Kamakura, The Ancient Small Capital Tour
¥50,000~$325Per person
¥50,000~$325Per person
Kamakura, The Ancient Small Capital Tour
¥50,000~$325Per person
Kamakura was the capital of Japan 800 years ago. This ancient capital near Tokyo is located in a small area surrounded by the sea and mountains, dotted with moss-covered old temples and shrines as tourist spots. On this tour, you will visit Hokokuji Temple, famous for its bamboo grove. For lunch, enjoy a "Shirasu-don" (whitebait rice bowl) made with small fish called shirasu caught in the local sea, or fresh sashimi and other seafood. In the afternoon, ride the tram affectionately called "Enoden" by the locals to visit the Great Buddha of Hase and Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine. In early summer, hydrangeas bloom, and in autumn, beautiful autumn leaves color the entire region. Meanwhile, the south-facing sea is called "Shonan," a popular area for surfers and young people.
🕒 9 hours
ScheduleAll dates and times are based on Japan Standard Time (JST)
Keisei Hikifune Station
Meet at Keisei Hikifune Station, approximately 1 hour from Narita Airport or Haneda Airport, and walk to the motorcycle storage location. If arriving by taxi, please gather at this station first.
Enoshima Island
Move to Enoshima Island and have lunch with "Shirasu-don" (whitebait rice bowl) or sashimi. Enoshima is a small island jutting into the sea, where you can enjoy unique terrain such as sea caves and rock formations.
Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine
The approach from Kamakura Station to Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine is lined with many souvenir shops.
Enoshima Island
We will return to Enoshima, where the bikes are parked.
Keisei Hikifune Station
We will return the bikes to the base, and the tour will conclude there.
Tour Calendar
What's Included
Included in the price
- ✅Guide fee
- ✅Rental bike fee
- ✅Equipment rental (helmet, jacket, gloves, etc.)
- ✅Parking fees
- ✅Gasoline
- ✅Insurance for rental bike
- ✅Highway tolls
Not included in the price
- ❌Lunch
- ❌Souvenirs
Your Tour Guides
Hiroshi Hashimoto
Born in 1971, he started riding motorcycles at the age of 16 and has 36 years of experience. He loves touring and racing, and has been racing mini-bikes for almost 30 years. His experience of touring abroad many times has inspired him to become a motorcycle tour guide.
- Over 35years biking experience
- Over 15 Countries visited
- Speaks Japanese and a little English
- Current Bike:
BMW R1200ST/ HONDA SuperCub 110
Masataka Tsushima
Born in 1989, started riding motorcycles at age 20, and has 15 years of experience. Launched and operates "Motobase," a 24-hour unmanned motorcycle rental service where customers can start their journey anytime. Favorite touring spot is Tenka Chaya at Lake Kawaguchi.
- Over 15years biking experience
- Speaks Japanese and a little English
- Current Bike:
Kawasaki ZX-25R
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are the questions we receive most often about our guided tours. If you have any other questions, feel free to contact us or reach out via chat.
Q
What is a guided tour? Can I rent a bike without a guide?
A
Our guided tours are designed for visitors coming to Japan. Because traffic rules and road layouts can be complex, Motobase currently offers unguided rentals only to residents of Japan who hold a Japanese driver's license. On a guided tour, a Motobase staff member rides with you, so you can explore Japan safely and with peace of mind.
Q
Can I rent helmets, jackets, gloves, and other gear?
A
Yes. Helmets, protective jackets, and gloves are provided and included in the tour price. You are welcome to bring your own gear if you prefer. We do not currently rent riding pants, so please avoid shorts and come dressed in long pants.
Q
How far in advance should I make a reservation?
A
Guided tours can be booked starting two weeks in advance. We need time to arrange your guide and prepare the tour, so last-minute reservations are not possible. Guests from France, Germany, Switzerland, Monaco, Belgium, and Taiwan must bring both their home-country license and an official Japanese translation. If you would like Motobase to obtain the translation for you (paid option separate from the tour price), please book at least 60 days in advance.
Q
When do cancellation fees apply?
A
Cancellations made more than seven days before departure are free of charge. Within seven days of departure, a 100% cancellation fee applies. If you request us to obtain an official Japanese license translation and the document has already been issued, the translation fee is non-refundable even if you cancel.
Q
Can tours start outside of Tokyo?
A
At the moment, all tours depart from Tokyo. We are open to expanding to other areas in the future, so please share your feedback and requests with us.
Q
What happens if there is an accident or the bike is damaged during the tour?
A
If you are involved in an accident with another party, our insurance covers bodily injury and property damage with no limit. The insurance cost is included in the tour price. Repair costs for the rental bike are also covered, so no additional payment is required. The tour price is set to include all of these potential costs, providing full peace of mind. However, if the bike is damaged because you ignored the guide's instructions, you will be responsible for the full repair cost. In the event of lost keys or theft during the tour, we will charge for the resulting losses.
Q
Can you arrange hotels or flights for me?
A
Motobase provides rental bikes and tour guides. Travel to Japan and hotel reservations must be arranged by the customer. We do not offer booking services for flights or accommodation.
Q
Is riding with a passenger allowed?
A
Two-up riding is not permitted on Motobase tours. Each rider must reserve their own bike. Please note that we cannot accept day-of requests to add a passenger.
Q
Do tours ever get canceled?
A
Typhoons are common in Japan between July and September, and tours may be canceled if the guide determines that conditions are unsafe. Tours may also be canceled in winter if there is snow or icy roads. When the guide cancels due to weather or safety concerns, there is no cancellation fee—even within seven days of departure. However, we cannot reimburse travel expenses to Japan or costs such as hotel reservations made outside of Motobase.
Q
Do I still have to pay a cancellation fee if I get sick or injured?
A
Any cancellation must be made more than seven days before the tour date. Regardless of the reason, cancellations within seven days of departure incur a 100% fee. Only when the guide cancels due to weather or safety issues will the fee be waived.
Q
When do I pay for the tour, and can I use something other than a credit card?
A
The tour fee is charged to the credit card you registered after the tour concludes. We do not accept any payment methods other than credit cards.
Q
What expenses are not included in the tour price?
A
Meals, souvenirs, travel to Japan, and hotel costs are not included—you will need to cover these yourself. Highway tolls, fuel, and similar expenses are included in the tour price.
Q
Do the guides speak languages other than Japanese?
A
At present, our guides are not native speakers of other languages. We use translation apps to help communicate. Our guides are committed to running enjoyable tours and will make every effort to communicate, so we appreciate your understanding.
Q
Can I request destinations that aren’t listed in the tour itinerary?
A
Whenever possible, we are happy to customize the route so you can enjoy your trip to the fullest. Some destinations may be difficult to accommodate, but please feel free to contact us or use the chat to discuss your request.
Q
What kind of driver’s license do I need to ride in Japan?
A
You must carry either an international driving permit issued by a Geneva Convention country, or a driver’s license issued in Switzerland, Germany, France, Taiwan, Belgium, or Monaco along with an official Japanese translation. International permits issued under the Paris (1926), Washington (1943), or Vienna (1968) Conventions—or from countries that have not ratified the Geneva Convention—are not valid in Japan. Digital driver’s licenses are also not accepted.
