September to November is the best time of year to ride in Japan. The temperature settles, the rain eases off, and the mountains change colour. Bookings for this period are now open.
Japanese summers are hot and humid at sea level — hard work in full riding gear. From the second half of September the air changes, and through October and November the daytime temperatures stay comfortable. The roads are dry more often than not, and the passes are at their best.
The colours move south
Where the cherry blossom moves north in spring, the autumn colours come down from the north. The mountains of Hokuriku and Hida turn from mid-October; around Kyoto the peak is mid to late November. If your dates are flexible, we can build a route that follows that movement — different scenery in the first and second half of the trip.
Routes we suggest for autumn
- ライダーの聖地めぐり（5日間） 箱根・諏訪は紅葉の名所です。11月上旬が見ごろにあたります。”>Sanctuary of the Biker, five days. Hakone and Lake Suwa are well known for the colours, at their best in early November.
- Book early
Along with spring, autumn is our busiest season. Weekends from late October into mid-November go first. Even if your dates are not fixed, tell us roughly when and which direction, and we can hold a machine for you.
From December the mountain passes close with snow and ice. If you want the mountains, autumn is the time.