Luis in Tokyo (Luis Samayoa)
Years ago when I was stationed in South Korea as a junior enlisted soldier, one of the things I disliked was not being able to own a POV. I spent a lot of money and time on taxis and trains trying to explore the country. I was so frustrated not being allowed to drive.
When I arrived in Japan last year, I quickly got myself a car so I could start my travels and adventures. But soon after, I realized that driving wasn’t always the best mode of transportation because of the amount of traffic, confusing GPS and limited parking in Japan. So, I decided that I’d hop on a bike to explore more near Yokota Air Base where I live.
Majestic Entrance with my bike (Luis Samayoa)
Using GPS before a bike ride (Luis Samayoa)
As I started pedaling off base in Japan, I found it an amazing way to not only stay active, but also a great way to see things that you wouldn’t from the seat of a car. But I must admit that it took me a while to get comfortable riding a bike off base. The foreign signs, rules and regulations are something you must learn and adjust to.
Off base, the streets are very narrow and sometimes careless drivers park randomly in the designated bike zone, which makes it difficult and sometimes dangerous to navigate with cars approaching from both directions. Since a bicycle is considered a light vehicle in Japan, you must be extra cautious with pedestrians if you use the sidewalk. You can even get tickets for riding recklessly, running stop signs and even not stopping at the train tracks. And if you drink, don’t ride your bike because, just like if you are driving a car, you can be issued a DUI.
Although daily you can easily spot locals breaking these laws, it’s best to be safe and follow all the rules of the road. Personally, I enjoy using my paycheck to travel rather than paying for fines.
Over the past few months, my confidence in riding a bike off base has steadily increased, allowing me to pedal further away from base, including trips to Tachikawa and Hachioji, which are several kilometers away. I truly have had the best time coasting the streets and scenic bike paths in Japan. My favorite part is I’m not stuck in traffic! Although it’s very tiring at times, it’s great exercise.
Bike ride to Tachikawa (Luis Samayoa)
Scenic bike ride to Hachioji (Luis Samayoa)
Looking back now, I wish I rode my bike in Korea to explore more than swiping my T-money card on an expensive taxi ride. At least now I can train on my fitness for the Army since it loves to make me run a lot. Sigh…
Quick Tips
Protective equipment: It’s mandatory for SOFA personnel to wear a helmet while riding a bike, both on and off base.
Bike racks: Some places offer free bike racks, while others charge a few coins. It’s best to carry yen when bicycling.
Pros of cycling
☑Getting my cardio in and feeling good. Fresh air.
☑Stopping to enjoy beautiful scenery. Tokyo has lots of green mountains and bike paths (Just be careful of bike path signs warning of snakes).
Snake sign, Bike path to Hachioji (Luis Samayoa)
☑Being able to check out new restaurants or shrines that catch my attention (When driving, I focus on my GPS and not trying to hit careless cyclists).
☑Not having to worry about finding parking.
☑Multiple shortcuts and cutting through a narrow road neighborhood.
☑Not being confused why it sometimes takes 20 minutes to go 2 kilometers (1.24 miles).
☑If you take the train, you can ride to a station and lock your bike for free or at a very cheap bike rack. It’s still better than the price of parking lots for cars.
Cons of cycling
☑Cars come awfully close to cycle riders when crossing train tracks.
☑Figuring out if a street bike zone has ended or the paint faded away (I do my best to follow marked sidelines and bike paintings on streets).
Faded bike lane street marking (Luis Samayoa)
☑Narrow roads when cars pass.
☑Looking behind to calculate if it’s safe to go around a parked vehicle in the bike lane or ride on sidewalk.
