Cycling in Japan can be fun but also difficult and challenging too.
To fully enjoy your ride in Japan, you must obey certain rules:
Probably you know this already but in Japan is left-side traffic, when you traveling with your mates, avoid riding side to side, it can cause some trouble for regular traffic.
When you want to use public transport such as a train or bus, you need to put your bicycle in a special bag called here in Japan as RinkoBag(輪行バッグ). As for advice on local trains use the front or rear part of the train where is a plant space for your bike. In Shinkansen, on the back of every wagon, there is some space between the last row of seats and the wall, where you can put easily your bag with a bicycle. You don't need to place any additional fees for your bike.
What to take??
It depends on how long the trip you plan to go to. If it's for 2 or 3 days, 2 pairs of clothing are enough, you can put it small backpack or saddlebag. A different situation is with a longer trip where you have to take 3 pairs of clothes, and wash them every 3 days in the coin laundry(there are many of them in Japan). Its good to have one big power bank or 2 smaller. For longer trips, I prefer a panniers bag which is spacy and easy to remove from the bike.
Very important is nutrition, water, and protein gels which are available in every convenience store.
Another thing that you have to consider is the place to sleep, you can choose between a nice and cozy hotel or tent. Of course, the cheaper option is camping, but you have to manage the area for a camping ground or secluded places for your tent in advance.
If you have any questions or opinions about cycling in Japan, please write comment!!
Thanks!!
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