Hello all, I'm new to this community and this is my first post on the forum.
I am flying to Japan with my bicycle. However I know that in Japan all bicycles are registered (in case of fine ticket or theft). Do I need register my bicycle? How to register it? How I can proof that it is my bicycle?
Thank you for your help
Regards
Tomasz
Japan - bicycle from overseas registration
火, 2016-05-17 13:40
#1
WS Member
Japan - bicycle from overseas registration
Hello,
I'm commuting in Tokyo, completing 15 000 km. One of my bike is registered, 4 (family of 5) are not.
If you really want to have it registered, here a few points. It's made by shops when you buy or... at a city hall or police station where NOBODY will ever speak a word of english. The shop can do it for 500 yens, but not with somebody they don't know. Luckily the main purpose of registration is to avoid illegal parking (yes!!!) and thefts, as you said. The registration is local, that means your Tokyo registered bike will be useless in Kyoto. An over point is police generaly don't control foreigners, as they don't speak english. Too much trouble for them, I guess. Last but not least, registration, as far as I know is not mandatory for short term stay (not resident).
I hope this answer your question? If not feel free to ask more details.
Best cycling regards, Christophe.
I spent three cycling in Japan last year and wasn't even aware bicycles had to be registered.I wouldn't worry about it
I spent three cycling in Japan last year and wasn't even aware bicycles had to be registered.I wouldn't worry about it
Thank you Christophe and Andrew. I will not worry about registering my bicycle then. Thank you, thank you.
Hi Tomasz!
Some small bike shops can register your bike without any document, but most of them are complicated, and I agree with Christophe, registration is not mandatory, (I living in Japan for 26 years) and the police won't bother you about your bike registration, if they stop you just show them the passport and they will see that you are just traveling for fun.
If you are already in Japan, here is a group where you can find a lot of information in English: https://www.facebook.com/groups/alt.2600/
Enjoy your trip!
james
I agree with the other posters. I have cycled in Japan and was never asked for a registration. I was stopped a couple of times for cycling without front light at night, but the policemen never asked me about a registration.