The Complete Guide to Cycling in Japan for Taiwanese Riders

Japan holds a special appeal for cycling enthusiasts from Taiwan: similar culture, convenient transportation, refined dining, plus excellent road conditions and picturesque cycling routes. More and more Taiwanese riders are choosing Japan as their annual cycling trip destination.

How to Bring Your Bike to Japan

Airline Checked Baggage

Basic process:

1. Remove the pedals, lower the saddle, and turn the handlebars
2. Place the bike in a bike bag (soft) or bike box (hard)
3. Declare oversized luggage to the airline

Bicycle policies for common airlines departing from Taiwan (2024):

Airline	Bicycle charging method	Cost (approx.)
EVA Air	Counts toward free baggage allowance (if ≤23kg)	Free or excess baggage fee
China Airlines	Counts toward free baggage allowance	Free or excess baggage fee
Jetstar	Additional charge	NT$600-2,000
Peach	Prior declaration required, additional charge	NT$800-1,500

Note: Policies may change at any time; be sure to check official regulations before departure.

Renting a Bike in Japan

Several Japanese cities offer high-end road bike rental services:

• Kyoto, Osaka, Tokyo: Specialized bike shops offering road bike rentals
• Along the Shimanami Kaido: A well-established bicycle rental system (even with one-way drop-off)
• Cost: NT$1,000-3,000/day (depending on the model)

Japanese Cycling Traffic Rules

Japan’s bicycle regulations differ from Taiwan’s:

Key Rules

Ride on the left: Japan has left-hand traffic, the opposite of Taiwan, which can take some getting used to at first.

Bicycle lane regulations:

• Japanese law stipulates that bicycles must generally ride on the sidewalk (where no bicycle lane exists)
• However, on bicycle lanes along major roads, ride in the same direction as cars
• When riding on the road, use the vehicle lane

Red light rules: Japan enforces red-light violations more strictly than Taiwan; you must obey them faithfully.

Helmets: After Japan’s 2023 law revision, wearing a helmet is strongly recommended (but not yet mandatory).

Top Cycling Routes in Japan

Shimanami Kaido ⭐️Most Recommended

Connecting Imabari in Hiroshima Prefecture to Onomichi in Ehime Prefecture, crossing 6 islands in the Seto Inland Sea:

• Distance: Approximately 70 km (one way)
• Difficulty: ★★★ (achievable for average amateurs)
• Highlights: One of the most beautiful bridge cycling routes in the world, named one of the world’s best bike paths by CNN in 2024
• Best season: March-May, September-November (spring/autumn)

Practical information:

• Well-established bicycle rental and return points along the entire route
• Countless ocean views, citrus farms, and small fishing villages along the way
• Recommended to plan 2 days (about 35 km per day, taking it easy to enjoy the scenery)

Hokkaido

Summer in Hokkaido is Japan’s best long-distance cycling destination:

• Terrain: Vast plains and rolling hills with wide-open views
• Best season: July-September (snow remains in spring; temperatures drop quickly in autumn)
• Representative routes: Biei, Furano flower field routes, Shiretoko Peninsula

Notes for Taiwanese riders:

• Summer temperatures in Hokkaido are usually 15-25°C, much cooler than Taiwan; bring a windbreaker
• Cycling distances may exceed expectations (Hokkaido is vast, with attractions far apart)

Around Kyoto

A familiar destination for Taiwanese riders, but especially charming from a cycling perspective:

• Arashiyama → Kameoka (about 15 km, bamboo groves and valleys)
• Lake Biwa loop (Biwako Ichiryu): About 200 km, a famous cycling challenge in Japan
• Kamo River cycling path: A flat, friendly route within Kyoto city

Okinawa

Taiwanese riders’ favorite winter cycling destination in recent years (the closest Japanese destination to Taiwan):

• Best season: November-March (when Taiwan is coldest, Okinawa still has 22-25°C)
• Representative routes: Motobu Peninsula, Kouri Island Bridge
• Transportation: Direct flights from Taipei to Naha, flight time about 1 hour 20 minutes

Practical Tips for Cycling in Japan

Taking Bikes on JR Railways

Japan’s Shinkansen (on certain routes) and local railways allow bicycles (must be packed):

• Carry-on type (folded wheels): Use a packing bag; can be treated as ordinary oversized luggage
• Reservation system (some Shinkansen and limited express trains): Some routes require advance reservation for bike seats

Note: Policies are continuously changing; more routes have opened to bikes since 2024. Check the latest regulations before departure.

Convenience Store Culture

Japan’s FamilyMart, 7-Eleven, and Lawson are perfect cycling resupply stops:

• Open 24 hours a day, supplies never run out
• Hot food: Oden, rice balls, meat buns — excellent energy replenishment
• Bicycle pumps: Many convenience stores have air pumps outside (ask first)

Language Communication

English proficiency in Japan is limited; these Japanese phrases are useful while cycling:

Situation	Japanese
“Can I leave my bicycle here?”	“自転車をここに置いてもいいですか？”
“Where is the nearest convenience store?”	“一番近いコンビニはどこですか？”
“Do you have a bicycle pump?”	“空気入れはありますか？”

Suggested Itinerary (5-Day Japan Cycling Trip)

Shimanami Kaido Highlight Itinerary:

• Day 1: Taipei → Hiroshima/Onomichi (flight + JR)
• Day 2: Onomichi → Imabari (cycling 70 km, stay in Imabari)
• Day 3: Leisurely time in Imabari city + Imabari Castle
• Day 4: Cycle surrounding routes, take Shinkansen onward in the afternoon
• Day 5: Return to Taipei

Cost estimate (per person):

• Flights (round trip): NT$12,000-20,000
• JR railway fees: NT$3,000-5,000
• Accommodation (4 nights): NT$4,000-10,000
• Meals: NT$5,000-8,000
• Bicycle checked baggage fee: NT$0-3,000

Conclusion

For Taiwanese riders, Japan is a cycling destination with “just the right amount of culture shock” — familiar enough, yet different enough. The bridge-and-sea views of the Shimanami Kaido, the vast plains of Hokkaido, the winter sunshine of Okinawa… each destination has its own unique charm. Bring your bike; between Taiwan and Japan lies only a short stretch of sea.

Related Reading

• Iron Horses Across the Ocean: The Complete Guide to International Bicycle Checked Baggage and Shipping
• The Complete Guide to Bicycle Travel: Bike Packing, Airline Regulations, Insurance, and Customs Entry
• The Complete Guide to International Cycling Trips: Bike Disassembly and Packing Principles, Checked Baggage Concepts, and Pre-Trip Preparation
• The Complete Guide to Bringing Bikes on Taiwan Railways: Train Travel with Your Bike