Japan
10 scored roads in Japan, reranked for motorbikes rather than for cars, with the fit score shown next to each one.
Riders and drivers want different things from the same map. A single track lane that ruins a weekend in a wide car is often the best thing you will ride all year, and a fast open A road that flatters a grand tourer can be a dull hour on a bike.
Every country page below reranks the scored library for corner quality and scenery, drops the width penalty that applies to cars, and flags the seasonal gravel and noise restrictions that increasingly decide where bikes are welcome.
Checked by the Drivers Atlas desk
Scored and written by the Drivers Atlas editorial desk, drawing on driven routes across the UK and Europe, mapping data and member road reports. Checked against current closure and restriction notices for Japan. How we score roads.
Last reviewed 5 May 2026
Ranked
01 · Nikko
Forty eight lettered hairpins climb to Lake Chuzenji, one way in each direction.
9.9 mi · Rating 9.3 / 10 · Fit 9.9 / 10
Very busy in autumn colour season
02 · Northern Alps
Japan's highest paved road climbs above 2700 metres on the Norikura volcano.
8.7 mi · Rating 9.4 / 10 · Fit 9.3 / 10
Open mid May to October, shuttle only on some days
03 · Kanagawa
The toll road every Japanese car magazine uses, fast sweepers with Fuji ahead.
8.7 mi · Rating 9.2 / 10 · Fit 9.2 / 10
04 · Kumamoto
Along the rim of the world's biggest caldera, grassland and long fast sweepers.
28 mi · Rating 9.2 / 10 · Fit 9.1 / 10
Fog on the caldera rim, volcanic closures near the crater
05 · Fukushima
A volcanic moonscape crossing with sulphur vents beside the tarmac.
18 mi · Rating 9.2 / 10 · Fit 9.1 / 10
Closed November to April, volcanic gas warnings
06 · Nagano
A high grassland ridge road with volcano views and long open curves.
47.2 mi · Rating 9.1 / 10 · Fit 9.0 / 10
Winter closure on high sections
07 · Ehime
A ridge road over limestone pasture with cattle and horizon on both sides.
24.9 mi · Rating 9 / 10 · Fit 8.9 / 10
Snow in winter
08 · Tochigi
Fast open highland curves above Nikko, a favourite of touge regulars in autumn.
12.4 mi · Rating 8.8 / 10 · Fit 8.7 / 10
Snow from December to March
09 · Seto Inland Sea
Island hopping on great white suspension bridges across the Inland Sea.
37.3 mi · Rating 8.7 / 10 · Fit 8.5 / 10
10 · Yamanashi
Around and up Mount Fuji through five climate zones to 2300 metres.
14.9 mi · Rating 9.1 / 10 · Fit 7.5 / 10
Toll road, closed to private cars in peak climbing season and in winter
Before you go
Parts of Tyrol and several Swiss and Italian valleys restrict loud motorcycles or ban them on specific days. Fines are high and bikes are impounded.
A two thousand metre pass can be fifteen degrees colder than the valley you left forty minutes ago. Pack for the summit, not the start.
Filling stations are rare above the tree line. Fill in the valley before every pass rather than assuming there is something at the top.
Common questions
The Dolomite pass loop, the Col de Turini, the Furka Susten Grimsel triangle and the Transfagarasan all rank at the top for corner quality on two wheels.
Yes. Several Tyrolean valleys and some Swiss roads restrict motorcycles above set noise limits, and a few close to bikes on specific days. Check locally before you ride.