Cycling in Japan can be an exciting adventure. Take a walk through any part of the countryside and you're going to see a number of people on bikes. Typically, they'll be folks commuting around to the grocery store or to their jobs. Don't be deceived! These are not the people whose safety practices you want to emulate! In a given day, the first 5 of these cyclists you see will have broken a dozen laws on their bikes. Why, then, do they not get hit? Quite simply, they're only moving at about 15kph, if that. If you intend to get out and ride faster than a pedestrian, safety has to be one of your main concerns. We'll try to help you get safely around Japan with the guidelines posted here.

First and foremost, by law, cyclists are supposed to be on the left side going with the flow of traffic. Of all the laws you'll see broken, this will be the one you see broken the most. It's also the one that you'll want to follow the most. Pedestrians and other cyclists and motorists can be very unpredictable, so being predictable yourself will make for a much safer trip.

By law, cyclists are not supposed to be on the sidewalks. Some sidewalks are built wide enough for cyclists - and you'll even see some of the mopeds going on these. If in doubt, look for a sign like the one to the left. That will let you know for sure. If you don't see one of those signs, exercise extreme caution. Chances are the pedestrians aren't expecting you to be there, and neither are the motorists going to be looking for you there.

When underpasses are built for pedestrians and bicyclists, they are the legal way to get across busy intersections. More often than not, the underpass will be stairs with a very narrow ramp down the middle to walk your bike down. In some cases, there will be a ramp that you can ride slowly down. Be very careful when you reach the bottom and watch the mirrors that are placed to see around the corners. Don't count on the other person to be looking for you or you will end up playing a game of chicken while rounding a corner!

When you see a sign that looks like the one here telling you "NO Bikes," pay attention to it. It will usually be on underpasses or overpasses for highways, or some "doris" that are made for pedestrians only.

Stop signs and traffic signals must also be obeyed. As of July 1, 2006, local Yamaguchi and Hiroshima police have begun an initiatve to clamp down on cyclists who break simple laws like stopping at signs and traffic lights. Be warned that they can fine you for simple infractions.

Other minor laws to note:

• Bikes are required to be equipped with a light in front, a reflector in back and a bell. (you won't see many bells or headlights)
• Tandem bikes are illegal except in Nagano. Technically, the laws state you cannot ride two people to a single bike. All reports say that you will not be stopped and some people have even asked police for directions while riding a tandem without problems.
• Helmets are optional.
• Insurance is not required, but you will be asked if you have it if you get in an accident.
• The smaller traveller almost ALWAYS has right of way. (ie. pedestrian beats bike, bike beats car, and cars run over pedestrians - it's kinda like paper, rock, scissors.)

Hopefully, you're not scared of riding here yet. The road cycling is fantastic in this country if you follow the laws and a handful common sense rules. If you keep your head on a swivel and keep a look out around you for dangers on the road, you'll find that the riding here is probably some of the best in the world. We'll try to give you some tips here for cycling in Japan that will keep you safe in any event.

• Mirrors
  - The roads in Japan are windy and narrow. You can't be expected to see through the mountainside which you're flying down at 40+kph. Everywhere you go, you're bound to see mirrors placed to help you see around blind corners. Learn to use them and use them all of the time. If there's a mirror there, chances are there are cars, other cyclists, or pedestrians that can appear too suddenly for you to react.
• Tunnels
  - In a country with as many mountains as Japan has, you're bound to run into tunnels. Some of the tunnels are going to be short and sweet. You'll be able to see from one end to the other and you'll not think twice about going through. On the other hand, some of the tunnels will last 1 to 3 kilometers. They'll go through mountains on a turn and there's no telling what's coming. Make sure you have a "flashy" rear light and a headlight. If there's a sidewalk wide enough for you to ride on, take advantage of it. If you're riding in a group or there is no sidewalk, ride enough in the road that cars won't attempt to "squeeze" past you with on coming traffic. Japanese drivers are used to cyclists and they will typically be courteous and wait for you or wait for an opportunity where they can give you plenty of room when they go around.

• Rain gutters
  - There's a lot of rain in Japan. If you don't know it, wait until May. By June you'll agree. Because of this, there are rain gutters across the roads almost everywhere. When they get wet, they get very slick. Be very cautious of these. Occasionally, there will be separations between the grates wide enough for your tire to fit through. If it's there and you're not looking for it, you're sure to find it when the wheel gets bent going in. In the picture shown here, the arrow points to where asphalt and concrete meet. This is a typical place you want to watch for concrete holes. In the picture, the hole isn't that big. In secluded mountain roads where road maintenance isn't as good, these holes can get large enough to do damage to a wheel or help you lose traction on a turn.