Where to Go Riding When I Visit Japan Next Summer. Ideas Welcome

[Steven Seelig]

I've been informed by those in charge that we are flying to Japan next summer.  Now this will be with my non-cycling wife and 18 year old son, so I might not have that much time to ride any major overnights, but like will have plenty of time to ride in the cities or other spots we visit.

Any places where people have gone that are "must see" or "must ride" within those narrow parameters?  Should I bring my own bike or seek out a rental?  Obviously, I will visit Blue Lug and other LBS in every town I visit.  Other ideas?  Great city rides?  Experience bringing bikes on trains?

Thanks in advance.

Steve Seelig, Washington, DC

[Bill Lindsay]

I did a Japan swing last October and didn't ride at all, so I am no help.  Still...

I didn't make it to Blue Lug because Tokyo is a lot bigger than I appreciated and those in charge keep me on a smaller free-time budget than they do for you.  That said I did manage a I's cycle/Cycles Grand Bois visit and bought a bunch of stuff.  Recommended, but communication will either be Japanese or pointing at pictures on their website.  It's tucked away in Kyoto.  

I stumbled upon Rin Project boutique in Tokyo and that was a highlight.  I even bought a leather hairnet helmet.  It's tiny but packed with great stuff.  

Brotures Harajuku was also extremely cool, embedded in a fashion area that may entertain those in charge also.  

Bill Lindsay

El Cerrito, CA

[Bud Suttree]

Steven,

I would highly recommend a Bike Friday or Brompton. Traveling between cities in a short amount of time involves a lot of packing/unpacking and public transit navigation. A full-sized bike case would be a nightmare in the larger cities, especially in a scenario in which biking is not the “main event” in the minds of those you’re traveling with. Also, you’re going to want a suitcase with four wheels (that can stand on its own) as opposed to two, which must be dragged.  

Bikes must be in a bag while on busses or trains. Look up “rinko” if you’re not familiar with that style. I got away with trash bags in a pinch one night when we overextended ourself on mileage but worried that the conductor would kick us off  ( he instead only took photographs and laughed at/with us…..)

Renting is fine in bigger cities but the joy of riding “your” bike in a place like Japan is totally worth the hassle and price of admission. 

A folding bike will minimize the amount of time spent tinkering so that you can maximize your time actually riding. Secondhand bike fridays can be found inexpensively, and they ride great!

I took a Neutrino and purchased my partner a used Bike Friday for our Japan trip last fall. The difference in setup and ease of use was striking, and when we got back I sold the VO immediately and bought myself an All-Packa. I can setup both bikes in half an hour and disassemble in about an hour. It took closer to two for the neutrino, both ways, because it had to be totally disassembled to fit into its case. Over the course of three or four cities, this adds up to a considerable amount of time spent wrenching in hotel rooms. Do yourself a favor and make it as easy as possible. 

Caleb in Nashville 

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[John Rinker]

Hey Steven,

Caleb seems to have covered traveling with the bike, and has made some very fine points. During my time living in Japan, I traveled with my big Hunqapillar all 'rinko-ed' out, and enjoyed it very much.

Here's a write-up of a ride I did several times in Kyoto. 

5 Temples Tour

Cheers, John

[Steven Seelig]

I have a Brompton and a suitcase for it, so that will work.  It went to London and did great.

I'm curious about the bag thing applying also to a Brompton, which I assume is required no matter how small the bike folds.  Assuming also this is for intercity trains and not for let's say the Tokyo subway.

Kyoto is on the agenda and I wonder if cycling, even for the non cyclists, is the way to get around town to the Temples.

Steve

[Bill Lindsay]

"I wonder if cycling, even for the non cyclists, is the way to get around town to the Temples."

Those in charge scheduled a private guide for "temple day" and that day was our one and only >25,000-step day, and all of us who answer to "those in charge" were unhappy with the arrangement; footsore, exhausted, famished, cranky.  That 25,000-step day was on lovely narrow roads that were flat and very low-traffic.  Sensible town bikes would have been like a gift from the Lobs that day.  

Bill Lindsay

El Cerrito, CA

[Bud Suttree]

Thanks John! Riding a Hunq in Kyoto sounds like pure bliss. 

Like Bill, I also stumbled upon Rin Project in Tokyo. It’s located near an antiques/pottery district that the powers that be might find diverting. The proprietor is super friendly, speaks great English, and was a lot of fun to talk bikes with. He had a couple Alex Singers on display too! I left with a handlebar bag of the owner’s design that I like very much. 

Your Brompton will be perfect for riding and traveling around Japan. To your question about the trains… my understanding is that the bike in bag mandate applies universally, to all forms of public transportation. It’s a rule (I don’t know if it’s also a “law”) that seems to be rooted in cleanliness and mutual respect. As an American, I suspect you’ll be amazed by the well-ordered nature of Japanese society. I’d venture further that, if you’re a person of average and ordinary tolerance, when you get there you’ll want to take part in keeping it that way. 

Blue Lug even sells a rinko bag specifically for Bromptons under their Fairweather line. 

Oh and “Loro” bike shop in Setagaya (same neighborhood as one of the blue lug locations) is a Brompton and minivelo retailer. All kinds of cool stuff for small wheeled bikes in there. 

Caleb

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[Ben Adrian]

My wife and I did this tour in the spring of '25. It was fantastic. 
I know that you're not looking for a full tour, but I'd be happy to share the routes if you find yourself in the Kyoto / Nara / Lake Biwa area. Cycling is so easy there, cyclists are respected, and there are convenience stores everywhere.

If I suddenly found myself wealthy, I'd plan for a month long Japan ramble by bike at the soonest possible springtime.

Ben

[Ben Adrian]

I forgot to share the link... DOH

https://www.okatours.com/tours/nara-lake-biwa-kyoto-relaxed/

Ben

[Dan]

If you don't bring your bike, consider renting a bike from Tokyobike if you have a day off in Tokyo!

The stores are all in great locations and the bikes are simple and fun. Definitely riv-adjacent, but with much skinnier tyres, lol.

The 'must see' at least for me is to just potter around and soak in the vibes of the town you're in. Whether that's Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka.... Tokyo and Kyoto are fantastic cycling cities, though not in the way you might expect. You'll have a great time either way.

[aeroperf]

A dream trip for me - Go to Onomichi City, rent bikes, do the Shimanami Kaido.

https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3478.html

Stop about halfway, spend the night in a traditional ryokan, finish up in Imabari City, buy towels, bus or ferry back.

[Thomas Blak]

My last trip to Japan, I brought my Brompton. When I arrived, I went to a delivery service (Yamoto) in the airport and had the bike delivered to where I was staying. This saves the grief of dragging it onto subways etc. Even when I flew between cities I have my bike delivered. I rode all around Osaka and Tokyo. I also did a day trip to Sakai City Shimano Bike Museum. 

If you take a bike on the  Shinkansen it must  be bagged and rinko'd and you must make a reservation for your bike. There is a limited space on these trains so keep that in mind. 

When in the big cities I used Kamoot to plan my routes but I use the filter of quiet roads. This will take you through neighbourhoods you would never see by subway. This made riding so much fun. In Tokyo you can rent bikes and even ebikes that are like bike share bikes. 

I have done Shimanami Kaido but I rented a bike when I was there. It was a great trip and well worth it. If you go at a slow pace anyone can do it. Though be forewarned, the ramps onto the bridges can be tiring. Mini mountains. Some cities in Japan are un-ridable. Nagasaki for one. The hills are just too big. Even in Onomichi proper, the hills are incredible. Also people think Tokyo is flat but it is far from flat. Japan is mountains and ocean (some volcanoes). I have ridden the mountains, it was extremely hard and don't try this in the summer, it is too hot. I have done rides a long the coast, again with rentals which have been great. 

My advice for a first trip to Japan with others who are not cyclists, I would leave the bike at home and enjoy a non-cycling holiday. If you have to ride then renting is the easiest solution. 

Blue Lug in Tokyo is a treat and so is Grand Bois in Kyoto. Loro cycle for Brompton, especially in Osaka is fun to go to. 

I have been to Japan at least 20 times and last month was the first time I brought my Brompton. The only way I would bring my Rivendell is if I was staying at least a month and cycling was the only thing I intended to do. 

Have fun.

[rlti...@gmail.com]

We did a first trip to Japan recently and I agree that for a first trip leaving the bike at home is a good idea. There is so much to see and do that I think adding a bike into the mix would have been a distraction for me.

I found public transport good enough that walking was more than good enough to get around. I would like to go back and do a proper tour there though. Away from the cities.

Robert Tilley

San Diego, CA

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On Nov 7, 2026, at 8:28 AM, Thomas Blak <blakc...@gmail.com> wrote:



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[TN Cycle]

The NHK Cycle Around Japan programs give a pretty good idea of the different regions.   - https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/shows/cycle/

Upcountry is always a good start.

3 months in Yamagata 10 years ago was fantastic. Plenty of variety, great roads and courteous drivers.

Tim

[Shawn Granton]

Hey all, I've traveled to Japan twice and brought my Brompton once. Here's my two cents from my experiences:

• The easiest thing to do is bring your own Brompton (or folding bike), but determine if you are going to have enough time to make it worth it. On my second trip I brought my Brompton but my partner did not. So for a few days I was on foot and trains with her, then when she had work obligations I had several free days to explore Tokyo on bike. I would not have brought the Brompton if circumstances were different.
• You'll need to cover the bike on any transit mode, and this cover includes the moment you set foot in a train/bus station. While I had my Brompton travel suitcase for flying, I used the compact Brompton cover that can strap onto saddle rails. https://clevercycles.com/products/brompton-bike-cover-and-saddle-bag-black-qcov?_pos=1&_psq=brompton+cover&_psid=721ca25f9&_ss=e
• I mostly used side streets when biking Toyko, which was great. I also occasionally used major streets. There's little exclusive bike infrastructure in Tokyo. Many people cycle on the sidewalk (which is not frowned on). I did ride in the streets a bit. Cars will pass pretty close, but because of Japanese culture and laws, they're actively not trying to hit you. It's still a bit disconcerting, though.
• Don't plan on a schedule when biking, i.e. it's going to take maybe double the length of time that Google Maps says. This is partially because Tokyo does not like using street names, making routing a bit more challenging. The flipside is there is so much cool and interesting things to see, you're going to be stopping a lot no matter what.
• Bring a lock, even if you are using a folding bike. You can get away with bringing a Brompton inside in the States and Europe, but it's heavily frowned upon in Japan (even if covered), plus the tight spaces in Japanese businesses make it impractical. Thankfully bike theft in Japan, even in a super-major-mega city like Tokyo, is very low.
• There are some bikeshare systems in Japan, but they are not as prevalent as those found even in American cities nor were they well maintained. And when I tried to use these systems I had no luck. They typically require a Japanese phone number to use. There are ways to do that if you are inclined, but do the research, etc. before you set foot on the island nation.
• Regular rentals was also tough. In Tokyo they were out of the way enough that I did not pursue that angle on my bikeless trip. The best place was Kyoto, with inexpensive mamachari rentals seemingly on every block in the more touristy areas. But most required you to return the bike before they closed up around 5 or 6 pm.

Best,

Shawn

[Takashi]

Hi Steve,

I think Caleb and Shawn covered pretty much everything you should know. Also Thomas's point about using Yamato Transport's service is valid.

Which city in Japan will you be staying? Summer in Tokyo is very hot and humid, so much so that you might not want to step out of your room at all.

I've lived in Houston, and temperature in Tokyo is a bit lower than in Houston, but humidity is much higher.

Riding in cities is great, but I prefer riding in rural and mountain areas.

Hokkaido (the northernmost part of Japan) is a nice place to visit during summer, but you will need to have at least a few days for yourself.

If you'll be staying in Tokyo and have a whole day for yourself, you can take Shinkansen express train, ride around high-elevation area in Nagano for several hours, and go back to Tokyo in one day.

 

Takashi