Cycling is a wonderful way to appreciate Japan’s scenic landscapes up close and at your own pace, whether you cruise through forests or pedal along coastlines.
Traveling by bicycle is very popular in Japan; guided tours, bicycle rentals, bicycle parking, and the ability to travel by train with a bike make it easy for visitors to enjoy the many well-maintained and signposted routes throughout Japan’s national parks.
If you join a guided group tour, rental bicycles are usually included in the cost. You will have the benefit of a guide who can direct you along the route and show the group hidden gems and off-the-beaten path places of interest. However, if you’d rather cycle at your own pace with the freedom to explore and stop whenever you want, rental bikes are widely available and relatively inexpensive.
Larger train stations often have bike rental shops, and railway companies such as JR East, JR Kyushu, Hankyu and Kintetsu offer bicycle rentals at certain stations. Bike rental shops may ask for a deposit, photo ID, and possibly the address and phone number of your accommodation. Electric-assist bicycles are sometimes available for a higher fee.
Many shops do not rent overnight, so renting a touring bike can be more difficult. For longer trips, it may be wise to bring your own bicycle. Check with airlines for rules regarding checked baggage and packing a bike; some airlines allow touring bicycles to be checked for fee. Many railway companies allow bicycles to be brought on board if the front wheel is removed and the entire bicycle is placed into a special bag. There may be a fee to carry the bike on a train.
Keep these best practices in mind when cycling in Japan:
Do
Don’t
Written by Sian Lye
