Expat Japan Guide

Cycling in Japan as a Foreigner — Buying a Bike, Rules & Registration (2025)

Cycling is one of the best ways to get around Japan. It’s cheap, practical, environmentally friendly, and in many cities — particularly in flatter urban areas like Osaka, Nagoya, and Sapporo — it’s often faster than public transport for short to medium distances. Tens of millions of Japanese people cycle daily for commuting and errands. Here’s everything you need to know as a foreigner to cycle safely and legally in Japan. ...

April 27, 2025 · 4 min · Expat Japan Team