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Cycling in Tokyo

Two wheels are sometimes better than four.

Cycling in Tokyo lets you go at your own pace, stop for a break when you want, and explore the hidden backstreets that often get missed. We'll take you through the basic road rules, some safety tips, tell you where you can rent bike and other essential info.

Tokyo Bike Road Rules and Safety

• In Japan they drive on the left. Take care if you're used to the right.
• It's not a requirement by law to wear a helmet but it comes highly recommended by us.
• When you park your bike make sure you leave it in a designated area.
• You bike must have lights and/or reflectors at night. The police will stop you if you fail to have these.

You will see many people cycling in Tokyo on the sidewalk or pavement. In quieter areas this is fine, but it can be rather traumatic during busier times of day - for everyone concerned.

It is not actually legal but it is accepted by the majority so.... it's up to you. If you do happen to have an accident and hurt somebody while they are walking on the pavement, you will be held responsible.

To my mind it's better to stick to the roads although traffic can be horrendous depending on where you are.

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Parking and Carrying your Bike

When you find yourself wanting to stop and take a closer look at something, make sure to park your bike correctly. When cycling in Tokyo, there are specific areas for this and they're easy to find - just look for all the other bikes if you're not sure!

If you do leave your bike in the wrong place, it is likely to get carted off to the pound by the bike police. The only way to get it back is to go and pay the fine. Definitely a hassle you want to avoid.

As with any other country, don't leave valuable items with your bike and make sure to lock it. Tokyo is a safe city but there's always someone who's willing to help themselves to your possessions.

Planning on taking your bike on the train? There is no extra charge for doing this but you must carry your bike in a bike bag. If you have a fold up bike this is easy. If not then what most people do is pop off the wheels and put it in the bag that way.

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Renting a Tokyo Bike

There are several ways I know of to easily rent a bike for cycling in Tokyo. The links provided below are in English and you can book or ask questions either by email, by telephone, or in person once you arrive in Tokyo.

Cycle Tokyo!

First on the list are 5 hobby cyclists in Tokyo who decided to set up their own website, Cycle Tokyo. Their idea, and it's one I love, is to encourage others to explore the city on two wheels just the same as they have. I managed to grab an interview with the founder of this group, Ats. You can find it over at Cycle Tokyo.

What makes Cycle Tokyo! unique are the detailed maps, plans, and actual route information they provide. They also include all the fun or hidden areas that many tourists never see because they just don't know they're there.

See their recommended courses and decide how you'd like to spend your day cycling in Tokyo.

Coolbikes

Cycling in Tokyo is a doddle if you rent a bike from Coolbikes. Their bikes are all foldable and come with carry cases so you can easily hop on and off the train if you need to. It also means that if you're not sure where you can leave your bike safely, you don't need to worry, just pack it up and off you go.

The average cost is ¥2,000 per day for a single bike with an extra ¥500 to hire a helmet. Depending on where your hotel is located, you may also be able to have your bike delivered to your hotel. See the Coolbike website to check their location and to find out a range of tours with maps that they also recommend.

One thing to note, they are closed on Mondays. On other days they are open 09:30 - 18:30.

Japan Bicycle Promotion Institute

If you want to rent a bike during your Tokyo vacation check out Japan bicycle promotion institute. They have a relaxing route mapped out around the Imperial Palace and tell you how to rent a bike for the occasion.

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The Quintessential Mamachari

What on earth is a mamachari? If you're cycling in Tokyo you are bound to come across several hundred, probably more, mamacharis.

A mamachari is a very basic shopping bike. It literally means 'mum's bike'.

Many people use a faithful mamachari to get around their local area. You really wouldn't want to go to far on one as they don't have any gears and are a bit clunky to ride.

For local shopping trips they are great though. Just be wary of people talking on their cell phones or worse, when it's raining, people holding umbrellas and trying to cycle at the same time!