Cycling in Japan—What To Know When Owning A Bicycle In Japan
Whether you live in Japan or are only here temporarily, you can ride a bicycle to reach your destination faster.
There are plenty of options for those living in Japan, while visitors can use the city's rental bikes.
This guide will also go through the types of bicycles in Japan, registration, Japan’s helmet rule, the rules for cycling in Japan, how to rent a bicycle in Japan, and the best cycle routes to ride on.
What type of bicycle should I buy in Japan?
Many Japanese bicycle stores offer different types and brands of bicycles. Here are the most popular ones.
Mama-chari
Mama-chari (ママチャリ), also known as City Cycle or City Bicycle, is Japan's most popular Japanese bicycle. These bicycles are practical and very affordable. The average MamaChari bicycle price in Japan is around 10,000 to 30,000 yen, between $100 and $200 at the current exchange rate.
They are designed for convenience and can be equipped with a front basket or a rear child seat, making them perfect for grocery shopping, school runs, and other everyday errands.
Their design is sturdy and simple. Mama Chari bikes have a step-through frame that makes it easy to hop on and off, even when wearing a skirt or carrying a child.
You will see MamaChari bicycles throughout Japan from outside supermarkets, train stations, and apartment buildings.
Electric bicycle
Electric bicycles in Japan are technically electric or power assistance bicycles, as you still have to pedal for the bike to move, unlike electric scooters, where it’s all battery-powered.
Fully powered electric bicycles are considered motorized vehicles, requiring a driver's license and a license plate. Riders must also ride on roads with other motor vehicles, like cars.
Yamaha created the first electric assist bicycle, the PAS (power assistance system), and other brands, such as Panasonic and Maruishi Cycle, followed suit in 1998, creating the electric mama chari.
These electric bicycles make pedaling easier, especially if you carry heavy items such as a child or groceries uphill.
Electronic power-assisted bicycles cost between 150,000 yen to 300,000 yen.
Touring bicycles
Touring bicycles are great for long trips and outdoor cycling in Japan.
Using a touring bicycle is a great way to travel in Japan, especially when public transportation is unavailable or if you are outside the city, such as in inaka.
These types of bicycles are built for speed and are significantly lighter than other bicycles.
Their prices are about 80,000 yen to 300,000 yen.
Mountain bikes
For more off-roading trails, Japan also offers mountain bikes for any terrain. From smooth roads to unpaved or gravel roads, having a mountain bike is for you.
Mountain bikes are perfect for rural Japan or hilly terrain because of their durability and control over challenging environments.
Prices can range from 250,000 yen to 500,000 yen.
Folding Bikes
Folding bicycles are also called compact bicycles and are lightweight and great for everyday travel.
One of the best things about these bicycles is that they can be portable. While bicycles are prohibited on trains, bicycles that can be folded and in a bike bag are considered luggage.
Folding bicycles are great for people with small apartments or without a bicycle parking space.
Their prices can range from 15,000 yen to 100,000 yen.
Children’s bicycle
Children's types of bicycles are available for children in Japan. They have:
Balance bicycles: have no pedals and allow kids to focus on balance.
Boys and girls bicycle: youth mountain bicycles and youth city bicycles, respectively.
Bicycles with training wheels.
Do I need to wear a helmet while riding a bike in Japan?
Japanese bicycle helmets come in different colors, styles, and sizes, depending on the manufacturer. Image via Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department
Japan's Road Traffic Article 63-11 has been revised for bicycle riders to make an effort to wear helmets.
However, the keyword is effort, as no penalties or fines exist.
The purpose of this revision is to promote safety and reduce any head injuries.
Japan and bike theft
Translated from Keishicho’s Tokyo Crime Stat.
About 100 bikes are stolen for every 100,000 people in Japan, and it's almost double in cities.
However, with Japan's cheap bicycle registration system, which costs 500 yen, once your bicycle is registered to you, you can likely retrieve it.
I've never had a bike stolen while grocery shopping, stopping by the conbini, or commuting to the train station. Still, I always make sure that my bike is locked in place, just in case.
Is bicycle insurance required in Japan?
Bicycle insurance is mandatory in most parts of Japan, including Tokyo.
Translated of Mandatory bicycle insurance when cycling in Japan by prefecture [June 2023] by Charico.
You're unlikely to get pulled over and checked, but you are liable for accidents. So, getting bicycle insurance is always a safe bet.
The easiest way to find bicycle insurance is to search for "自転車保険" in the search engine. Bicycle insurance costs vary between providers and liability amounts, but the average is about 3,000 yen per year.
You can get Japanese bicycle insurance at most convenience stores or by signing up online.
How to register a bicycle in Japan
One easy way to register for a bicycle in Japan is to do so after purchasing it.
The bike shop will guide you through the bicycle registration process.
For the most part, you will need:
The bicycle you want to register
A government ID (resident card)
500 yen
Most bike shops' staff will have you write your name, address, and phone number. Then, you will receive a serial number sticker that will be placed on your bicycle.
If your bike is ever stolen, the police can return your bicycle to the registered address on the serial sticker.
Registering a used or second-hand bicycle in Japan
Bicycle transfer certificate form (PDF)
When a bike is used or secondhand, it is technically registered under the previous owner's name. So, the owner will need to be transferred or have a new registration.
You can register a secondhand or used bicycle at any bicycle shop or police station. You will also need to bring:
Bicycle you want to register
-
One of the following:
Previous owner's bicycle registration
Filled out the transfer certificate form
500 yen
A government ID (resident card)
If the bicycle shop cannot register the new bicycle for you, they will guide you to the local police station to handle the bicycle registration.
Rules to follow when cycling in Japan
Here are the cycling laws in Japan. While they are not heavily enforced, it's best to follow these bicycle rules so that you don't get in trouble with the police.
Now that your bicycles are registered, it's time to ride.
There are specific rules and regulations to keep cyclists and pedestrians safe. Here is an overview of when cycling in Japan.
Ride on the left side of the road, following the traffic flow. You can also ride on sidewalks when safe, but pedestrians have the right of way.
Use designated bike lanes: when they are available, these bike lanes will be marked, usually in blue.
Use helmets: while not mandatory, they are highly recommended for safety. Children under 13 are required to wear helmets, though.
Have lights and reflectors: bicycles must have a front white light and a rear red reflector or light.
No drunk cycling: similar to traffic laws, no drunk cycling as there will be heavy fines or imprisonment
No phone or headphone use: calling, texting, or listening to music while riding a bicycle can cause distractions.
One person per bicycle: Bicycles with children's seats are okay for children.
Park your bicycle at the designated bicycle parking area. Illegally parked bicycles may result in fines or be taken away.
For more detailed information, see Japan's National Police Agency’s rules for bicycles (Japanese site).
How to rent a bicycle in Japan
If you're only here for the short term, renting a bicycle to cycle around Japan makes more sense.
There are plenty of bike riding share programs, such as Charichari, Docomo Bike Share, and Hello Cycling, which allow you to sign up and use your bicycle for less than 200 yen for 30 minutes. Depending on the company, they also offer one-day passes or monthly passes.
After signing up, you can unlock the bike and ride where you need to go. Once done, return it to the correct bicycle station and lock it in place. These programs will have instructions on unlocking and parking bicycles properly so that you won't be overcharged and available for the next user.
Cycling routes in Japan
The Japanese government designated routes as part of the National Cycle Route program to promote cycle tourism.
There are 6 main routes that you can take a cycling trip on. Each cycling route in Japan has safe and comfortable roads, showcases Japan's natural beauty, and has bicycle stations and accommodations for cyclists.
Additionally, plenty of group, private, and self-guided cycling tours exist in Japan. You can find these groups on websites such as:
Frequently asked questions
Why do I have to register my bike in Japan?
While it is not mandatory, Japanese police can inspect any bicycles suspected of being stolen. If you haven't registered your bicycle under your name, the police will view it as stolen. Registering your bicycle costs 500 yen.
Are bicycles popular in Japan?
Yes, bicycles (自転車, jitensha) are popular and commonly used in Japan for riding around the city, going to and from your location, shopping, grocery, and doing other tasks.
Are bikes expensive in Japan?
Bicycles in Japan are relatively affordable. If you plan on buying a bicycle, you can find retail shops selling bicycles cheaper, usually around 5,500 yen to 12,000 yen.
In closing
Cycling in Japan is a convenient and enjoyable way to explore the country as a resident or a visitor. The MamaChari is perfect for everyday uses, and there are more specific bikes that cater to your needs.
Stay safe while cycling here. Happy riding!
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