Bicycle Commuting in Japan: Tips + Tricks after 365 Days!

I’ve been commuting to work for a full year now!

I live about an hour out of central Tokyo, in Sagamihara Kanagawa. It takes about 30-minutes to commute the 7miles to work.

When I first started it took over an hour! But I found better routes, got a better bike, and learned more rules of the road.

Today is my last day of work, been riding bike to work entire year, rain, shine or typhoon!

I love biking in Japan, I commuted by bicycle in America too, completely different ball game.



Japanese Bike Culture:

Bikes are utility vehicles, not recreational toys

Commute in dress clothes, uniform not shorts and tshirt, but sneakers and flips-flops are no problem even while wearing a tie.

Most (95%) riders do not wear helmets, only recreational road cyclists seem too.

Bikes are required to have Anti-Theft Registration, can be done at bike-shop for \600 = $4

Bikes are required to have lights and a bell.

Cannot bring bikes on a train unless in a specific bicycle bag.

No drunk riding

Many paid bicycle parking areas especially near train stations

Commuters ride through rain with rain-gear and sometime one-hand an umbrella.



Year-Long Japan Adventure Playlist:    • Japan Year Long Adventure