Cycling is a major part of daily life in Japan. Tens of millions of people commute, shop, and get around by bicycle. For foreigners, a bicycle is one of the most practical and enjoyable ways to explore your neighborhood and beyond.

Where to Buy a Bicycle

New Bicycles

  • Asahi (あさひ) — largest bicycle chain in Japan; good selection, reliable service
  • Y’s Road — sports and commuter bikes
  • Cycle Base DEPOT — budget-friendly
  • Donki (Don Quijote) — very cheap basic bikes (¥10,000–18,000), decent for short term
  • Ito Yokado, AEON — basic city bikes at reasonable prices

Basic mamachari (city bike): ¥15,000–30,000 new Sports/road bike: ¥30,000–200,000+

Second-Hand Bicycles

  • Mercari — best selection of used bikes, often 40–60% cheaper than new
  • Junk Gyosha (ジャンク業者) — recycle shops like Hard Off, second-hand bikes from ¥3,000
  • Jimoty (ジモティ) — local classifieds; pick up locally for free or cheap
  • Sometimes found outside convenience stores or near train stations with “無料” (free) signs

Bicycle Registration (防犯登録) — Required

All bicycles in Japan must be registered (防犯登録, bouhan toroku) with the police.

Why It Matters

  • Required by law
  • If your bike is stolen and recovered, you can prove ownership
  • Police can return impounded bikes to you

How to Register

  • At any bicycle shop (including where you buy) — usually done automatically at purchase
  • Cost: ¥600–700 (one-time)
  • Bring ID (residence card) and the bike
  • You receive a small sticker — keep it on the bike

If you buy second-hand: Transfer the registration at a bicycle shop or police box (交番). Bring both your ID and the previous owner’s registration card if possible.

Japanese Bicycle Traffic Rules

Japan has specific rules for cyclists, and enforcement has increased.

Where to Ride

  • Left side of the road — same side as cars
  • Sidewalks are generally not permitted for adult cyclists — though enforcement varies
  • Bicycle lanes (自転車専用レーン) — use these where available
  • Designated sidewalk sections for bikes have a blue sign — these are OK

Traffic Rules for Cyclists

  • Stop at red lights — yes, this applies to bicycles
  • No riding with an umbrella (illegal; use a rain cape)
  • One earphone only — both ears covered is illegal while cycling
  • No riding side-by-side on roads
  • Lights at night — mandatory front and rear
  • Helmets: Recommended (required for children under 13; adults strongly encouraged since 2023 law changes)

Alcohol

Drunk cycling is illegal in Japan — can result in a fine or arrest.

Bicycle Parking

A common frustration in Japan: where to park.

Designated bicycle parking (駐輪場):

  • At most train stations — either free or ¥100–300/day
  • At shopping malls and supermarkets — usually free with time limit
  • City-operated coin-operated lots near stations

Do NOT park:

  • On sidewalks in prohibited areas
  • Near station entrances without permission
  • Bicycle removal squads (撤去) operate in cities — ¥2,500 to retrieve an impounded bike

Apps: Many cities have apps or maps showing available bicycle parking lots.

Cycling Routes and Apps

Apps

  • Yahoo!カーナビ — good for bike routes
  • Google Maps — bicycle mode available; shows bike-friendly routes
  • Cycling roads (サイクリングロード) — Japan has excellent dedicated bike paths along rivers and coasts

Great Cycling Routes

  • Shimanami Kaido (Hiroshima–Ehime) — world-famous cycling bridge route
  • Arakawa River Cycling Path (Tokyo) — flat, scenic, long
  • Biwa-ko Cycling Road (Shiga) — around Lake Biwa
  • Hokkaido open roads — stunning rural cycling

Bicycle Theft

Bicycle theft does occur in Japan. Protect yours:

  • Always use your lock — even for 5 minutes
  • Use a secondary lock (U-lock + chain) for added security
  • Park in designated lots at night
  • Register your bike — makes recovery possible

Renting a Bicycle (シェアサイクル)

Most major cities now have cycle-share programs:

  • Docomo Bike Share — Tokyo, Osaka, Yokohama; ¥165/30 minutes or ¥1,650/day pass
  • Hello Cycling — nationwide app-based sharing
  • Dock-free systems: pick up and drop off anywhere within service area

PayPay or credit card accepted at most stations. Great for tourists and those without a regular bike.