Tour Information

Tour Price Includes:

• Airport to airport service
• 9 Nights' Accommodations
• No less than two meals a day (most hotels include at least 2 meals)
• Rental of 400CC motorcycle
• Gasoline
• Taxi fees (to and from the Motorcycle Rental Pick-up area in Okayama)
• Ferry passage from Kyushu Island to Shikoku Island
• Road tolls
• Premier Welcome and Farewell Dinners
• 2 Guides on motorcycles with satellite phones
• Full-time Japanese translator
• Staff-supported driver
• Support vehicle (for luggage and non-riders)
• Maps
• Aerostich Tours Swag (shirts, hat, stickers...)
• Tour video and photos

Tour Price Does Not Include:

• Airfare
• All lunches
• Alcohol

Notes:

Money: Japan is a cash society: do not rely on your credit card or ATM machines for cash! Bring enough Yen with you, or change it at the airport when you get there. It is best to exchange your dollars for Yen PRIOR to arriving in Japan! However, bring a Credit Card for a damage deposit authorization at the time of rental bike pick-up.

Pack light! Traditional Japanese robes are provided every evening at all of the hotels and travellers' lodges. Just prepare for clothes during the day.

Internet Access: They are a bit behind the times on this one... NO INTERNET is available during the week.

Motorcycle License Required: All riders must get an International Driving Permit with motorcycle endorsement. Make sure you get your motorcycle endorsement on it! To get an International Driving Permit, proceed to your nearest AAA.

Passport Required: A passport will be needed. Make sure your passport is current and will not be expiring within six months of the tour date. If it is, it is best to renew it before going on this tour. No visa is required for up to three months of travel in Japan for United States citizens.

Tattoos: Tattoos are considered taboo and related to organized crime to the older generation. You may get looks or comments in the baths. Don't worry about this too much, as the younger generation is starting to make it more popular. If you are concerned, simply put a piece of tape over your tattoo, and go bathing.

No Showers? There are NO SHOWERS in the hotel/travel lodge rooms! You must go down to the common baths. We will send everyone information with the DO's and DON'Ts in these traditional baths before the tour. To bathe in Japan is to experience a rich cultural tradition that you will come to love!

Tips: There is no tipping in Japan.

GPS: GPS coordinates are available for all Garmin users.

Etiquette:

• Avoid excessive physical and eye contact and don't point directly at someone with your index finger (use your hand to point, if you must).
• Japanese people often use silence for communication as much as speaking.
• Do not bite or clean your fingernails, or lick your fingers in front of others.
• Do not use chopsticks to point at someone and NEVER leave your chopsticks standing up out of your food (this gesture signifies a death in the family).