in the '90s I spent a year in Kyushu, Japan's most southern island. It was very rural. I had a Suzuki scooter that I still have fond memories of that bike. I rode a lot on the weekends, all over, visiting various friends and touring around.
It was difficult adjusting to riding on the left side of the road. There were times when I forgot (early morning, not too awake) when I almost met the Maker, but in the end I did learn. Scared the hell out of a lady when I left turned into her lane, oncoming traffic. Thankfully she screeched her 1 L mini car to a halt before squishing me. I did profusely apologize in Japanese, and felt very bad later. The speed limit was 40 kph, thankfully. Gaijin, ne? Some things are very instinctual. Unlike in China, the gear shifter works the same as here. Road speeds are much slower where I was, no more than 50kph on most roads. Their cars are smaller, their speeds are slower.
The coast around Kyushu is very beautiful and there is a lot to see. The people are really lovely and friendly, and the country is the safest I have felt, which includes Canada. There are a lot of local places to stay, very friendly. Onsens, or hot springs, are very common and after a day of riding would be a real treat. Onsens are sex separated, you wash first with soap and water, and then go into the hot spring. Japanese like really hot water, so test the water before you go in, as it could be super hot and you'll come out looking like a boiled lobster.
The gas stations are really interesting. There is this polite fussiness where the attendants jog up to you and will gas your bike up for you, and they do a super clean job. They offer to clean your bike. At every fill up a lot of bowing is involved, which is common in Japan. I do miss this politeness and attention to detail. You will quickly see why Japanese products have high quality and great attention to detail, so unlike/opposite to China and even North America.
Japan is volcanic, obviously. Not so evident is that they can and do blow their tops on a regular basis, spewing volcanic ash all over, well, everywhere. It looks like a grey version of 3cm of freshly fallen snow, but the weather is hot. If this happens be very careful as the volcanic ash is very slippery, even on a bicycle.
Japanese car and truck drivers are very courteous, follow the road signs and will stop to help if they feel you need something. Compared to here it is night and day. The vehicle licensing requirements in Japan are really strict and it shows with their quality of driving. The Japanese police are polite and will not screw you over, but then again I only encountered them twice, both positive experiences.
Japanese learner drivers must post a symbol on their car. It is an arrow pointed down in yellow on the left and green/blue on the right. Try to avoid these drivers.
So much to remember, riding for a year in Japan. All really good memories and experiences.