I’ve talked before about Japan being a cyclist’s paradise, so I thought I’d dive a little deeper into what makes cycling in Japan so awesome!
1. Everyone Is A Cyclist!
There are just as many bicycles in Japan as there are cars, a number approximating about 80 million!
From my experience, this is absolutely true as when I commute to work via bicycle each day, I can see the bicycle-to-car ratio is very much on equal footing.
For this reason, there is a strong sense of harmony on Japan’s roads and a common understanding between cyclists and car drivers.
The mere fact that just about everyone in Japan owns a bicycle and that everyone is essentially a cyclist is what gives rise to all the cool and unique things about cycling in Japan!
2. Bicycle Parking Everywhere
Bicycle parking in Japan is either free or extremely affordable and you can find a parking spot wherever you are!
Essentially, you can park your bicycle just about anywhere so long as there is no sign in the area telling you otherwise.
This makes it extremely convenient to cycle wherever you need to go, be it school, work, restaurants, cafes, or even to the local river.
To further accommodate the convenience of cycling in Japan, all bicycles in this country are designed with a chain-free locking system so you can secure your bicycle on the spot without looking for a pole or something to chain it to.
3. Super Safe
Japan is the only country where I’ve seen people as old as 90 years of age and children as young as 7 years of age cycling all on their own.
Not only is Japan extremely safe from a crime rate standpoint, but also when it comes to road safety, a statistic that is absolutely incredible considering the density of the population.
I always say mindfulness goes a long way in such a compact society, but the Japanese take it to a whole other level, with the number of road accidents actually decreasing every year, reaching an all-time low in 2022.
Specifically regarding cycling, Japan’s roads are super safe, often including dedicated cyclist sections on the road in addition to bicycle-only paths and footpaths that also accommodate bicycles.
You can practically ride a bike on any road or sidewalk you see so long as there are no signs indicating “cycling not permitted” which are typically rare cases.
4. Easy To Cycle Long Distances
Again, the chain-free locking system of the bicycles makes it super easy to cycle long distances as you can stop for a break and keep your bicycle secure on the go.
Speaking of breaks, Japan’s abundance of convenience stores makes it exceptionally easy to cycle long distances as you can stop for food, toilet, and even get your phone charged inside!
If that wasn’t enough, Japan’s sheer prevalence of vending machines at every corner will ensure you have access to hydration every step of the way!
Personally, I cycle 10 km to work and 10 km back several days a week, and quite frankly, I don’t even feel the exhaustion just because of how accommodating the roads, architecture, and society as a whole are.
5. Amazing Cycle Routes
Commuting aside, Japan is an absolute haven of scenic bicycle routes where you can enjoy the natural beauty of the country’s mountains, rivers, and cityscape views.
The amazing thing is you don’t even have to go to a highly reputable cycling route like the Shimanami Kaido, because you’ll find incredibly blissful routes wherever you may be!
As a country engulfed by mountain ranges, you seldom need to travel far to reach stunning viewpoints, scenic bicycle routes, and exciting hiking trails in Japan!
Of course, if you are planning to visit Japan, you’ll need a way to get around the country as efficiently and affordably as possible. Japan Rail provides an abundance of travel passes to suit your travel needs. So whether you are traveling individually or as a group, the JR Pass is every traveler’s go-to for getting around and making the most of your time in Japan!