Hyde from Singapore - Kanagawa

SHOUNAN SUMMER RIDE

Went back to Kanto for summer vacation where I was staying in Yuigahama, in Kamakura, for 3 days. Decided to rent a bike from Rental819’s Fujisawa Outlet for 2 days in the Shounan area. It was my first time riding in Japan and was very nervous about it, since I had not rode a bike for ages. Takamatsu-san of Fujisawa Outlet was very helpful and detailed in briefing me about riding in Japan, and in order to regain my riding confidence, he advised me to test ride/ familiarize with the bike just outside the alley of the driving school for 3 rounds and without knowing, I just took it off to the main roads from there.

I have chosen Honda VTR250 for the start since I wasn’t that ready to take control of a 400CC bike. If you are a fan of V-Twin engines or “Mini Ducati”, this bike is one of the considerations. 

After catching a movie and dinner at Tsujido’s Terrace Mall Shounan, it was already dark. I decided to take a relaxing night ride along the Shounan’s coast to Enoshima to chill-out, before ending the day back at my hostel.

Day 2 was a day trip to Miura Peninsula. Had simple breakfast outside a 7-11 convenient store after setting off from my hostel.

 

First stop was visiting the late X-Japan’s guitarist, hide. Wasn’t much of a trouble getting there as I have been in the Shounan area couple of times.

After paying respect to hide, headed further south to Jougashima, the most southern end of Miura Peninsula. This is actually one of the reasons a bike is needed, because there is limited public transport getting here from Misakiguchi/ Miura Kaigan stations. Brought my Pikachu along as my traveling partner. For nature lover, you wouldn’t regret coming to this isolated corner of the peninsula.

It’s all about fresh seafood at Misaki Port. Had lunch at one of the Shokudou around the fishing port area in Jougashima

Had a short exploration around the fishing port area in Jougashima after lunch.

While on the way back to Kamakura from Jougashima, stopped by several places which are worth visiting for. The first, being Arasaki Park. Which is well known for one of Kanagawa Prefecture’s scenic spot. 

From Arasaki Park, decided to take a photoshoot for the bike at this special spot. This particular alley which was facing the sea, was being used by renowned singer-song writer YUI in her music video, “I Remember You”. 

Setting off from Hayama town, I stopped by Shichirigama Beach for a rest, before the last run of the day. It is one of my favorite spot in Shounan and I had always come here in the past by Enoden. It is also a stage for the famous Japanese movie “Taiyou no Uta” starring YUI and Tsukamoto Takeshi

Shounan is also well known for its beaches. The Southern C at Chigasaki is a landmark for it. Not the first time here, but the first time with a bike in front of the C. With the kinen shashin at Chigasaki, I returned the white stallion back to Fujisawa Outlet with a fulfilling Shounan Summer Ride. I told myself:　今度、ここに帰ってくる時、「県を越える旅」をしようぜ。

HYDE

FROM SINGAPORE

RENTAL PERIOD: 2017-08-09 TO 2017-08-10 @ FUJISAWA OUTLET

Vanessa and Camillo from Italy - All Japan

Dear Rental819,

I write to thank you. My husband and I had a very good experience in Japan. Our trip was wonderful without problems. We want to thank  the guys of Rental819 shop in Narita Airport, they were very kind and professional with us.

We hope to come back in Japan next year for visit the north of the country...by motorcycle..of course!

hope to write you again next year.

Kind regards,

Vanessa and Camillo

Anthony from Lebanon - Kansai

I had a great ride and easy rent. Roads are in great condition, lots of nice off the beaten path roads! 

I started in Osaka > Kobe > Awaji > Naoshima > Okayama> Himeji > Osaka

I have a couple of friends coming in September we will probably rent a couple of bikes. 

Best,

Anthony 

Masaru and Cary from USA - Honshu

Somewhere in the hills around Sera, Japan

Greetings!

We had a great ride into the hills surrounding the farming communities around Sera, located between Hiroshima and Okayama.  On the way back we headed south to Onomichi and took the coastal route, arriving at Rental819 just in time to return the bikes.  My friend Cary and I were able to visit his ancestral homeland and we even went to “ohaka maeri” and to visit a nearby local shrine.  So peaceful and pleasant.

I would like to especially recognize the staff person at Rental819 who helped us rent the bikes. While we were getting ready to ride out, he gave us some great tips on the local okonomiyaki scene and it was great to see how concerned he was about our plans the next day.  I regret that I did not get his name, but please give him our best regards and thanks.  I travel often and it’s the people who you meet on your journeys that make the trip!

I hope that we can ride again with Rental819 bikes in the future and of course, I will recommend Rental819 to my other friends and mention how easy the rental process was for us.  The bikes were brand new, too!

Sincerely,

Masaru

Cary

Michael from USA - Honshu

The bike was in perfect condition (Honda NC750X). I made about 1,600km: from Tokyo to Fuji, few lakes and passes around the mount, then to Kofu, Takayama and Kanazawa through the small winding roads and passes. From there I rode to Kyoto and then back to Tokyo, sidetracking to the Izu peninsula and it's mountain and coastal roads.

It is incredibly easy to ride in Japan, the roads are excellent, the drivers are unbelievably polite and careful and everyone drives responsibly. Did not see any car accident too.

Few advices: My trip happened in November 12 - 22. It is getting a bit cold in the mountains especially after 3 - 4 pm. Need to dress appropriately or ride in the warmer part of the year. The foliage time was mostly over in the mountains too. I have not booked any hotels in advance - just rented it from my phone over the Internet at the end of each day where it happened to be. Had always been able to find something in vicinity of 10 miles for $30 - $80 /night except Tokyo and Kyoto. Well, it is possible that in season the situation with the hotels can be different.

The country is beautiful and the food is great, plus a lot of interesting places everywhere. Between the few English road signs and the google maps on the smart phone (plus Bluetooth head phones) I had no problems finding my ways. I do not speak or read any Japanese at all. 

Jorge & Seulki from Spain/Korea - Okinawa

We wanted to say "thank you" to Rental 819 for their great service, and explain how much fun we had thanks to the motorcycle, but it is best that you see it by yourselves watching this video I made:

Mr. and Mrs. Beese from U.K. - Hokkaido

My wife and I would like to express our sincere thanks to Rental 819 for making our trip around Hokkaido such an easy journey.

Their assistance allowed us to focus on the trip and not about any arrangements around the bike part. All worked perfectly from when we landed.

The recommendations on where to go made sense and we did about 1,500 km. The bike ran flawlessly and the NC750 proved a good ride even with both of us being over 6 feet tall.

We would like to recommend Rental 819 to all our rider friends. Thank you!