It is not a famous place, but it is a sensible base for rides south-west to the Izu Peninsula, because it lies on the right side of the metropolis.
Kawasaki is mostly an industrial city, stretching from the factories and refineries of Tokyo Bay up to these quieter, greener hills in the west. Here, in Tama Ward, the Fujiko F. Fujio Museum celebrates the creator of Doraemon, the robot cat beloved by generations of Japanese children, and the Ikuta Ryokuchi park has a museum of traditional farmhouses moved from all over Japan, a peaceful place to walk among thatched roofs and old trees.
Riding in Japan requires some adjustments. Traffic drives on the left, roads are generally well maintained and drivers are disciplined, but speed limits are low and enforcement is strict. Larger motorcycles can use the expressways, which are tolled and can be expensive, but the network is efficient. The route to Izu typically follows the Tōmei Expressway or the national roads towards Odawara, and from there into the hills of the Izu Peninsula. The Izu Skyline, a toll road along the volcanic ridge of the peninsula, offers fast, flowing curves and views of Mount Fuji on clear days.
Convenience stores are everywhere, and they are a lifeline for riders, with food, drinks, toilets and sometimes parking for motorcycles. Fuel stations are plentiful, though many close at night in rural areas, and some are full-service, with attendants who will fill your tank. Tokyo traffic can be heavy, so leave early, especially at weekends, when many people head out of the city. The best seasons for riding are spring and autumn; summer is hot and humid, and the rainy season in June and July brings frequent downpours.