Project 47: Episode 6 — Saga Prefecture (Solo Motorcycle Journey Across Japan)
Everyone goes to Tokyo and Kyoto, but the real Japan is hiding in the places tourists skip. In this episode of Project 47, I ride to a secret emerald lagoon (yes, the one in the thumbnail!) that proves rural Japan is the ultimate motorcycle adventure.
Most travelers skip Saga Prefecture — but that’s exactly why I rode there. In this full-length episode of my solo journey across all 47 prefectures, I head deep into the countryside to find the side of Japan that guidebooks ignore.
From hidden waterfalls and empty mountain passes to riverside camping and sacred ocean shrines, this is what a real Japan motorcycle trip looks like.
✨ Ride Highlights & Locations:
The Secret Lagoon: Swimming in the crystal clear waters of Saga's hidden gorge
Village of Secret Kilns: Exploring the legendary Okawachiyama
The Floating Gates: Riding to the Ouo Shrine ocean torii gates
Dancing Crane Castle: A stop at Karatsu Castle
Camping in the Storm: Seeking shelter and riverside camping spots
00:00 - The Journey Into Saga
01:15 - Village of Secret Kilns (Okawachiyama)
06:44 - The Coast of Genkai
08:14 - Accidentally Riding into Nagasaki
09:56 - Rural Japan Supermarket Run
11:00 - Finding Odaki Falls
12:12 - The Hunt for Wild Camping
16:30 - Sunset at the Ocean Cliffs
17:10 - Exploring Nanatsugama Caves
19:28 - Karatsu Castle ("Dancing Crane Castle")
22:15 - The Ancient Megane Bridge
24:55 - Finally... Lunch!
27:23 - Mountain Storm Riding
29:50 - Riverside Camp Setup
30:36 - Day 3 Begins: Into the Mountains
31:20 - The Rice Terraces of Warabino
34:00 - Why is there a German Palace here? (Arita)
39:55 - Climbing Yutoku Inari Shrine
41:23 - The Floating Torii Gates of Ouo
43:24 - Saga Beef & Final Thoughts
📍 Filmed in: Saga Prefecture, Kyushu (The Japan you haven't seen yet)
🇯🇵 About Project 47:
Project 47 is a solo motorcycle documentary series covering all 47 prefectures of Japan. This Japan road trip explores the real country beyond the tourist trail. From motocamping spots to hidden rural shrines, this series captures the essence of solo travel in Japan. If you enjoy cinematic motovlogs, Japan travel guides, or long-format motorcycle road trips (like Long Way Round or Harley Davidson travel diaries), welcome to the journey.
Want to binge the whole ride across Japan?
Watch the full Project 47 playlist here: 👉 https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvmfZhaoecygo5CoOwI7k06tKIk6CYe15
If this story resonates with you, you can support the journey here: https://buymeacoffee.com/ridethrujapan
Follow the journey on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/RideThruJapan/
#Saga #JapanTravel #MotorcycleAdventure #Project47 #HiddenJapan #CampingLife #cinematictravel
