Japan’s Motorcycle Nirvana – This Ride Changed Me – Kumamoto
Project 47: Episode 3 — Kumamoto Prefecture (Solo Motorcycle Journey Across Japan)
I rode into Kumamoto expecting a solo motorcycle adventure in the land of Volcanoes and Islands. The road gave me something far more powerful: the incredible kindness of strangers in the Japanese countryside.
In this episode of Project 47, I spend 5 days exploring the volcanic landscapes of Mt. Aso and the coastal beauty of Amakusa on my motorcycle. But the real story isn’t just the road—it’s the people. From Araki san at the campsite to a surprise BBQ invitation from a local family, this trip proved that even on a solo motorcycle journey across Japan, you are never truly alone.
Join me on the Honda GB350s as we ride the technical mountain passes of Route 445, walk behind the curtain of Nabegataki Falls, and discover that the best travel memories are the ones you share with others.
⏱️ In this episode:
00:00 – Intro: Entering the Land of Fire
02:55 – Route 445: The Hardest Road I’ve Ridden
07:26 – A Mysterious Gift from Araki-san
11:33 – Ominous Views: Riding the Rim of Mt. Aso
17:04 – Nabegataki: The Secret World Behind the Water
19:00 – Trying Kumamoto’s Most Famous Delicacy (Horse Meat)
21:19 – Kumamoto Castle & Samurai History
22:38 – Reigando Cave: Where the World’s Greatest Swordsman Meditated
27:45 – Making New Friends (Why I Love Japan)
33:12 – No Maps: The Great Ramen Hunt
42:07 – Finding a Hidden Gem (My Favorite Shrine)
44:57 – DISASTER: A Terrifying Close Call ⚠️
🇯🇵 About Project 47
Japan is a unique country made up of 47 prefectures. My goal is to ride them all. This is Project 47! Join me on this epic Japan adventure as I embark on an incredible motorcycle travel journey across the country. In this motovlog, you’ll experience the beauty of riding in Japan through scenic routes, ancient shrines, and local culinary stops, all part of my quest to explore the 47 prefectures of Japan. ✨🎬 So sit back, relax and enjoy the whole journey, there is a lot to see!
Watch the full Project 47 playlist — my ride through all 47 prefectures of Japan:
👉 https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvmfZhaoecyj7cmIPW3d5RVHgljlKch4H
FOLLOW THE JOURNEY
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/RideThruJapan/
SUPPORT THE RIDE
Join Team Riders (¥140 / $1 per month):
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7QUavyzNZwmN69oLfZxsUQ/join
📍 Locations in this video:
Kumamoto Prefecture, Kyushu Region (Mt. Aso, Amakusa, Nabegataki Falls, Reigando Cave)
🏍️ The Bike:
Honda GB350s
#JapanTravel #MotorcycleAdventure #Kumamoto #Project47 #hondagb350 #SoloTravel #MtAso #JapanVlog #RideThruJapan
24 Comments
Binge the full journey 👉 https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvmfZhaoecyj7cmIPW3d5RVHgljlKch4H
With the GB … I like you more 😂
Hi, and thanks for this awesome video. Japan really is incredible—maybe the ultimate road trip paradise for motorcyclists! The view at 43 minutes is insane! (At 46.25s, again…😱) lovely waterfall, what a great find! 👍
Dude, you're totally killing me with envy! 😂
Looks very familiar! : ) Had some horse ramen just a month and a half ago and enjoyed our drive on the Milk Road. Looking forward to getting back on a bike.
Happy new year, man! Great journey! My kind of trips & biking all around!
46:27 A-holes can be found everywhere in the world…
Stay strong, ride on!
Loving this project if yours! Really enjoy watching you ride around Japan. I've done the same project but with a car. Currently at 45. Niigata and Aomori still to go!
Smiled from ear to ear all 55:00 minutes. This was such an awesome video just found your channel. And I’m so stoked for the future videos!! Greetings from the Netherlands ride safe.
You're living my dream! I've always wanted to tour Japan on a motorcycle. The footage that you capture is truly amazing! Thank you for sharing the journey with us!
Narrow mountain roads in Japan with no center line have many blind curves, so you need to be careful of oncoming vehicles.
It may seem dangerous at first glance, but you should approach blind curves with a wide margin to ensure you can see as far as possible, and always be prepared to apply the trail brake so you can move to the inside at any time.
What a really nice production. I love the Japanese content and the GB350S, which I'm planning to buy once I decide between that and the Triumph 400X. The country, people, culture, food and way of life is very appealing. Best wishes from the UK.
Mate, I was really hoping you'd do the Mt Aso area as it is on my bucket list, but this video was so much more! The excellent production and vibe are just a bonus.
All this talk of sakura though has got me itching for a spring ride – but right now there's 3m of snow in my front garden in Hokkaido. So it is not happening soon!
Love all your videos, great to follow your rides.
I will do my ride (on a rental Harley-Davidson) in April.
When was this ride & video in Kumamoto?
(Cheers from the Netherlands)
Good day my friend put on your Head Light while riding at all times and use your horn going around corners, I like your content and filled with so much Beautiful views of Gorgeous Japan….I ride a Yamaha r3…
I miss Osaka Kobe 🇯🇵🏍️akashi kaikyo bridge,to awaji Island❤️🏍️
Stumbled upon my exact niche. Thank you.
Great video and epic ride as you had the roads to yourself. Mt. Aso is worth the trip and getting to the crater can be hit or miss. I was there last year and will always remember it. Don't forget to get a Kumamon Bear for your bike 👍
Whenever I approach a bend I always honk just to inform approaching vehicles on the opposite side of my presence especially if I am unable to see oncoming traffic. It is actually what ships do in a similar situation lolololol, might save someone who would read this someday!
Got the flue so huddled up at home binging this series mate, love the color grading btw 👍
better to do it with someone else im game this summer just hit me up
Fantastic videos, great bike, cool dude. 😊 Thanks so much for taking us with you and best regards from Germany. I really look forward to seeing more of your content. Keep rolling and ride safe.
Thanks to the YouTube algorithm for suggesting this. Great trip and video
Corner cutting car drivers are nightmare! Glad you made it through that one dangerous situation. Stay safe brother ✊🏼
Thanks for making such a wonderful video. You made my day sir😊
I love the way how japanese people greet others. Love from India ❤