Cycling is a fun, flexible, and eco-friendly way to see the country, especially those little backstreets and hidden gems you’d miss on a train. Share cycles are becoming more and more popular in Japan.
Here are three bike share services in Japan that are perfect for visitors. Each has English support, simple apps, and plenty of stations to make your trip much easier.
Bike Sharing in Japan
Japan is often considered a “bicycle society,” and cycling is a common part of everyday life. Especially in cities, both kids and adults use bikes for commuting and errands. While Japan’s cycling infrastructure is still developing, things are steadily improving, with more bike lanes and parking spaces being built. Bicycles are being reevaluated as a sustainable transportation option.
At cities and tourist destinations, you’ll find not only conventional rental bike shops but also modern bike-sharing services. The biggest advantage is that you can rent a bike at one location and return it at another. For tourists, it can be a more flexible and affordable way to travel than trains or buses.
Most shared bikes in Japan are electric-assist, so even hills aren’t a problem. And with English-friendly apps, even if you don’t speak Japanese, you can hop on and ride stress-free.
3 English-Friendly Bike Share Services
Docomo Bike Share
A major bike share service with nationwide coverage. It’s especially common in big cities like Tokyo and Osaka. The red bikes are easy to spot. With just a smartphone and a credit card, tourists can get riding quickly. The app supports English, and all bikes include insurance for peace of mind.
Website: https://www.st.docomo-cycle.jp/?lang=en
Bike Types
- Electric-assist bicycles
Price (Tokyo area)
- One-time use: ¥165 per 30 minutes
- 1-day pass: ¥1,650 (until 11:59 PM on the same day)
- Monthly pass: ¥3,300 (first 30 mins per ride are free, then ¥165 per 30 mins)
HELLO CYCLING
Partnered with local governments and companies, this service has many bike stations, even in rural areas not covered by Docomo Bike Share. The app supports multiple languages, including English and Chinese, making it especially user-friendly for international visitors. It also offers various bicycle types.
Website: https://www.hellocycling.jp/
Bike Types
- City bikes
- Sports bikes
- E-bikes
- Electric mopeds (License required)
Price (Tokyo area)
City Bike
- ¥160 per 30 minutes
- 12-hour plan: ¥2,500
E-bike
- ¥300 per 30 minutes
- 12-hour plan: ¥2,000
LUUP
A modern-style mobility service is available in cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. The white and emerald green vehicles are sleek and stylish. You can use both compact electric bikes and electric scooters for the same price. The app supports English and is easy to use.
Website: https://luup.sc/en/
Bike Types
- Electric-assist bikes
- Electric scooters
Price
- Base fare: ¥50 + ¥15 per minute (*About ¥500 for a 30-minute ride)
How to Use a Bike Share in Japan
Here’s a typical process for using a bike share service.
- Download the app and register (some services may require ID or a license)
- Find the nearest bike station
- Reserve a bike through the app or go directly to a station
- Unlock the bike using the app
- After your ride, return it to any available station and complete the return via the app
Bicycle Traffic Rules
To ride safely, you must know the basic traffic rules for bikes in Japan. Some rules vary by region or bike type, so always follow the app’s or service’s instructions.
- Ride on the left side of the road
- Use designated bike lanes or the left side of the roadway (riding on sidewalks is usually not allowed)
- No riding under the influence of alcohol
- Use a light at night
- Wearing a helmet is strongly encouraged
Biking isn’t just a green way to get around, but also a great way to stumble upon those little surprises that make travel memorable. Why not hop on a bike and see where the road takes you?
