Information on this topic seems to be rather sparse. So... I have my motorcycle license here in America and was wandering if I visit Japan for the summer, and had a bike available to me, could I ride it legally somehow? Like is there any way for me to get a temporary international motorcycle license or something. Its not worth taking the crazy test and paying a bunch of bucks since I'm not going to be there forever. Are there any Gaijin motorcyclists out there who know about this stuff???

thanks ;D

oh...and if I can't get any sort of license can I attend track days without one??? [I can't think of anything better than a track day in Japan!] \(^_^)/

I did some looking into this before and there are some sites kicking about with information.

Heres something I just found quickly (it's from 1999 but should still be similar process but prices are bound to be different).

QUOTE:
Driver's License Info

Unlike in some American States, you must carry your license with you at all times if you're operating a motor vehicle. You must also carry the title of the vehicle on the bike, (i.e. the insurance form). A non-Japanese license is not a valid license in Japan -- you must have either a Japanese license or international permit.

INTERNATIONAL If one has an international driver's permit with a motorcycle endorsement and your country's valid license, one may drive any size motorcycle. Japan only allows the use of an international permit for up to one year after your latest entry into the country (even if the international license would otherwise not be expired).

CONVERSION FROM A NON-JAPANESE LICENSE A foreign license may generally be converted to a Japanese license. Any international license, or lack thereof is irrelevant. Note: Non-Japanese must have been in the issuing country for three months after the last-date-of-change on the license for it to be convertible in Japan. For Japanese, the three months become six. A motorcycle endorsement converts to a mid-class motorcycle license.

Basic conversion method: Bring alien registration card, passport, foreign license, and about 2,500 yen to a JAF (Japan Automobile Federation, much like the AAA [American/Australian Automobile Association]). They will "translate" your license, and give you some paperwork.

Bring it all to your prefectural licensing center, stopping at one of the photo shops that should litter the nearby area to get two license standard size photos (3cm x 2.4cm.... they'll know what size to give). B/W ok. Note that neither of these photos will actually appear on the license. I have no idea what the photos are for.

Bring it all, and about 7,000 yen (cost depends on various factors) to the licensing center and fill out appropriate forms. You might have to take a practical test, I'm not sure. Recently, converting a car licence changed to requiring a test (make sure to not hit the cones, and use your mirrors "appropriately") Do what they tell, pay what they want. Receive license. Valid for three years, expiring on your birthday.

DOING IT THE JAPANESE WAY Getting a scooter-only license is apparently trivial. Getting a motorcycle license (mid-class or big-class) is rather difficult, and apparently an exercise in patience and frustration (and money).

More information can be found: Here

If link is not allowed I will remove. You can get to similar sites by googling 'riding motorbike in japan' or something to that effect

My American friend tells me that Americans must do a driving test because they drive on the opposite side of the road..
he said it is pretty tough..

Petina, yes your friend would need to take a test IF he is resident here.
If the poster of the question is travelling as a tourist (not the holder of a foreigner registration card) he can legally use an international license that can easily be acquired in the U.S.
I recommend that he check that it allows him to ride a motorcycle exceeding 400cc.
I am the holder of a full motorcycle license for over 20 years. I was able to get a Japanese car and motorcycle license without taking a test after showing my Australian license. I believe the same rule applies to Canadians and British (?)Of course you have to take an eyesight test and provide a translation of your license (obtained from JAF as explained in an earlier post).
Despite my foreign license being for unlimited capacity motorcycle I am limited to a 400cc motorcycle. When I questioned this I was told,"日本のルール".

That's odd, the last part of my post was written in Japanese but came out as numbers...
What it said was that I was told, "Japanese rule"