Bicycle

更新日:2020年08月17日

Bicycles are a great way to get around town without a car. They can be very affordable, with the cheaper bicycles being sold for as low as 10,000 yen. There are several places around town where you can purchase a bike, including large chain stores and smaller specialty stores, and the purchasing process is fairly simple.

Purchasing a Bicycle

Note: The process may vary between stores. Contact each shop for details.

Find a bicycle you like in the store, and let a staff member know. They may even be able to recommend some bikes that will fit your height, build, and lifestyle best. Generally, they will adjust the seat for you and allow you to take a seat and see how it feels. Depending on the store, you may also receive a 1-month warranty for the bike.

When purchasing a bicycle, you will also need to apply for a certificate of registration (自転車防犯登録, jitensha bouhan touroku). This is to help you recover your bicycle in case it is stolen or impounded and will cost a one-time fee of 500 yen. A staff member should be able to help you with this. If you are purchasing a bicycle from online, you will need to go to the local police station to fill it out.

Buying a used bike from a friend or acquaintance is another option. In that case, you will still need to get a certificate of registration, and they will have to fill out a change of bicycle ownership form (自転車譲渡証明書, jitensha jouto shoumeisho), both of which can be done at the local police station.

Bicycle insurance can be purchased for as low as 5,000 yen per year. Staff members may be able to point you in the right direction, or you can search for bicycle insurance (自転車保険, jitensha hoken) online. There are some prefectures in Japan that require bicycle insurance, such as Tokyo. The rules vary between prefectures, so please check the requirements for the area in which you live.

Accessories such as reflective stickers, basket covers, and bicycle bells can be found at bike stores, malls, or even 100 yen stores.

Bicycle Safety

Keep in mind that Japanese road safety laws may differ from those in your home country. Here is a list of basic safety rules to keep in mind: (Note: this is not a comprehensive list)

  1. Ride in the bike lane. Riding on the sidewalk should be the exception, not the normal.
  2. Ride in the direction of traffic, on the left side of the road.
  3. Yield for pedestrians on the sidewalk, and go slow in the bike lane.
  4. No drunk cycling.
  5. No cycling while holding an umbrella.
  6. No cycling while using electronics (e.g. cellphone, earbuds).
  7. No riding double on one bike.
  8. No cycling side by side.
  9. Turn on your lights at night.
  10. Stop at intersections to check for traffic, and stop at red lights.

    Helmets are not required for adults, but you may wish to purchase one. Ultimately, make safety a priority.

     

    Have fun riding around town!

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総務部 秘書課 広報広聴係

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