Motorcycle Touring from Kanagawa to Kyushu: A Budget-Friendly Adventure with Free Campsites

The key to planning this trip was not to over-schedule. Using free, no-reservation-required campsites and affordable accommodations as bases, I enjoyed a scenic motorcycle journey along the backroads from Kanagawa to Kyushu.

The journey was all about spontaneity – “Where should I spend the night next?” I decided my destination based on how I felt that day, making it a truly special experience filled with freedom and adventure. In this article, I’ll share details about the campsites and accommodations I visited, the views and experiences along the backroads, and tips on how to enjoy an enriching trip while keeping costs low.

1. Trip Overview and Purpose

This trip began in Kanagawa, with a focus on enjoying a free-spirited motorcycle tour along the backroads to Kyushu. To keep costs low, I stayed at free, no-reservation-required campsites and budget-friendly accommodations. The plan was simple: choose the next destination based on how I felt and the circumstances of the day.

While most of the journey was spent on scenic backroads, I used highways only when necessary to cross areas like Awaji Island, Shikoku, and Kyushu. For the return trip, I wrapped up the adventure by taking a ferry from Shin-Moji Port in Kyushu back to Yokosuka Port.

2. Overview of the Route

The journey began in Kanagawa, with the first destination set for a free campsite in Nagano Prefecture. After spending the night there, I continued to a lakeside free campsite near Lake Biwa in Shiga Prefecture, where I enjoyed the expansive lake views and peaceful atmosphere.

Next, I crossed over to Awaji Island and made my way to Shikoku. From there, I rode through the famous Shimanami Kaido, taking in the breathtaking views of the islands as I made my way to Hiroshima. Finally, after passing through the Kanmon Tunnel, I arrived in Kyushu, where I spent the final leg of my journey immersed in its grand natural landscapes and further enjoying the freedom of motorcycle touring.

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3. Detailed Introduction of Each Campsite and Accommodation

A: Tashiro Nakatsugawa Riverside Campsite (Tashiro Sports Park, Aikawa Town, Kanagawa Prefecture)

As the starting point of this journey, I chose the Tashiro Nakatsugawa Riverside Campsite in Aikawa Town, Kanagawa. Although I didn’t stay overnight here, it was the ideal place to kick off the trip. This campsite is a popular spot, especially on weekends, when it’s filled with many campers enjoying the peaceful surroundings.

• Fee: Free
• Reservation: No reservation required
• Operating Hours: Open year-round, 24 hours
• Cooking Facilities: None
• Campfire: No open fires allowed
• Trash Disposal: Must take all trash with you.
• Vehicle Access: Vehicles are allowed to enter

Easily accessible from the Tokyo metropolitan area, it is located near popular touring spots such as Miyagase Lake and Ogino Pan.

It tends to get crowded on weekends.

B:Kisokoma Reisui Park Campground (Nagano Prefecture)

Kisokoma Reisui Park was built on the site of a former ski resort. The creation of the park was prompted by a proposal for foreign capital to acquire the land. In response, a park was developed with the goal of preserving Japan’s beautiful water sources, and it was designed as a non-profit public space.

This free campground offers surprisingly excellent facilities, and it is a very popular spot, attracting many visitors even on weekdays. It’s well-loved by campers and outdoor enthusiasts.

• Fees: Free
• Reservations: Not required
• Operating hours: Open year-round, 24 hours
• Cooking Facilities: Available
• Campfires: Allowed. There are designated areas for open fires.
• Waste Disposal: Available. Non-burnable waste is subject to a fee.
• Vehicle Access: Allowed

A well-equipped, high-standard free campground

Located in the mountains, this campground is surrounded by nature, offering a peaceful and tranquil environment.

Even on weekdays, it sees a high number of visitors and can get crowded.

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C: Shina 1 Lakeside Park (Shiga Prefecture)

Shina 1 Lakeside Park is a free campsite located along the shores of Lake Biwa in Shiga Prefecture, offering beautiful lakeside views. The amenities are basic, with only toilets and vending machines available, but it’s a great spot to enjoy a peaceful and relaxing time by the water.

• Fee: Free
• Reservations: No reservation required
• Operating Hours: Open year-round, 24 hours
• Cooking Facilities: None
• Campfires: No open fires allowed
• Trash Disposal: Must take all trash with you.
• Vehicle Access: Not allowed

The lakeside view is stunning and offers a truly relaxing atmosphere.

The parking area is conveniently close, making it easy to transport your belongings.

There are no cooking facilities, so you won’t be able to wash dishes on-site.

D: Kaikatsu Club Tokushima Okihama Branch (Tokushima Prefecture)

Kaikatsu Club is the perfect spot to rest comfortably while keeping costs low during your motorcycle trip. Not only can it be used as an internet cafe, but it also serves as an affordable accommodation option, making it an excellent choice for riders.

On this day, I was running behind schedule and, by the time I reached my planned campsite, the sun had already set. So, I decided to change my plans. First, I stopped by a spa to relax and unwind from the day’s ride, then used the Night 8-Hour Package (¥2,110) to get a proper rest before bed.

• Operating Hours: Open year-round, 24 hours
• Private Rooms: Available with locks
• Bike Parking: Covered motorcycle parking available

Open 24 hours, so late-night visits are possible

Bike Parking: Covered motorcycle parking available

Shower and internet access are provided, making it an ideal place to rest

Long stays can be a bit expensive

E: Osumi Kaihin Park (Ehime Prefecture)

Osumi Kaihin Park Campground is a stunning seaside campsite located in Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture. Despite being free to use, the campground is well-maintained and popular among touring riders. The breathtaking view of the Seto Inland Sea right in front of you, along with its easy access from the Shimanami Kaido, makes it an ideal stopover for motorcyclists on a journey.

• Fees: Free
• Reservation: Not required
• Operating Hours: Open year-round, 24 hours
• Cooking Area: Available
• Campfires: No open fires allowed
• Trash Disposal: Must take all trash with you.
• Vehicle Access: No cars allowed. Motorcycles can enter, but if the campsite is crowded, it might be safer to park in the designated parking area. No explicit signs prohibiting entry for motorcycles.

The location offers an excellent ocean view, with the sea right in front.

Strong sea breezes can occasionally make tents unstable.

F: Yuyu Plaza (Saba River Right Bank Riverside Multipurpose Plaza) (Yamaguchi Prefecture)

Yuyu Plaza is a free riverside campground located in Hofu City, Yamaguchi Prefecture. The official name is “Saba River Right Bank Riverside Multipurpose Plaza,” and it is known for its spacious grounds. The campground along the river provides a peaceful setting where you can enjoy the soothing sounds of nature. While a user registration form is required, the process is simple and can be done online, making it a convenient spot for campers.

• Fees: Free
• Reservation: Not required (but user registration is necessary)
• Operating Hours: Open year-round, 24 hours
• Cooking Area: Not available
• Campfires: No open fires allowed
• Trash Disposal: Must take all trash with you.
• Vehicle Access: Vehicles can park next to the campsite

Motorcycles can be parked close to the tent.

The toilets are well-maintained.

The toilets are a bit distant from the campsite.

G: Beppu Onsen Capsule Hotel Gloria (Oita Prefecture)

Beppu Onsen Capsule Hotel Gloria is a budget-friendly capsule hotel located in Beppu, a famous hot spring area in Oita Prefecture. Popular among touring riders, this hotel offers the opportunity to relax and recover from the day’s ride in its hot springs. The affordable rates make it a great option for those looking to save on accommodation while enjoying both a comfortable stay and hot spring bathing. Additionally, the hotel features a roofed parking area, making it a good choice for stays on rainy days.

• Operating Hours: Open year-round, 24 hours
• Fees: Standard Type (Connected) ¥2,800
• Check-in: 15:00 – Check-out: 11:00
• Parking: Paid ¥500 (roofed parking available)

The hot springs and sauna provide a perfect way to unwind after a long day of riding.

The roofed parking area (paid) is convenient for stays on rainy days.

Reasonably priced and offers great value for money.

The rooms are small, so it may be inconvenient for those with large luggage.

H: Yohai Hachinoji Plaza (Kumamoto Prefecture)

Yohai Hachinoji Plaza is a spacious, free campsite located in Yatsushiro City, Kumamoto Prefecture. This large site allows for flexible tent setups, offering a peaceful atmosphere that blends harmoniously with the surrounding nature. However, it is sometimes unavailable due to events, so it’s recommended to check the Yatsushiro City website in advance.

• Fees: Free
• Reservations: No reservation required
• Operating Hours: Open year-round, 24 hours (Note: may be unavailable due to events or private use)
• Cooking Facilities: None
• Campfires: No open fires allowed
• Trash Disposal: Must take all trash with you.
• Vehicle Access: Not allowed, but vehicles can be parked in designated areas nearby

The spacious area ensures that it is not crowded.

Be aware that the campsite is near highways and railways, which can result in noise during the night and early morning.

I: Hinokami Park Campground (Kagoshima Prefecture)

Hinokami Park Campground is a free campsite located in Makurazaki City, Kagoshima Prefecture, offering some of the most magnificent views on the Satsuma Peninsula. The site is surrounded by the stunning and mystical Tachigami Rock and Mount Kaimon, providing a perfect backdrop for a camping experience.

• Fees: Free
• Reservations: No reservation required
• Operating Hours: Open year-round, 24 hours
• Cooking Facilities: None
• Campfires: No open fires allowed
• Trash Disposal: Must take all trash with you.
• Vehicle Access: Not allowed

The location is perfect, with breathtaking views along the coast.

There are many tourist attractions nearby.

The parking area is a bit far from the campsite.

Located at the southern tip of the Satsuma Peninsula in Makurazaki City, the site is somewhat difficult to access.

J: Tsushida River Natural Park (Kumamoto Prefecture)

Tsushida River Natural Park is a free campsite located in Kamimashiki District, Kumamoto Prefecture, surrounded by rich nature. The spacious area provides a peaceful environment for camping. While a registration form is required for use, the process can be easily completed online, making it a convenient spot for campers.

• Fees: Free
• Reservations: No reservation required (but registration is necessary)
• Operating Hours: Open year-round, 24 hours
• Cooking Facilities: None
• Campfires: No open fires allowed
• Trash Disposal: Must take all trash with you.
• Vehicle Access: Allowed

The location is peaceful and surrounded by nature.

The spacious area makes it less likely to be crowded.

There are many mosquitoes in the summer, so insect repellent is a must.

4. Travel Cost Summary and Tips for Saving

This trip lasted a total of 12 days. The biggest expense was food. I indulged in local delicacies and made stops at roadside stations and convenience stores to rest and shop, which made it easy to let the wallet loosen a bit. However, by utilizing free campsites, I was able to save a significant amount on accommodation costs.

When crossing over to Shikoku, the use of highways is required, so if you’re focusing on saving, it might be worth considering alternative routes. Also, free campsites tend to get crowded on weekends and holidays. If you prefer a quiet and relaxed time, it’s a good idea to avoid weekends and holidays or plan ahead to anticipate the crowds.

Throughout the trip, I incorporated cost-saving strategies into my carefree travel style, allowing me to enjoy a fulfilling and budget-friendly adventure.

5. Enjoying and Tips for Local Road Touring

How to Enjoy Local Road Touring

Enjoy the Scenery

Local roads allow you to experience the landscape and nature up close. Depending on your route, you can enjoy diverse views, such as coastal roads or mountain passes. Take the time to stop, snap some photos, and explore nearby towns to discover something new.

Taste Local Cuisine

Unlike service areas on highways, local roads offer plenty of opportunities to enjoy authentic regional dishes at local restaurants and cafes. You can sample local specialties, making it one of the highlights of your touring experience.

Sightseeing with Detours

One of the great advantages of touring on local roads is the ease of stopping at interesting tourist spots. Without the need to use highways, you can visit temples, parks, and landmarks that catch your eye along the way.

Reduce Your Pace to Relieve Fatigue

On local roads, you can ride at a slower pace without speeding, which makes long-distance touring less tiring. By taking more frequent breaks, you can enjoy a more relaxed and comfortable journey.

Cautions

Long Travel Times

When traveling primarily on local roads, the travel time will be longer compared to highways. It’s important to allocate enough time based on the distance you’ll be traveling. Particularly when riding through urban areas, traffic congestion during certain times of the day can add unexpected delays, so it’s essential to plan with some flexibility.

For this trip, I set the daily riding distance between 200km and 300km to ensure a comfortable pace and avoid overexertion. This distance allows for taking breaks along the way while enjoying a safe and relaxed touring experience.

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Be Aware of Traffic and Congestion

Since you’ll be riding on local roads, there may be a lot of traffic, especially during peak hours when cars, buses, and other vehicles are common. Roads near cities or tourist areas can be crowded, particularly during the daytime, so it’s a good idea to check your route in advance and try to ride during times when traffic is lighter.

Watch Out for Road Conditions

Local roads may have sections with incomplete paving or numerous sharp turns. Special attention should be given to road visibility and conditions during nighttime or rainy days. Be sure to ride safely and avoid pushing your limits.

6. Conclusion

Touring from Kanagawa to Kyushu on local roads was an incredibly free-spirited and budget-friendly adventure! By utilizing free campsites and affordable accommodations, I was able to keep lodging costs low while fully enjoying local delicacies and sightseeing spots.

Each campsite and facility had its pros and cons, but doing some research beforehand made everything run smoothly. Even small setbacks became part of the memorable experience. Local roads provided countless discoveries—like scenic views and unique roadside stations—that you simply can’t find on highways. The true charm of local road touring lies in the leisurely pace, where you can enjoy both nature and culture.

The key to enjoying the trip is to “take it easy and don’t push yourself.” I hope the route and campsite information helps those planning their own tour. Safe travels, and enjoy your own adventure!

I’ll share more new routes and spots in my next blog post. Until then, happy travels!