Cycling in Japan

Japan is a beautiful country to explore by bicycle. Outside big cities, the land is sparsely populated and with little traffic, but still offering good cycling infrastructure. There are numerous country back roads you never expect them to be there, and many of those are tar sealed and very comfortable to ride. It is probably one of the better ways to get around in Japan, not to mention the cheapest. However, although biking in Japan can be one of the best experiences you will have in Japan, it is also the most terrifying!

This is because most of the traffic laws for riding bikes are completely ignored. You will see cyclists biking on the side walk, while eating, smoking and texting their friends. They will be on the wrong side of the ride and riding four-abreast, meaning no one else can get past. Is it customary to ride 4 abreast with an umbrella while listening to an MP3 player and texting on a phone?

The answer is actually no. Cycling laws do exist in Japan, but are typically loosely enforced. Below are the official bike laws of Japan:

Official Bike Laws
With a few notable exceptions, cyclists are required to follow the same traffic rules as drivers.

Basic rules of the Road

 * Cyclists ride on the left hand side of the road.
 * Riding dangerously, failing to stop at a stop light, or riding with broken brakes carries a maximum penalty of a ¥500,000 fine and/or three months in prison.
 * Biking under the influence of alcohol is forbidden and carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a ¥1,000,000 fine. (Remember in Japan, there zero tolerance policy for alcohol – one drink is one too many).
 * Cycling on side walks is forbidden, except where indicated by shared side walk signs.

Other Bicycle Laws

 * Riding while carrying an umbrella, listening to an iPod, or talking on the phone are prohibited; violators can face a fine of up to ¥500,000.
 * All bikes are required to have a bell and a headlamp (if riding at night).
 * It is illegal to ride tandem bicycle (except in Nagano prefecture.)
 * It is illegal to ride with a passenger (with the exception of a child below the age of six). Double riders could face a ¥500,000 fine.
 * A cyclist may carry one child under the age of six in a designated child seat
 * Children under the age of 13 years must wear a bike helmet
 * Bicycles must be registered in the owner’s name at the prefectural police department

However, while these are the official laws of Japan, you will most likely see the following things:

Most cyclists ride on the sidewalks and almost never on the road. In fact, traffic police will occasionally direct road-riding cyclists onto the sidewalk regardless of the fact that this is actually illegal. Cyclists usually are not in any danger of being cited for dangerous “driving” unless they seriously injure a pedestrian (there have recently been settlements upwards of ¥1,000,000 in bicycle-pedestrian collision cases). Also, courts typically rule in favor of the weakest party, regardless of who is actually at fault. So be careful out there.

Although riding while under the influence of alcohol carries a stiff penalty, it is more likely that an intoxicated cyclist will be thrown in the drunk tank and given a stern talking-to than being fined or jailed. However, don't test your luck. Riding without a bell will be ignored, while riding at night without a front lamp is strictly enforced. The prohibition on riding while using phones/umbrellas/MP3 players is largely ignored. Laws forbidding riding with a passenger are rarely enforced.

As long as try to follow the rules, you are courteous to other road users, and do not assume that all drivers you meet will be as well mannered and observant as you are, you should have no trouble at all.

Advice

 * Japanese cyclists tend to go slower than Western cyclists, so many drivers assume they have more time to pull out of a driveway, store or turning a corner. Be careful, and don't assume they will give way to you.


 * Many Japanese drivers only tend to look the opposite way to which they are turning when they are pulling out of a driveway or store. For example, if they are wanting to turn left, turning into the flow of traffic, they will only look right to check for a clearing. If you are coming from the opposite direction, they often won't see you, and pull out right in front of you. In situations like these, slow down, make sure the driver is aware of you before going in front of them.


 * Drivers in Japan tend to run red lights all the time (even police cars do at times). Just because the pedestrian signal is green, give yourself another few seconds to make sure a car isn't screaming around the corner trying to run the light. There have been several accidents recently where drivers have ignored the lights, and the cyclists have had to take evasive action. Running the red lights is a common thing in Japan, so take care at crossings.
 * Many roads in Japan are narrow, at times only allowing one car down a two-way street. When two cars meet on such a road, one will usually pull over to the side of the road. As a cyclist, be aware of when this happens, and be patient. Wait for the cars to pass before carrying on. Don't try to get around the cars, as this is how accidents happen.

A useful list of bicycle related vocabulary and phrases can be found here.

All in all, take care, and enjoy your time cycling in Japan. It's certain you will have a blast!

Cycle on!