Buzz
Japanese people ride bikes everywhere - to work, to the market, to take their children to school, or simply to enjoy the fresh air.
In a world that is constantly evolving, transportation has also made remarkable strides. Instead of bending over to pedal a bike or rowing a boat, people now have cars, boats, and even airplanes for travel, which are faster and less strenuous. However, in Japan, it's different.
Bicycles remain an extremely popular means of transportation. In every city across the land of cherry blossoms, there are designated parking lots for bicycles. There are so many bicycles that they are countless!
The news and travel information website Japan Guide has an article introducing bicycles in Japan. And indeed, it's not as simple as we might think.
Types of Bicycles
Bicycles, known as 'jitensha' in Japanese, are widely used across Japan by people of all ages and social statuses, from students and office workers to housewives and the elderly... everyone pedals away on bicycles.
Japanese people cycle for various reasons - commuting, grocery shopping, taking their children to school, or simply enjoying the fresh air. Picture yourself cycling along roads lined with cherry blossoms blooming in spring while gentle pink petals fall like rain. It's an unforgettable experience.
When in Japan, you'll notice that rental bicycles are available at many tourist spots as an interesting option for getting around.
The most common type of bicycles in Japan, found in rental shops, are simple models meant for daily use, known as 'mamachari' or 'mom's bicycles.' Mamachari typically come with a basket or child seat, a simple lock, a kickstand, and just one gear. Higher-end models with multiple gears or electric assist are also becoming popular. Folding bikes, mountain bikes, and road racing bikes are rarely available for rent and come at a higher price compared to the affordable mamachari.
Rental bicycles are readily available at many tourist spots, offering a convenient and inexpensive way to explore cities or small towns, especially when distances between attractions are too far to walk.
Bicycle rental shops are often located near train stations. Some may require a deposit or identification documents with a photo. They may also ask for your address and phone number.
Most of the rental bikes are Mamachari. Rental fees are usually 100-300 yen per hour, 400-800 yen for half a day, and 1,000-1,200 yen per day.
Bicycle Riding Rules and Parking
If you're traveling to Japan, you can enjoy the pleasure of cycling as a great way to explore the Land of the Rising Sun and admire the scenery. Or perhaps you're newly settling long-term in Japan and want a bike for daily life. If so, learn more about the cycling rules in Japan to avoid unnecessary trouble.
- In theory, cyclists should use the road rather than the sidewalk (riding on the sidewalk is only for those under 13, over 70, or disabled), unless there's a sign indicating the sidewalk is for pedestrians and cyclists. Generally, stick to the road. Depending on traffic conditions, riding on the sidewalk may be fined.
- There's an equally important rule, whether you're on the road or sidewalk, always ride on the left.
- Absolutely no riding against traffic. In 2013, due to the increase in traffic accidents involving cyclists, Japan's Road Traffic Law was amended. Since then, cyclists caught riding against traffic will face a 30-day imprisonment or a fine of 20,000 yen.
In many big cities, there are designated bicycle parking lots near train stations and shopping centers. You might even find multi-level bike parking facilities dedicated solely to bicycles. In areas lacking designated parking spots, you shouldn't follow the trend of haphazardly parking bikes, even in clearly marked no-parking zones.
Bicycle Theft and Registration
Bicycle theft is not uncommon in Japan. To combat this, all bicycles in Japan must be registered with the police for a small one-time fee. The registration fee (about 500 yen - equivalent to around 100,000 Vietnamese dong).
If you purchase a new bicycle, the registration process may be handled by the store, but if you buy a used one from someone else, you should re-register it under your name at the local police station to avoid misunderstandings later on.
There are two ways to register a used bicycle: One is by transferring ownership. Or you have to go through 2 steps of canceling the old registration and re-registering anew. The specific procedure is as follows:
*Ownership Transfer
This is a quicker option: You just need to present your ID card, the previous owner's registration card, the transfer certificate, vehicle insurance, and pay an additional 500 yen operation fee.
*Cancellation and Re-registration
Some localities do not allow ownership transfers. Therefore, the previous owner must cancel the registration, and the new owner must go through a separate registration process.
The previous owner must present their ID card and old registration card for cancellation. Then, the new owner must also present similar documents as for ownership transfer for new registration, along with a 500 yen operation fee.
Most bicycles come equipped with basic locks, but you should have a more secure lock if you're concerned about bicycle theft.
Regulations stricter than riding a motorbike
- If you give someone a ride (and your bike isn't designed to carry an additional person), you could be fined up to 20,000 yen (over 4 million dong).
- You could face fines of up to 50,000 yen (over 10 million dong) if caught riding a bike while using an umbrella for cover. Even imprisonment for 3 months if causing serious consequences.
- Similarly, penalties apply for using a mobile phone or wearing headphones.
- Riding on the sidewalk is not allowed.
- Driving under the influence of alcohol could lead to 5 years in prison, along with fines of up to 1 million yen. And yes, here 'vehicle' refers to bicycles.
- Not having headlights on your bike, fined 50,000 yen.
