Last Updated: 28/11/2023
Are you enthused by the masculine grace of all-terrain vehicles and fascinated by undisturbed nature? Does the rev of a gasoline engine and the breath of fresh hillside air get you going? If so, we’ve got just the perfect buggy tours for you! From ordinary four-wheelers to beasts of engineering like the caterpillar track buggy and the 8-wheeler, we’ve lined up a variety of buggy adventures that’ll have you clinging to the edge of your seat! Explore the quiet terrains around famous mountains and plains such as Aso and Fuji as you embrace life on the off-road fields of Shizuoka, Ishigaki island, and other exclusive destinations throughout fantastic Japan!
On the track options of buggy tours for you are the hilly havens of Otsuki, and courses in Nara that go beyond the gravel and back in time with laps around famous world heritage temples and sites. In Itoman, you’ll get to discover a place with the “Trees of Happiness” while you’re sure to appreciate as well pineapple race grounds in Higashi. Yanbaru’s rich indigenous forest always assures a good time on an ATV.
Get muddy with a buggy as you try out our collection of the most exhilarating buggy tours in Japan!
1. A Shizuoka Buggy tour with shots of Fujisan
With clouds wondering above the snowy peak of the country’s tallest mountain, there’s no better setting for a buggy adventure than the plains of Shizuoka. The low-cut grasslands ensure the perfect racing grounds in nature and make an excellent Mt Fuji tour from Shizuoka!
Buggy Ride Tour with Mt. Fuji Views in Shizuoka
Fujinomiya, Shizuoka
Exciting 4-Wheel Buggy Ride Tour While Watching Mt. Fuji
Fujinomiya, Shizuoka
Take All-Terrain Vehicle Adventure with Superb Nature Views and the Great Panorama of Mt. Fuji (Souvenirs of Mt. Fuji Wine, 1-Hour Course)
Fujinomiya, Shizuoka
2. A Buggy tour in the island paradise of Ishigaki
Ishigaki island serves up some of the best nature trails of the Yaeyama archipelago, best explored on an ATV in Okinawa. This off-road jungle adventure promises a ride into rare plant life and a scenic route around a blue sea!
Exciting ATV Ride While Enjoying the Nature Charm of Ishigaki Island
Kabira, Ishigaki Island, Okinawa
3. The best of Irabu Island on an ATV
The subtropical forest haven makes for story-filled four-wheel adventures you’ll be telling your grandchildren about! With its serene nature and indigenous fields to play around in, there’s no limit to your all-terrain dreams!
Take on the Joys of Driving Your Own ATV in an Experience with Lots of Enticing Challenges and Fun! (90 minutes course) (Photo and video shooting service included)
Irabu, Miyakojima City, Okinawa Prefecture
Take on the Joys of Driving Your Own ATV in an Experience with Lots of Enticing Challenges and Fun! (3-hours course) (Photo and video shooting service included)
Irabu, Miyakojima City, Okinawa Prefecture
4. Yamanashi buggy: Kawaguchiko is yours for the taking
Beside Lake Kawaguchiko thrives the greenest of forests in Yamanashi. Your off-road skills will be tested to the brink as you uncover the hidden raceways within the endless assembly of cedar trees!
Drive 4-Wheel All-Terrain Vehicle Through the Beautiful Nature Scenery of the Kawaguchiko Lake in Yamanashi!
Minamitsuru District, Yamanashi
5. Fulfill ATV ambitions in Tokyo
Explore the wilderness of Tokyo’s remote island (Izu Oshima) in a four-wheeled buggy and go to Japan’s only black desert. All you need is your driver’s license and you are ready to go!
Run through the great outdoors with a four-wheeled buggy! (Driver’s license required, 120 minutes)
Izu Oshima, Tokyo
6. Itoman ATV within the “Happy Trees”
The ocean breeze hits a little differently in Itoman, offering a pleasant surprise when you go buggy riding in the pride of the Senaga islands. Don’t forget to make time for the Gajumaru power spot, where you’ll get to meet the “Trees of Happiness!”
Explore the Jungle with Buggies While Experiencing the Ocean Breeze in Itoman Okinawa (Beginner-friendly course)
Itoman, Okinawa
7. Race in pineapple fields in Higashi
Pineapples are not just meant for food; they offer perfect shade and aesthetics for a fantastic buggy exploration course in Higashi. The spectacular view here entails a coming together of the scenery of the turquoise Okinawa sea and the vivid Yanbaru Forest!
Get Muddy with a 4-Wheel Buggy Ride Tour in a Village Famous for Pineapples in Okinawa! (Family-friendly experience)
Higashi, Okinawa
8. ATV tours of Nara world heritage sites
1400 years of history, the Horinji temple, and the ancient Ikaruga town, ensure this Nara buggy ride is not your typical ATV adventure. You get to spend the day in an adorable yellow, mini-jeep like, open-top buggy as you tour world heritage locations!
Ride Cute Yellow Buggies Around Nara's Historical Sites and Attractions Such as Horyuji Temple and Mitsui-Ji Temple!
Ikaruga, Nara
9. Family fun on a Chiba buggy
Your kids will love this outdoor buggy ride! There's plenty of space in the forest to run around and walk amongst the hilly paths. This tour is great for beginners too.
Family-Friendly Half-Day Buggy Ride Tour in Chiba!
Shido, Inzai City, Chiba
10. An ATV adventure in the mountain paradise of Otsuki
Nestled in a lush getaway of Kochi, Otsuki offers an escape into a world where mountains take over the skyline. Take up scenic buggy rides over romantic bridges overlooking the seascape and islands of hills hiding incredible sunsets!
A Superb Scenic Paradise Tour with a 4-Wheel Buggy in Otsuki (4 Hours Experience)
Hiromi, Otsuki, Kochi
A Superb Scenic Paradise Tour with a 4-Wheel Buggy in Otsuki (2 Hours Experience)
Hiromi, Otsuki, Kochi
Frequently asked questions
QWhat does ATV vehicle, or a buggy, mean?
AATV stands for all-terrain-vehicle, which references typically open-top cars, sometimes called buggies, built for handling harsh landscapes like mountain trails, etc. There are many buggy tours in Japan, spanning experiences across public roads, forest courses, and the beautiful shores of famous Lakes.
QCan anyone ride a Buggy? Do I need a driving license?
AMany all-terrain vehicle tours around Japan are available in private fields, where a license is not required. Therefore, even persons under 18 years can be eligible. However, in scenarios where the ATV course involves riding on public roads, drivers will need a standard driving license.
QDo you need special skills to drive a buggy?
ARiding a buggy is straightforward and easy, and anyone can do it. Even for those who’ve never driven a vehicle before, beginner courses are available to teach you the basics. You can enjoy popular buggy tours in Japan in Shizuoka, Yamanashi, and Okinawa!
QIs there a minimum age for riding a buggy?
AMost of the Activity Japan service providers implement an age restriction limit of 11 years or over. However, children over four years can still ride in a buggy with their driving parents so the entire family can enjoy all-terrain vehicle tours around Japan!
QWhere can I go for the best ATV tours in Japan?
AA country of beautiful lakes, startling landscapes like Mt Fuji, which features in many scenic buggy routes, and excellent weather and nature in general, Japan has so much potential for unforgettable buggy tours. Some of the best locations include:
• Fujinomiya, Shizuoka
• Okinawa
• Hokkaido
• Gunma
• Yamanashi
• Chiba
