Bicycles

Riding Bicycles in Japan

１. Bicycle Theft Prevention Registration

In accordance with Japanese laws and regulations, every bicycle owner must complete the Bicycle Theft Prevention Registration. Registration is valid for 10 years.

1. When purchasing a bicycle, be sure to register that bicycle at the store. They will provide you with a registration sticker (think of this as a mini license plate) to place on your new bike.
2. If you receive a bicycle from a friend, have them provide you with a document certifying the transfer, and then take the document to a bicycle shop to transfer the Bicycle Theft Prevention Registration to your name.
3. Never ride an abandoned bicycle.

２. Bicycle insurance

Tokyo Metropolitan Government requires all bicycle riders to enroll in insurance (such as bicycle casualty insurance) to ensure that they can pay for any damage or injury to others if the rider is involved in a cycling accident. Once you have enrolled, please check the terms of the insurance plan make necessary adjustments if needed.

３. Bicycle Traffic Rules

Please follow guidelines below to ensure your safety while riding a bicycle. Cyclists should make reasonable efforts to wear a helmet.

How to Ride a Bicycle the Right Way：https://www.keishicho.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/multilingual/english/traffic_safety/traffic_rules/SAFE_BICYCLE_RIDING.files/public.pdf

Safety Guidelines for Cyclists：https://www.keishicho.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/multilingual/english/traffic_safety/traffic_rules/index.files/SafetyGuidelinesforCyclists.pdf

Riding & Parking Bicycles on Hongo Campus

１. University Bicycle Parking Permits

A permit is required to park a bicycle on Hongo campus, including the Yayoi and Asano areas. Those who cycle to the university must obtain a parking permit after filing an application. Parking permits are available from Co-op stores and there is a charge of ¥2,500 per academic year for staff and researchers. For details, please check the following guidelines.

Unregistered bicycles and motorcycles are impounded twice a year, as well as on an as-needed basis. When unregistered bicycles or motorcycles are found unattended, they may be issued a warning, moved, or locked in accordance with regulations. In addition, after multiple warnings, bicycles and motorcycles whose owners are unknown will be kept for one month and then disposed of.

Applying for bicycle and motorcycle parking permits (Japanese Only)：https://www.u-tokyo.ac.jp/ja/students/campus-life/h13_05.html#0001

２. Parking Lots on Hongo Campus

On Hongo Campus, parking is only permitted in designated spaces. Please check the layout of parking lots and make sure to park in permitted spaces. 

＊Blue areas: parking lots for registered bicycles

＊Red areas: bicycle parking lots designated for visitors to the University of Tokyo Hospital

＊Orange areas: parking lots for registered motorcycles

Contact： tokyo.college.adm@gs.mail.u-tokyo.ac.jp

Last updated : October 09, 2025