Bicycle
Cycling is one of the easiest, cheapest, and most convenient ways of getting around Kyoto.
Please learn the Cycling laws and ride responsibly.
In April 2018, bicycle insurance became compulsory in Kyoto Prefecture. The JET Programme Accident Insurance satisfies this requirement by providing personal liability insurance that covers up to ¥50,000,000.
One person per bicycle, except in the following cases:
1. A cyclist aged 16 or older carries an infant (under 6 years old) on infant-seat or cyclist`s back in a baby carrier 2. A cyclist aged 16 or older carries two infants on "bicycle especially designed to have two infants" 3. A cyclist aged 16 or older carries an infant on "bicycle especially designed to have two infants" and another infant on cyclist`s back in a baby carrier |
Cycle on the road (left lane) if the sidewalk is exclusively for pedestrians, except in the following cases:
1. If there is a traffic sign stating "exclusive use for bicycles and pedestrians" 2. If you are under 13, aged 70 or over, or physically disabled 3. If you have no alternatives for the sake of traffic safety depending on the road situation Cycling on the sidewalk where there is no "exclusively for bicycle and pedestrian" sign can get you imprisonment with forced labor up to 3 months or a fine of up to¥50,000 |
Other Laws
- It is illegal to use a mobile phone while cycling
- It is illegal to listen to music/use headphones while cycling
- When there is no designated area for bicycles, you must slowly proceed in the pedestrian zone closer to the road traffic
- You must stop when you are likely to interfere with pedestrians
- Where there are appropriate traffic signs, you must slowly proceed in the designated portion of the pedestrian zones
- When there are no pedestrians, you can proceed in the pedestrian zone at an appropriate speed and manner in accordance with the traffic situation.
A fine of up to ¥50,000 may be imposed if these laws are violated.
The original Kyoto Prefecture Bicycling laws (in English) can be found here.
NOTE: Please always remember to lock your bicycle and never leave anything important in your basket. When you park your bicycle, please make sure it is in a bicycle parking area. If you do not park it in a designated area, your bicycle may be impounded and you may have to pay to get it back.
- It is illegal to use a mobile phone while cycling
- It is illegal to listen to music/use headphones while cycling
- When there is no designated area for bicycles, you must slowly proceed in the pedestrian zone closer to the road traffic
- You must stop when you are likely to interfere with pedestrians
- Where there are appropriate traffic signs, you must slowly proceed in the designated portion of the pedestrian zones
- When there are no pedestrians, you can proceed in the pedestrian zone at an appropriate speed and manner in accordance with the traffic situation.
A fine of up to ¥50,000 may be imposed if these laws are violated.
The original Kyoto Prefecture Bicycling laws (in English) can be found here.
NOTE: Please always remember to lock your bicycle and never leave anything important in your basket. When you park your bicycle, please make sure it is in a bicycle parking area. If you do not park it in a designated area, your bicycle may be impounded and you may have to pay to get it back.