Touring After the Apocalypse 終末ツーリング

Touring After the Apocalypse Review (Rating: 3/5)

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Overview

This manga by Saitō Ei depicts an unusual combination of “post-apocalypse” and “motorcycle touring,” following two girls traveling across a ruined Japan.

Shūmatsu Touring (Touring After the Apocalypse) – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Touring_After_the_Apocalypse 

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Synopsis

In a world where civilization has collapsed, Japan has become nearly devoid of human life. Two girls set out together on a single off-road motorcycle, exploring the silent remains of familiar places.
Yoko, one of the protagonists, has just left an underground shelter and is filled with curiosity about the outside world. Airi, calm and knowledgeable, accompanies her and supports her during their journey.

Together they travel tandem-style, visiting locations that were once famous tourist spots—Hakone with its view of Mt. Fuji, the Yokohama Bay Bridge, and more. Beneath these peaceful excursions, however, lies the quiet question: What happened to this world—and why?

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Characters

Only the key characters are listed here to avoid unnecessary spoilers.

• Yoko – An energetic and curious girl who has just stepped out of a shelter. She approaches the empty world with both excitement and unease, discovering it one place at a time.

• Airi – Yoko’s travel partner. Calm, somewhat mysterious, and more informed about the outside world. Her knowledge and attitude help guide their journey.

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Story Development

The story begins in Hakone, where the two girls take off on an off-road motorcycle—modeled after an electric-modified Yamaha Serow 225. From there they ride through Yokohama, Yokosuka, and eventually expand their route northward.

Over time, their journey shifts from simple sightseeing to uncovering hints about the world’s downfall. Fighter jets appear, abandoned military bases become key locations, and new encounters gradually reveal larger mysteries surrounding humanity’s collapse.

For example, later in the story they reach Misawa Air Base in Aomori, where they meet a surviving girl named Claire. Episodes like this turn the narrative from a quiet touring story into one that touches on the broader fate of the world.

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Notable Features of This Manga

1. A rare mix of post-apocalypse × motorcycle touring
   The combination of a ruined world and the freedom of motorcycle travel feels fresh. The manga even labels the journey as “no traffic, no signals, no civilization.”

2. Minimal cast and striking contrast with empty landscapes
   By focusing on only two travelers, the story emphasizes quiet, lonely scenery, creating a sharp contrast between the girls’ gentle conversations and the overwhelming emptiness around them.

3. A narrative that keeps its mysteries alive
   Key questions—What caused the collapse? Are there other survivors?—remain unanswered, giving the story an ongoing sense of depth and anticipation.

4. Appeal for bike and travel enthusiasts
   The manga pays careful attention to motorcycle details, routes, and real-world tourist destinations. Readers interested in travel or bikes will find plenty to appreciate.

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My Impressions

To me, this manga blends a familiar post-apocalyptic setup with the gentle rhythm of motorcycle touring, creating a uniquely atmospheric flavor. By showing both the present ruined scenery and hints of what those locations used to be, the story encourages the reader to reflect on the contrast between “before” and “after.”

It is mysterious, yet warm—a work that feels serene even while dealing with a collapsed world. Since many mysteries remain unsolved and the story clearly has room to grow, I rated it 3/5 for now, with the expectation that future developments may raise that score.

The choice of having two young girls as protagonists works remarkably well. If the pair were two men, a mixed-gender duo, or older characters, the tone might tilt toward something more violent or gloomy. Instead, the current pairing helps maintain a gentle and reflective atmosphere throughout the journey.

In Japanese, the words for “apocalypse” (終末) and “weekend” (週末) are pronounced the same—shūmatsu—which gives the title a subtle wordplay that Japanese readers may notice.

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Conclusion

Shūmatsu Touring offers a rare experience: a quiet motorcycle journey through a post-apocalyptic landscape. The contrast between beautiful scenery and an empty world creates a calm yet gripping narrative rhythm. Fans of travel, motorcycles, or atmospheric world-building will likely find something to enjoy here.

Since the story still holds many unanswered mysteries, its true strength will depend on how the plot unfolds in the future. For English-speaking readers, phrases such as “bike touring after the apocalypse” or “two girls traveling through abandoned Japan” can help describe the charm of this work.

If you are intrigued by serene travel stories set against vast ruins, this manga is worth picking up.