It’s not always easy to adapt to a two-wheeled lifestyle in a different city. In this guide for beginners, Brad Bennett, founder of Freewheeling and a seasoned cyclist, walks us through Tokyo’s cycling culture.
Bennett, originally from Washington State, founded Freewheeling in Tokyo. This grassroots business offers bike tours. He is also a member of the Cycling Embassy of Japan and has lived in Tokyo for over 25 years.
Getting Started
What is the best bike in Tokyo to ride?
Bennett: Mamacharis is the way to go.
Even the most experienced city cyclists choose the Mamachari, a combination of the Japanese words “mother” () and “bicycle”. These bicycles have a basket and mudguards. They also come with an integrated lock, comfortable upright seating and a lock. Bennett has approved them as the best bikes for conbini and commutes.
Which bike shops would you recommend?
Tokyobike (Taito / Meguro)
These are nice hybrid commuter bikes with prices ranging from Y=50,000 to Y=60,000. They are very popular among students, and I would recommend them as good commuter bikes for beginners.
Blue Lug (Shibuya / Setagaya)
One chain that I really like in the west [of Tokyo] area is Blue Lug. You will spend a lot of money – probably Y=200,000 to Y=300,000. But you’ll end up with a gorgeous bike. Their street-style, trendy bikes are well-known.
Y’s Road (Shibuya / Shinjuku)
High-end road bikes and English-friendly staff
Cycle Base Asahi (Sendagaya)
Electric bikes for kids, custom-built bikes and other models
Cycle Spot (100+ Locations)
Mamachari is available in every model.
Buychari
This online store offers a large selection of used and new bicycles.
Registration of Your Bicycle
This is real. You must first register your bike with the local police station before you can legally ride it in Japan. The Jitendra touroku process (bike registration) is simple and inexpensive.
- Fill in the registration form, including your name, your contact information and details about your bike. The staff at the shop will give you the form and send it to the police on your behalf if you purchase a new bicycle. You will need to fill out the form and present a receipt if you buy a bike online. You’ll be required to show a valid ID or Residence Card in both cases.
- If you pay Y=500, you will receive a sticker with a unique number that can be placed on your bicycle’s frame.
- Stick the registration sticker to your bike.it’s like a mini-license plate.
- If the police or shop staff stops you before you have officially registered, keep your receipt.
When you purchase a used motorcycle… You and the previous owner of the bike will have to complete the jitensha-jouto-shoumeisho or “transfer ownership form” at the local police station.
What is Bicycle insurance?
In 2019, more than 60% of Japanese cyclists reported having experienced a near-accident while riding their bike.
Statista Report)
Bennett: Many people are unaware that you must have bicycle insurance. This rule was introduced last year. You could be held responsible for high damages if you are cycling and don’t have any insurance.
Where do I get Jitendra’s token?
At your local conbini, phone carrier or online.
Does it cost a lot?
Most policies cost less than Y=5,000 a year. Mobile carrier AU’s “Bicycle plan” starts at Y=340 a month.
Is insurance for bicycles required in Japan?
Tokyo Metropolitan Government will require all cyclists (including children) enrolling in bicycle liability insurance by April 2020. This insurance pays for damage or injuries to others if you cause an accident on your bicycle. Your bike must be registered in order to enrol.
Rules of the Road
“You cannot legally ride on the sidewalk
Everyone does it, even the police. “Always remember that pedestrians have the right-of-way.”
You are not allowed to ring the bell on the sidewalk.
You don’t have to worry about how slow the guy in front of you is. You can’t make them move. “
You must have a bike bell.
You can be fined if you don’t ring the bell. “
“Cyclists should follow the road rules.
Pretend to be a car. Do not run through a red traffic light. “
You can’t ride a bicycle with two people.
It’s a cute idea, but it is illegal. “You can ride with your child as long as he or she is in a child’s seat.”
“You must pay parking fees.”
In most of Tokyo, it is illegal to park a bicycle on the street. You will have to pay a fee for a space in a churning (bicycle parking area). Nearby most train stations, you’ll find a churn where you can park your bike for the day or pay by the hour. The rates are usually Y=100-Y=200 per hour. There are also monthly passes available at many lots. “
In Tokyo, 18% of train passengers arrive at their stations by bicycle.
What are some of the best cycling routes?
- “Riverside Ride”
- This route, which traces the Kanda River from Sasazuka to Kichijoji, is a treasure trove of shrines, parks, and hanami gems.
- “Yoyo-Go”
- This route is perfect for families and beginners who want to enjoy a relaxing, pleasant Saturday afternoon cycling through the city. It starts in trendy Shimokitazawa and ends at Yoyogi Park. Rent a bicycle or bring your own. Stop at coffee shops and check out the architecture. Have a picnic at the end.
- “Shinjuku Sprint”
- If you take this route, you will reach Shinjuku quickly. It is a bit safer with a helmet, and adrenaline junkies will enjoy it.
- “Tokyo Tower Tour
- From Harajuku, cruise to Tokyo Tower. Enjoy the cherry blossoms and culture along the way. This route has it all.
- “The Way To The Bay
- Want to experience the open sky? This route will take you to Tokyo Bay.
Is Tokyo safe to cycle in compared to other large cities?
Bennett: I believe it is. One of the reasons is that nearly all Japanese drivers also ride motorcycles, so they understand and know how it feels. There is much more empathy.
Tokyo Cycling by the Numbers
56.3% of people in Tokyo use bicycles as a mode of transport.
In the last 3 years, 3,889 bicycles were discarded by Tokyo.
Of the households surveyed, 11.6% were planning to purchase a bike (from May 2018 until December 2019).
25642 Number of bikers involved in traffic accidents in Tokyo by 2020.
Y=37.570 Average price in yen of a bicycle in Tokyo (December 2020).
One in four bike commuters in Tokyo cite COVID-19 as their decision to start cycling.
In Japan, there are 2.3 cyclist deaths per 100 million kilometres cycled compared to 5.3 in the U.S.
English-friendly bicycle groups
Freewheeling
Private bike tours in Tokyo’s parks and backstreets. Bike rentals are also available.
Half-Fast Cycling Tokyo
A group of international cyclists rides together on weekends. The membership is free.
Night Pedal Cruising
Tokyo offers monthly free group rides. For updates and events, follow them on Facebook. The site is in Japanese.
Tokyo Cycling Club
A community discussion forum on all things cycling-related in Japan.
Cycling Holiday Tokyo
Daily E-bike Tours in English
The Knights in White Lycra
The annual bike ride of a group of Japanese cyclists to raise funds for different charities.
