🏍️Top Motorcycle Clubs in Japan – Full Guide for Riders

Japan has a unique and vibrant motorcycle culture that blends precision engineering with deep-rooted community traditions. From Tokyo’s neon-lit city rides to the scenic roads of Hokkaido, motorcycle clubs play a significant role in uniting riders across the country.

This guide covers everything you need to know about motorcycle clubs in Japan—popular groups, how to join one, types of clubs, and the top biker events and scenic routes that define Japan’s riding community.

Motorcycle Culture in Japan

🛣️ A Brief History

Motorcycling in Japan surged in the post-WWII era, largely driven by brands like Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, and Kawasaki. While the country is known globally for its innovation in bike manufacturing, it also boasts a strong, loyal community of riders, from sportbike fanatics to cruiser collectors and vintage café racer lovers.

🏍️ Popular Motorcycle Brands in Japan

• Honda 🇯🇵
• Yamaha
• Suzuki
• Kawasaki
• Harley-Davidson Japan
• Ducati (imported, enthusiast following)

⚖️ Laws and Rules for Bikers

• Helmet use is mandatory.
• Bikes must be registered and insured.
• Shaken (vehicle inspection) is required for larger bikes.
• License classes:
  • Small (125cc or less)
  • Medium (126cc–400cc)
  • Large (400cc+)
• Speed limits:
  • 30–50 km/h (urban)
  • 80 km/h (highways)
• Lane splitting is technically illegal but often tolerated in practice.

🎉 Major Motorcycle Events in Japan

• Tokyo Motorcycle Show
• Osaka Motorcycle Show
• Yokohama Hot Rod Custom Show
• Hokkaido Touring Rally
• The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride (Tokyo, Osaka)
• BikeJIN Touring Rally

Top 15 Motorcycle Clubs in Japan [2025]

Below are some of the most active and reputable motorcycle clubs throughout Japan:

1. Tokyo Riders Club

• 📍 Tokyo
• 🛠️ Type: Mixed bikes / Urban riders
• 🔑 Public
• 🌐 Facebook/Meetup group

2. Japan Harley-Davidson Owners Group (HOG)

• 📍 Nationwide (Chapters in Tokyo, Osaka, Sapporo, Nagoya)
• 🛠️ Type: Harley-only
• 🔑 Harley ownership required
• 🌐 harley-davidson.co.jp

3. Kanto Touring Riders

• 📍 Yokohama / Kanto area
• 🛠️ Type: Touring / Mixed
• 🔑 Public, weekend rides
• 🌐 Meetup.com

4. Bosozoku Legacy Clubs

• 📍 Various cities
• 🛠️ Type: Vintage, outlaw style
• 🔑 Invite-only, many now informal or symbolic
• 🌐 N/A

5. Kyoto Cafe Racer Society

• 📍 Kyoto
• 🛠️ Type: Vintage/Café Racers
• 🔑 Public, Instagram-based
• 🌐 Instagram

6. Kansai Riders Union

• 📍 Osaka / Kobe
• 🛠️ Type: Sportbikes & Touring
• 🔑 Public
• 🌐 kansairiders.com

7. Nagoya Motorcycle Club

• 📍 Nagoya
• 🛠️ Type: Mixed / Touring
• 🔑 Public
• 🌐 Website/Facebook

8. Japan BMW Motorrad Club

• 📍 National
• 🛠️ Type: BMW bikes
• 🔑 BMW ownership required
• 🌐 bmw-motorrad.jp

9. Kanto Women Riders

• 📍 Tokyo / Saitama
• 🛠️ Type: Women-only Touring
• 🔑 Public
• 🌐 Instagram/LINE

10. Tokyo Motorcycle Meetup (TMM)

• 📍 Tokyo
• 🛠️ Type: Expat-friendly / Social rides
• 🔑 Public
• 🌐 meetup.com

11. Shonan Night Cruisers

• 📍 Yokosuka / Kanagawa
• 🛠️ Type: Night riding group
• 🔑 Invite-only
• 🌐 N/A

12. Hokkaido Touring Club

• 📍 Sapporo
• 🛠️ Type: Adventure / Touring
• 🔑 Public, summer rides
• 🌐 Website/Facebook

13. Osaka Thunder Riders

• 📍 Osaka
• 🛠️ Type: Cruiser / Touring
• 🔑 Invite-only
• 🌐 Website: N/A

14. Samurai Motor Club

• 📍 Tokyo
• 🛠️ Type: Vintage / Custom
• 🔑 Invite-only
• 🌐 Instagram-based

15. Yamaha Riders Japan

• 📍 National
• 🛠️ Type: Brand-specific
• 🔑 Yamaha riders, online registration
• 🌐 yamaha-motor.co.jp

16. Military Vets Japan Riders

• 📍 Okinawa
• 🛠️ Type: Veterans / Expats
• 🔑 Invite or military affiliation
• 🌐 Facebook Group

Types of Motorcycle Clubs in Japan

🏍️ MC vs RC

• MC (Motorcycle Clubs) are structured and formal, often with strict rules and invite-only entry.
• RC (Riding Clubs) are casual groups focused on fun and riding.

🇯🇵 Veteran or Community-Based Clubs

• Military bases in Okinawa and other areas have expat biker groups made up of U.S. service members and Japanese locals.

👩 Women-Only or Inclusive Clubs

• Japan’s female riding scene is growing, especially in cities like Tokyo and Fukuoka. Groups like Kanto Women Riders empower and connect women riders.

🏁 Brand-Specific Clubs

• Harley-Davidson HOG Chapters
• BMW Motorrad Japan Club
• Yamaha Riders Club
• Kawasaki Ninja Owners Club Japan

How to Join a Motorcycle Club in Japan

General Process

1. Look up local clubs on Meetup, Facebook, or bike shop boards.
2. Join a public ride or social event.
3. For MCs, you may need a referral and complete a prospect phase.
4. For RCs, show up regularly and follow group etiquette.

Things to Consider

• Language barrier: Some clubs are Japanese-only, while others welcome English speakers.
• Time commitment: Some MCs require serious dedication and loyalty.
• Compatibility: Make sure the club fits your bike type, riding style, and social vibe.

Tips for First-Time Joiners

• Start with open riding groups before moving to MCs.
• Be respectful of club structure and Japanese culture.
• Use LINE or Meetup to stay connected with members.

Famous Rides & Biker Events in Japan

Best Scenic Routes

• Hakone Turnpike (Kanagawa) – Popular among sportbike riders
• Irohazaka Winding Road (Tochigi) – Sharp curves, mountain views
• Chūbu-Sangaku National Park (Nagano) – Ideal for touring
• Shimanami Kaido (Hiroshima to Ehime) – Island-hopping highway
• Hokkaido Summer Routes – Perfect for long-distance road trips

Notable Motorcycle Events

• Tokyo Motorcycle Show (March)
• Osaka Motorcycle Show
• BikeJIN Rally
• Yokohama Hot Rod Custom Show (December)

Charity & Adventure Rides

• Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride (Tokyo, Osaka, Sapporo)
• Touring Rally Events by BikeJIN and local shops
• Autumn Leaf Rides (Momiji Touring) – Scenic fall group rides

FAQs About Motorcycle Clubs in Japan

Are there outlaw motorcycle clubs in Japan?
Yes, historically Bosozoku gangs were considered outlaw bikers, but most modern clubs are law-abiding. Outlaw MCs exist but are much less common today.

Can foreigners join motorcycle clubs in Japan?
Yes, especially in cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Okinawa. Expat-friendly RCs and social clubs are easy to join.

What’s the difference between an MC and an RC?
MCs are formal, hierarchical, and exclusive. RCs are casual, often built around weekend rides and meetups.

Is there a minimum engine size to join clubs?
Yes—some touring clubs prefer 250cc or above, while high-speed rides may require 400cc+. Small bike groups exist for scooters and underbone motorcycles.

Final Thoughts

Japan’s motorcycle club scene is diverse, disciplined, and welcoming. Whether you’re a local rider or an expat with a passion for the open road, you’ll find community, culture, and incredible rides throughout the country.

From weekend meetups in Tokyo to long-distance rallies through Hokkaido, Japan offers every biker a chance to ride with purpose. Stay safe, ride respectfully, and enjoy the freedom that comes with two wheels in the Land of the Rising Sun 🇯🇵🏍️