Preparation For MotorCycle Riding
Summary
In order to ride a motorcycle in Japan, you will need to prepare the following items.
- Driver’s license (including international license)
- Motorcycle
- Procedures for liability insurance and voluntary insurance
- Helmets and other equipment
You will need your license, motorcycle, and helmet, but protectors and other equipment are optional, so you can ride a motorcycle without them.
In Japan, there is something called “insurance" that you must sign up for when you ride a motorcycle or a car.
Insurance is a service that provides you with financial compensation in the event of a traffic accident.
When you own your own motorcycle, you will have to sign up for your own insurance.
When you rent a bike, the insurance fee is included in the price of the service.
As for insurance, the procedure varies depending on the type of insurance and the motorcycle.
In Japan, liability insurance is compulsory, so it is against the law to ride a vehicle without liability insurance.
Please refer to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism’s website for more information on liability insurance.
自賠責保険（共済）ポータルサイト：自動車総合安全情報
交通事故被害者に対する国土交通省の救済対策を紹介します
https://www.mlit.go.jp/jidosha/anzen/04relief/
※Please use translation and look it up in a language other than Japanese.
（Google Translate / DeepL Translate / weblio）
If you are going to ride your own motorcycle, you will need to go through the process of purchasing your own liability insurance.
You can go through the procedure at the dealership when you purchase the vehicle.
If you ride a rental motorcycle, you will need to go through the procedures for liability and voluntary insurance at the same time when you go through the rental process.
The term “rental motorcycle" means “renting a motorcycle for a fee.
The term “rental motorcycle" is used on this website.
Of course, you will also need to understand the Japanese traffic rules.
Obtaining a driver’s license means that you understand the traffic rules in Japan, but when you actually get on the road, you may learn about traffic rules that you have never heard of before.
However, everything is governed by the “Road Traffic Law".
https://elaws.e-gov.go.jp/document?lawid=335AC0000000105_202...※Please use translation and look it up in a language other than Japanese.
（Google Translate / DeepL Translate / weblio）
Based on the above information, this section will explain what you need to understand in order to ride a motorcycle in Japan.
Please read the following pages to prepare yourself for riding a motorcycle in Japan.
Contents List
Japanese Motorcycle License and International Driving Permit (IDP)
The following is an explanation of the International Driving Permit (I.D.P.), which allows foreign nationals to ride motorcycles in Japan.
/page-14/international-driving-permit/Major Traffic Manners and Traffic Rules in Japan
In Japan, there is a law called the Road Traffic Law, but there is also a word called “traffic manners".
Road signs are important, but please understand “traffic manners" as well.
How To Rent a MotorCycle
Please refer to this page when you use the rental bike service.
Please note that each rental service has different terms and conditions.
Equipped With Protector
When riding a motorcycle, it is important to wear protective gear so that if you fall, the damage will be minimal.
How To Use The Maps App
When riding a motorcycle in an unfamiliar area, use the navigation function on your smartphone to avoid getting lost.
Parking for motorcycles
This page explains about finding a bicycle parking space.
Please be careful when you park your bike in the city.
About refueling and gas stations
This is an explanation of gasoline and gas stations in Japan.
Whenever you ride a motorcycle, you will need to refuel, so be sure to check beforehand.
