.

We handle the bike rental coordination for you. We work exclusively with Rental819, one of Japan's largest and most reputable motorcycle rental networks, with five convenient Tokyo locations: Ueno, Ikebukuro, Odaiba, Komazawa, and Mitaka.

When you book with us, we'll recommend the best pickup location based on your tour meetup point and help you select a suitable bike. You deal directly with Rental819 for payment at pickup.

Rental819 offers a wide range from 250cc bikes up to 1000cc+. Popular options with our riders include the Honda CB650R, Kawasaki Z900, Yamaha MT-09, and Honda Africa Twin for those wanting adventure-style capability.

Availability varies by location and season — we recommend booking your bike 2–4 weeks in advance, especially for peak cherry blossom (late March–April) and autumn foliage (October–November) seasons. Visit our rentals page for full details.

No problem — you're welcome to ride your own bike on our tours. Just let us know at booking so we can note it in the group logistics. You'll still need a valid IDP and your own comprehensive insurance. We'll handle the route, guiding, and all the stops regardless of whether you're on a rental or your own machine.

Rental819 bikes can be equipped with GPS navigation for an additional hire fee — we recommend adding this, especially for mountain or coastal routes. Alternatively, our guides lead the group, so you simply follow — no navigation required. We also share GPX route files in advance for riders who want them loaded on their own device.