What to do in emergencies : traffic accidents whilst cycling
Japanese drivers are relatively well mannered and are normally aware of cyclists, but there is still the chance that you may be involved in a traffic accident. In this article I reflect upon my experience of being involved in an accident whilst cycling in Japan and try to advise on how to deal with the […]
Cycling Safety:Traffic accidents involving bicycles in Japan
Cycling related accidents While bicycles play an important role in Japan as a convenient transportation method, there has been an increase of bicycle accidents relative to the total number of traffic accidents.
Japanese Konbini : Convenience Stores for cyclists
Convenience stores, often shortened to Konbini コンビニ in Japan are so convenient that any cyclist cannot go without during bike tours. Appearing on every stretch of roads where you cycle, they offer all kinds of products: food (including hot meals and bentos), drink (including alcohol and freshly brewed coffee), magazines, stationery, clothes, medicines, cosmetics, batteries, […]
Can tattooed cyclists go to onsen hotspring in Japan?
Do you have tattoos and want to enjoy onsen in Japan? This seemingly fairly simple wish may cause some issues if you do not do some prior research. Many public bath, together with some gyms, swimming pools, tanning salons, Yoga studios, and bathing beaches in Japan have very strict rules about tattoos. They often display […]
Japanese weather : does it rain a lot in Japan?
Not many cyclists enjoy riding in rain. You may wonder exactly how much rain you may encounter in Japan. This depends on when you go and also where you are as Japan is a large archipelago stretching in latitude.
Basic Japanese useful for cycling in Japan
It is always a good idea to learn simple local language wherever you travel. The Japanese language (or "Nihongo"日本語 in Japanese) may sound and look difficult, but it is actually fairly simple to learn basic conversational Japanese, as opposed to master reading and writing.