Long distance biking in Japan

Road conditions are really good. I live in the countryside and minor roads means less traffic, but cars can get really close--there's no sidewalk. But everyone drives slow and very considerate too. Everyone bikes in Japan, so bike shops are easy to find. In my tiny town, there's at least 6 bike shops, but what kind of bike do you have and are there specialty parts required? That might be more difficult.

Also my neighbor's and my (foldable full size mountain bike) uses a Woods Valve for inner tubes. Not sure if the drill holes are larger smaller, etc. look online for more information. The first time I needed to add more air, I had no idea what it was.

Hope this helps.

"Everyone bikes in Japan".
Untrue. There are some who walk, some who drive cars, some who have scooters... Those that bike often (usually?) have the insipid 1-speed girl's bike with the clunky basket in the front. (I do.) Not everyone with a bike has a touring special or mountain bike.

You might want to check out a book by Josie Dew (Ride in the Neon Sun, or something like that). She biked over a lot of Japan, and her book describes several incidences dealing with bike problems and spare parts, plus it lists what parts she took and/or used. Also, look up the OUTDOOR JAPAN web site. I think there are also a few books directly related to biking in Japan.

"Everyone bikes in Japan".
Untrue. There are some who walk, some who drive cars, some who have scooters

I think it was assumed that people do walk, drive and have scooters, and also take trains.

biking japan is totally possible. if you like hills. much of japan is tranquil rural areas and forests, with urban areas tightly stuffed into the valleys and of course the mega tokyo-plus conurbation.

roads are narrow, windy and maze-like in towns. but the sights are beautiful.

camping is cool as no one will bother you. make sure you smile and greet anybody you meet, and try and stay away from obvious fields, shitake corrals, etc. ive never known it to be a problem, but take a natural coloured tent just in case. camping at picnic spots is not officially allowed, but so long as you dont make too much of a deal your crazy foreigner label will usually get you excused. in fact lots of japanese are curious and will want to check you out.

spare bits will be hard to find outside of big towns and places that are into outdoor stuff.

april is usually the phase between the last cold and the first rain.

Hi,

Some information on 'rider's houses' as a source of accommodation for cyclists in Japan (as well as for bikers). They are little known, but they do exist and might be a good option for you. Cheap accommodation in Japan - riders houses.

I do remember reading somewhere that in most places, wild camping is ok, as long as you make yourself known to the locals - so they are not intimidated or maybe to satisfy curiosity. But, then you put yourself in the position that they might ask you not to camp there. Chances are, they will be ok about it, in the main, I reckon.

Check out some of the links on this page for some sites dedicated to cycling and rural, outdoor accommodation. Cheap travel in Japan - links

Cheers, Tara

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<hr>I think it was assumed that people do walk, drive and have scooters, and also take trains. <hr></blockquote>gima, my point was that not everyone rides bikes here. My wife can't, for example, and she's not alone. Plus, for some it's just not as practical as using public transportation.

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<hr>camping is cool as no one will bother you. <hr></blockquote>Depends on where you camp. Many camping parks have tents adjacent to each other in the most crowded situation imaginable. Yeah, they may not rap on your tent and ask for Grey Poupon mustard, but do you really want to "camp" that close to people? It's not true in all places, but this is just a heads up on some.