Not surprisingly, the best bike trips are those that avoid large cities and stick to smaller more local roads. In Japan, finding local roads isn’t a problem, nonetheless, getting to where you want to go may require some knowledge of kanji, some patience, good luck, and a sense of humor. Kodansha makes a good driving map, but it won’t be much assistance if you stray from the larger routes. Detailed cycling maps in Japanese are easy to find. However, if you can’t read the language, they won’t do you much good. The best maps in English are made by Bridgestone. They identify most roads in both kanji and romaji, (romanized characters), but presently only cover part of Honshu. The maps are useful, and even tell you where to find good routes, accommodations and warn of steep roads. If you’re planning a trip in Japan, another good place to start is the Japan Bicycle Promotion Institute (Nihon Jitensha Kaikan Biru). They can give you helpful information on maps, routes, and places to stay including special cycling terminals. Also known as the Bicycle Cultural Center, they are located across from the US Embassy in Tokyo. For more information on popular cycling areas, please check out the Cycling Area Guide.

Planning a weekend biking trip is possible almost year round. Nonetheless, if you are preparing for a lengthy tour in Japan, you must consider when is the best time to go. Japan’s whether can be fickle at best, so it’s important to try to avoid certain times of year. Other than Hokkaido, Japan’s rainy season (tsuyu) usually begins in Late May, (varying a bit from region to region), and can last anywhere from a week to a month. Riding your bike in a torrential downpour isn’t a lot of fun, so you may want to steer clear of this time.

Unless you don’t mind brutally hot days, or you plan on sticking to low coastal roads or higher altitudes in Northern Honshu or Hokkaido, summer can also be an unpleasant time to be on the road. Late August and September is typhoon season and should probably be avoided for obvious reasons.

November and December can often be clear and dry, providing good, albeit cool conditions. January and February, on the other hand, blanket most parts of Japan in snow and rain. As a result, fall and spring are, by and large, the most favorable time to tour Japan. Not only is the weather cool and dry, it’s also unquestionably the best time to see Japan in all its natural glory.

Budget Accommodations. Japan is not a cheap place to travel. So, unless you have deep pockets and plan to stay in hotels and ryokan, (Japanese Inns), cycling terminals and youth hostels are good options. Bicycle touring is a popular pastime, especially among young people these days. As a result, budget accommodations can be easily found throughout Japan, particularly around popular tourist areas and National Parks. For more information, contact the Japan Bicycle Promotion Institute.

Camping is also available in many areas, and there have been many reports of cyclists pitching tents on the side of the road without any problem. One cycling enthusiast, who toured the country for three months, reported being invited into people’s homes on several occasions. A more exotic option is to drop by one of the gaudy love hotels. It may seem strange, but love hotels are often the most reasonable way to spend the night…and no doubt the most interesting.

Your own gear. If you are a visitor of lengthy proportions, the odds of finding a bike that will fit you are about the same as finding a non-smoking izakaya. If you are planning a long trip, you’re definitely going to want a bicycle you can depend on, and one that fits you well. Many youth hostels and cycling terminals have bikes for rent, and if you just need something to get around town you can probably find bicycles for rent near the railway station.

Bring a helmet. Accidents happen more often than you think, and considering the number of cars and the sometimes-narrow roads, a helmet should be a no-brainer. Bring a lock. Yes, Japan could be the safest place in the world, but there are still a few things that wind up missing. Bicycles (and umbrellas?!?) are a hot commodity and stories of them getting stolen are fairly common these days.

Money. You can get by eating instant ramen and sleeping in a tent the whole time. But try to budget enough yen so that you allow yourself to explore the great Japanese indoors as well. Izakayas, onsens, restaurants and bars are also part of the adventure and make any trip more enjoyable.

Get out of the city. Instead of fighting your way through Tokyo or Osaka, throw your bike on the train and enjoy the trip out of the urban sprawl. To put your bike on the train you need to get a carry-on bag. These can be purchased at any bicycle shop. If you don’t have time to run down and get one, you can probably get by with some make-shift design involving a couple of trash bags and some duct tape. You also need to get a Y260 ticket for your bike, which is good for one single trip anywhere.

When cycling in Japan it’s a good idea not to overdo it. The Japan Cycling Association warns cyclists not to ride more than 100km a day due to the danger caused by exhaust fumes. As for equipment, the best choice would be a lightweight touring bike. Mountain bikes with suspension make it difficult to carry saddlebags and can have mechanical problems. Nonetheless, if you got it - use it. The most important thing is to strap on your helmet and get out there.

Cyclists should stay to the left in Japan. All bikes should be equipped with a rear reflector, headlight and a bell. Tandem bike riding is not permitted, except in Nagano Prefecture. Tandems may be ridden on specially designated cycling courses.