How do I book a Japan motorcycle rental with Rushcorp?
Simply use our automated form here, contact us at +81-3-3891-4333 or bikes@rushcorp.com. For guaranteed bookings, a 20% deposit payable by cash, credit card, or telegraphic transfer is required. Sorry, personal checks are not accepted. The deposit is 100% refundable if the booking is cancelled within 14 days prior to the start of the rental period. Our Rental Office is open by appointment only. Please call or email us before visiting our shop. For customers who visit our office, we can accept payment by Visa, Mastercard, or cash.
What motorcycles are available?
We have a great selection of motorcycles rarely, if ever, seen for rent in Japan or elsewhere, including Moto Guzzi, Benelli, Aprilia, Kawasaki and Yamaha bikes. You can see our current rental fleet right here.
Are there any daily mileage limitations?
No!
Is a damage deposit required?
There is no need to pay a damage deposit upfront, but during your rental period you are responsible for any and all damage to the bike or other equipment up to 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.
Where do I pick up and return the motorcycle?
Tokyo! Our office is about a 10 minute taxi ride from Ueno Station, or a 7 minute walk from Mikawashima Station on the JR Joban / JR Ueno-Tokyo Lines. Our rental office address is 4-2-2 Arakawa, Arakawa-ku, Tokyo, Japan. Again, please give us a call or email before you drop by.
Can we ride 2 up?
Sure! No extra charge, and the insurance cover will apply. Helmets are required for both riders, the pillion rider must be age 20 or above, and the motorcyclist must have at least 3 years experience operating large motorcycles (over 400cc). Also note that some highways around the center of Tokyo prohibit riding 2 up, and that provisions must be made to use alternate surface streets to avoid such highways. As a result, navigation units will be required for all 2-up rentals, and we will assist with your surface street navigation programming to comply with the law.
What level of riding experience do I need?
All motorcyclists 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. Completion of a motorcycle safety course is a definite plus. A motorcyclist's total mileage is not important; experience is! Note that Japan riding takes place on the left side of the road and there are some very narrow windy roads on some tours.
What documents are required?
Motorcyclists must be in possession of a valid motorcycle operator's license. Visitors to Japan (less than 1 year stay) must have a vaild International driver’s Permit (IDP) with motorcycle endorsement. Further, the IDP MUST be based on the international "Convention on Road Traffic" dated 19 September 1949 in Geneva. There is another version of the IDP dated 8 November 1968 in Vienna. This 1968 version of the IDP is NOT VALID in Japan. To obtain an IDP, contact your country's local automobile association office. Please note, non-Japan residents CANNOT obtain an International Driver's License while in Japan. If your driver license is issued by Germany, France, Switzerland, Belgium, Slovena, Monaco or Taiwan, instead of an IDP, you must have a Japan Automobile Federation (JAF) certified Japanese translation of your license. We can coordinate this for you at a nominal cost. Please contact us so that we can arrange this for you. Long-term Japan residents (one year or over) are required to have a valid Japanese motorcycle operator's license. Citizens of countries other than the USA must check with their local authorities concerning any additional documents that may be necessary.
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 motorcyclist is responsible for the deductible, which ranges between 200,000 to 300,000 Japanese yen, dependent on the type of motorcycle rented. It should be noted that if you provide us with a Visa or MasterCard at time of rental, we do not require an advance cash motorcycle damage deposit. Should there be any damage to the bike while on tour you will be invoiced for the repairs. Personal injury coverage is 30,000,000 yen each for the motorcyclist (and pillion, one incident only). Third party property damage and personal injury coverage is unlimited, as defined by the laws of Japan.
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, as much depends on the ability of the motorcyclist. 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 motorcyclist accustomed to riding in the rain will possibly find it uncomfortable. A motorcyclist terrified of riding in the rain will possibly make poor decisions and put themselves 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.
What are the age limitations?
Motorcyclists must be at least 18 years old for bikes over 400cc. Motorcyclists as young as 16 years old are permitted for bikes up to 400cc. Some restrictions apply. Please contact us for details.
Where we are going?
We are happy to recommend interesting routes and courses, places to stay, things to see, and provide pre-planned routes as an optional service. Interested in booking a complete Japan tour with hotel bookings at some of the best hot springs in the country, combined with our selection of motorcycles? Contact our affiliated motorcycle touring partners Ninja Tours at www.ninjatours.com
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.
How about clothing and riding gear?
We have helmets, wet weather gear, riding jackets and gloves available for rental at nominal charge. You can also bring your own gear, or even send it over to our office before you come to Japan, or even send it to our office directly from Narita or Haneda airport if you plan on sightseeing before the motorcycle rental. Please contact us for information. Riding in jeans and a T-shirt is not recommended, and proper protective equipment (including full-face helmets) are strongly advised.
Cash or Credit Cards?
Japan is primarily a cash-based culture. A lot of smaller establishments (especially in the countryside) will not accept credit cards, so you must be prepared to occasionally pay with cash. Economy type hotels are usually cash only. Many rural restaurants or eating/drinking establishments will not accept credit cards in any form. It is possible to withdraw cash 24 hours a day from most major credit cards at Seven-Eleven convenience store ATM machines nation-wide. Your credit card may have a daily limit, or a per-transaction limit for cash withdrawals. Please check prior to your trip, and HAVE A BACKUP PLAN involving cash!
How much do I need to spend daily?
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, allow for 2000-3000 yen/day on average. Accommodations (including breakfast and dinner and Japanese style onsen baths) can range anywhere from 10,000 yen/day onwards. depending on options chosen. Lunches and refreshment (and a few beers) may total about 5000 yen/day. In regards to accommodations, more basic accommodations may range anywhere from 5000 upwards (including meals).
What happens to my luggage?
For your convenience, you are welcome to store luggage in our shop both before and after your touring. While we can not be held responsible for any loss, our shop has 24 hour security and video cameras. As for the motorcycles, we have luggage (top boxes, tank bags, panniers) available for rental. We can also arrange forwarding of your luggage to various destinations along your route. This helps you avoid needing to carry everything with you every day. As this is an individual service tailored to your circumstances, please contact us for more information.
Where do we eat lunch?
Anywhere! We can suggest restaurants on the route you are taking for the day. 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?
You are ok, with some careful planning. We will do our best to make suggestions and recommendations.
Is it possible to arrange a custom or private tour?
Yes. Our afflilated partner company Ninja Tours offers a variety of self-guided and full guided tour options. They can book all aspects of your tour, including the use of a Rushcorp motorbike as part of the package. Please contact Ninja Tours directly at www.ninjatours.com.
I have more questions…
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!