Rolling Japan

12/04/2024

This is the packing for my MTB to bring to Japan in May.

If the frame and tires are separated, it fits in the size of free baggage for airplanes (JAL or ANA).

My purpose to travel Japan with my MTB to cycle around rural area, country side, as the areas are not crowded.
We can travel around by ourselves, not depending on the local taxi or bus, but by Bicycle.

I can cycle on the gravel roads also, to enjoy the local scenery and local foods.

Currently, it is the problem for foreign tourists about crowded Japan, means over tourism in the crowded cities in Japan.

Famous cities , such as Tokyo , Kyoto, Osaka, Hokkaido, Takayama, etc,. are very crowded and we are forced to wait in queues , but these area are about 20% of Japan islands.

Spending time and money at these areas is low cost performance for our trip.

Especially, cycling around rural areas is great fun to enjoy our time and investment.

I’m looking forward to share the experience soon.

11/04/2024

I am making the prototype of the cardboard box for trifold folding bike, full road bike and mountain bike to bring bike to Japan by international airlines and use the domestic delivery service in Japan.
Cyclists can move around in Japan with empty hands to the starting HOTEL and send the bike from the last HOTEL to the airport where they leave Japan.
These boxes are designed to pass the check of free luggage to check in the airline, JAL and ANA.
I’ll start to sell these boxes, storage and delivery service to the foreign cyclists at the airports in Japan.
The details about these service will be announced on the site below soon.
https://www.rollingjapan.com

10/04/2024

I have decided to get a used MTB because I am planing travel Japan to ride some of the MTB trails in Japan myself for launching the column of MTB on the Rolling Japan website.

Since I am a beginner MTB biker, I did not start out by buying a high-spec MTB, but instead looked for and acquired a used, older, but well-designed and popular MTB.

Although not as good as latest model MTB, which are mostly 27.5" or 29", the smaller chassis is an advantage when transporting the bike on international flights.

I also dared to go with this MTB for the purpose of setting up a service that would allow MTB to be sent to various courses using the domestic delivery service in Japan.

For competitions, 27.5 inch MTB and 29 inch MTB are the standard, but I think that an older 26 inch MTB would also be a good candidate when taking a smaller MTB for trips in Japan, where there are many mountains.

I will be adding more information about MTB parks in Japan.
If you are MTB rider, please consider it as a place to visit when you make a bicycle trip to Japan.

https://www.rollingjapan.com/home/mtb-rider/

https://youtu.be/Mv23FuEZwpA

I have got an old 26 inch MTB.I have already had road bikes, touring bikes, and folding bikes, but never a MTB.I have decided to get a used MTB because I am ...

02/04/2024

I compare and contrast a 20 inch and a 16 inch 3 trifold folding mini-velo.
In Asia, where patent-expired Brompton clone bicycles are very popular, it is possible to build a trifold folding bicycle with the same design as a Brompton by selecting the frame and basic parts, as well as various parts with specifications that are not available in the factory version, to complete a bike to your desired specifications.

In addition, because Shimano parts can be used for the external transmission and sprockets, we obtained 20 inch and 16 inch models of the compactly foldable chromoly-framed Brompton Clone mini-velo bicycles and actually took them on a loop trip from Singapore to Japan.

The 20 inch bike has 20 inch aluminum wheels, 10 speed Shimano external Tiagra wheels, and a chromoly frame with the same three-stage folding design as the Brompton.

The 16 inch bike has 16 inch aluminum wheels, a Chinese 9-speed external derailer, a chromoly frame, and the same trifold folding design as the same as Brompton.

Comparing the two bikes, I realized that the 20 inch and 16 inch bikes have different characteristics due to the difference in wheel size and wheel base length.

The 20 inch wheel is more stable, easier to maintain cruising speed, and less tiring to ride for a long distance, with the 20 inch wheels, it is easy to maintain about 25 km/h in cruising.

On the other hand, the 16 inch wheels are slightly more compact when folded than the 20 inch wheels, making them suitable for carrying transport with wheeled bag.
They are suitable for leisurely pottering at speeds of 25 km/h or less.

Both the 20 inch and 16 inch models have a highly rigid frame that does not flex or squeak, and they are folding bicycles that move forward when you step on them.
Both are easy to ride, with a good match between the front chainring and rear sprocket, but depending on the application, the rear sprocket can easily be replaced to customize the gear ratio.
These clone models can be replaced with pedals, tires, and other components for a better ride feeling.

Since they are so well made, we have decided to assemble, sell, and ship them to Japan from May onward for foreign cyclists who want to use these bikes in Japan.

frame clone minivelo minivelo

https://youtu.be/8O5O1mtC_fU

28/03/2024

I have designed a new cardboard box to implement a new bike transportation method that I came up with after my folding bike trip to Japan.
I am making and releasing a full-size road bike transport box that is strong enough for international flights shipping and specifically designed for travel to Japan.
This box will allow for free airline baggage check-in and shipping from the airport to various locations in Japan.
This will allow you to travel empty-handed to the start of the section of the bike ride.
And also provide the storage service while you are cycling on your schedule.
You can ship your bicycle from your hotel to the airport where you will return home directly after completing your cycling tour, leaving you empty-handed.
This will make your cycling tour in Japan more easy to move around.
I will announce the box on the website below when it is completed, so if you are interested, please check back around May.

High Light Summary of Traffic rules and manners for bicycle in JAPAN.

25/03/2024

This year, I took my bicycle on two bicycle trips from Singapore to Japan in February and March.

The first time, I packed a soft bag with protective padding and took it with me checked in airplane baggage.
The second time, I put it in a special cardboard box and took it with me checked in airplane baggage.

What is the difference?

The first time, I could not use a courier service in Japan. This is because courier services are not accepted in soft bags.
For transportation within Japan, I folded my bicycle and packed it in a soft bag and carried it.
Major terminals such as Tokyo and Osaka stations were very crowded, and changing trains was difficult, and the weight of the bicycle (about 15 kg) carried on my shoulder made me very tired.

The second time, I also packed the bike in a cardboard box in Japan and sent it by courier to the station in the regional city where I would start cycling.
Even at large terminal stations such as Tokyo Station and Osaka Station, I was able to travel without carrying the bicycle.
For the sections where I would ride the bike, I carried it on my own and in a soft bag.
This was very easy; a big difference from the first time.

On the last day of cycling, I had an empty cardboard box sent to my hotel from a membership storage warehouse, and I packed my bicycle in the box and sent it to the airport two days before departure.
I was able to transfer easily at the crowded Shinkansen terminal station. I picked up my bicycle in a cardboard box at the airport and checked it in as checked baggage for my return flight.

I highly recommend that you try to do this method when you travel to Japan by bicycle.
It makes inter-regional travel within Japan easier and broadens your range of activities.

The key is to bring your bicycle to Japan in a cardboard box (Up to W + H + L = 200cm/30kg *Up to 23kg for airplanes) that meets the handling regulations of Japanese carriers.
This way, you will not have to carry your bicycle through crowded terminal stations, trains, and airports when traveling in Japan.

25/03/2024

I’ll go back to Singapore from Narita International Airport today.
Tokyo station and Shinkansen, bullet train, are very crowded.
I’ve already sent my bike to Narita International Airport 2days before, so I can move to the airport with minimum baggage.
For traveling cyclists, it is very important to use domestic delivery service to move around across the regions.

23/03/2024

Rolling Japan with Train & Cycling, How to handle a folding bicycle
to Travel by rails & bike in Japan.

In this episode ,we will show you how to put a trifold folding bicycle in and out of a wheeled bag.
It is used to transport bicycles by train, bus, cab, or domestic airplanes.
The advantage of folding bicycles is that they can be folded without the use of tools.
A bag large enough to wrap the entire bicycle is necessary for carrying it, especially within Japan.
When transporting by international flights , it is easiest and safest to pack the entire bicycle in a box with the wheeled bag.

In this episode ,we will show you how to put a trifold folding bicycle in and out of a wheeled bag.It is used to transport bicycles by train, bus, cab, or do...

23/03/2024

This year, Kyoto has been too cold and chilly for cycling, so I decided to send my bike to Narita Airport and walk around Kyoto city for next two days.
The main streets are crowded, but the back streets are empty. The fun of Kyoto is in the back streets, yet tourists shop at stores in their own country on the streets lined with famous stores on the main street.
The back streets are nice and empty.

22/03/2024

Lake Biwa, biggest lake in Japan.

About 50km today.
Quarter of the full round.

22/03/2024

And now, from Hikone city to Lake Biwa , biggest lake in Japan, round cycling route, clock wise.

22/03/2024

Yesterday, i’ve moved from Kyoto to Nagoya and stay there at the hotel , having a Japanese kushikatsu(Fried kettles).
I visited Nagoya castle.
Nagoya castle is famous, and it is said that "Nagoya castle represented Owari-Nagoya”.
After visiting Nagoya castle, I am moving to Hikone city, where is Lake Biwa shore area by shinkansen, 🚅 bullet train.

20/03/2024

It was tough for me because of both snowing and against wind. It’s also colder than Niigata.
I think it will be warmer next week and enjoy cherry blossom. If it was Warmer and not snowing, it was easy ride for me. The route itself, was interesting and recommended.

20/03/2024

Now I’m cycling from Osaka to Kyoto on the cycling road around the Yodo river.
There is a support point for the cyclists.

19/03/2024

I absolutely do not recommend using LCCs for domestic travel in Japan; use JAL or ANA.

The reasons are as follows

(1) Baggage fees are not included in the ticket price and are charged separately.
If you have checked baggage, it is rather more expensive than National carrier.
Especially if you board with a bicycle in your baggage, you will be charged extra, which makes it more expensive with poor service.
LCCs should definitely be avoided.

(2) Seats are too small for small Japanese.
Cyclists of good physique should definitely avoid LCCs.

(3) You are dropped off at the far gate at the arrival airport and made to walk for a long time.

(4) The counter staff at the departure airport is not stationed there, and even if they are, they are not able to provide professional service. They do not have the authority or know-how to deal with situations that foreign cyclists face, and if there is a problem, they will simply deny boarding.

Cyclists who carry bicycles as baggage in Japan should not use LCCs.

They are not Low Cost Carriers at all, but just overpriced airlines with the worst service.

This is a warning from a cyclist who has experimentally used LCCs with his bicycle.

19/03/2024

Rolling Japan with Train & Cycling, ②Send back the empty box for traveling Japan with your own bike.

In this episode, I have explained what kind of cardboard box should be used to transport the bicycle using the domestic logistics delivery service in Japan .

I have hit upon an idea of the new service for foreign cyclists who visit Japan with their bicycles.There are many unknown or invisible walls to move around ...

19/03/2024

Today, I have moved from the HOTEL at near the Niigata JR station to Niigata airport, about 8km, easy ride.
I have sent the cardboard box to the storage service, I will use the full cover bag for the folding bike.
I can use the bag to check in as my check in baggage for domestic flight, because its size is within their regulation, up to (W+H+L=200cm, 23kg)
I will fly to Osaka, 90mins flight from here, and cycle around Osaka today, and cycle to Kyoto tomorrow.

17/03/2024

I’m riding from Tsubame-Sanjo to Niigata stn!
About 40km, flat and easy ride, there are also bicycle path, we can choose either easy ride or fast ride.
Niigata Prefecture is famous for its rice production , Sake (Japanese rice wine) , and good sea food.
I will enjoy at Niigata’s city area.
But it’s too long straight through the Paddy rice field, I’m going on.

16/03/2024

I have hit upon an idea of the new service for foreign cyclists who visit Japan with their bicycles.

There are many unknown or invisible walls to move around to cycle by their own bikes also using trains, ship and local airplane in Japan, I feel as the same point of foreigners view.

So I have decided to launch the storage & logistics service for the foreign cyclists who travel around Japan by trains, ships , local airplanes with their bicycles & Case or Box in Japan at first.

I want to design the service which can support them to travel multiple regions at onetime trip by handling their bikes, equipments and goods to store during their trip even dismounted and deliver to their convenient place at their scheduled timing.

This service will not open to everybody (limited capacity matter) but the registered members at first as to create the good service one by one to be useful for them.

I have came here in Japan with my bike to ensure my idea this time. And also I have arranged the professional logistics company to make the service here.

I will recruit the first members who love visit Japan to cycle around multiple regions to run the prototype service at first in April on the web site below.

https://www.rollingjapan.com

I ,as Japanese living outside Japan, hope more foreign cyclists love “Rolling Japan.”

https://youtu.be/SXbz9l283nw?si=VjdqOPN0iFuvHEAL

Bike

I have hit upon an idea of the new service for foreign cyclists who visit Japan with their bicycles.There are many unknown or invisible walls to move around ...

15/03/2024

I’m still stay at Yokohama looking around it’s bay area.

I have already sent my bike to Niigata for the cycling there from tomorrow, but still having its equipments in a small bag.

I also sent it to Niigata, and I feel lighter now to enjoy sightseeing here.

15/03/2024

I’ve reached NARITA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, and send my bike box to Niigata JR station.
All ok, very smoothly done.
It is important to use the box size.
It should be W+H+L=up to 200cm and 30kg.
Cost for sending from NARITA airport to Niigata is ¥3400.
Last day, I will send it from Kyoto to NARITA airport, as to move hands- free.

15/03/2024

Baggage check-in went smoothly. I felt lighter.

12/03/2024

I am going on a bicycle trip this weekend to Niigata, Osaka, Kyoto, Lake Biwa, Japan. Once the bicycle is packed in cardboard box, it can be sent to the point of departure via a delivery service in Japan. This means that I only need to send my bicycle to the section where I will ride it, and the rest of my trip will be hand-free.
I will share more about the process of getting around in Japan here next week.

11/03/2024

Rolling Japan with Train & Cycling, The the new service for the cyclists to travel Japan with bike.

In this review, we ride and test our newly acquired three-points folding bicycle and introduce a new service that focuses on bicycle travel, especially travel to Japan, as a way to utilize this bicycle.

The bike is a clone model of the Brompton, but with a slightly larger built frame and a longer wheelbase than the Brompton at 1,145 mm. It also has slightly larger 20-inch (406) wheels.

The longer wheelbase and larger wheels make it a bike that can go a long distance for a folding small-diameter bike.

Since it is a three-points folding bicycle, it folds down to a small size.
The advantage of this small folding size is that it can be sent boxed up.

If you use the special hard case or the cardboard box that came with your purchase, you can use the domestic logistics service in Japan when you travel to Japan.

From my own experience of bringing a folding bicycle to Japan and traveling by bicycle, it was quite tough to carry the bicycle in a bag when traveling long distances. So I decided to set up a service to help foreign cyclists in Japan to deliver their bicycles.

In this review, we ride and test our newly acquired three-stage folding bicycle and introduce a new service that focuses on bicycle travel, especially travel...

07/03/2024

How about riding to see the cherry blossom in April, at Miyagi prefecture in Japan?
宮城県

Miyagi Where?

Miyagi Prefecture is located in the Tohoku region of Japan and is an area of beautiful nature and historical tourist attractions.

Miyagi Prefecture is an area that combines rich nature, history, and delicious food culture, allowing tourists to enjoy its diverse attractions.

https://www.rollingjapan.com/tohoku-region/miyagi-menu

Hitome Senbonzakura, which translates to "a thousand cherry blossoms at a glance", offers a breathtaking spectacle that can be found along Shiroishi River Bank in Miyagi Prefecture. Every year from early to mid-April, visitors from Japan and around the globe come to Miyagi Prefecture to see the 1,200 cherry trees in full bloom along the Shiroishi River Bank. This stunning natural display features This captivating natural display features the crystal-clear blue waters of the Shiroishi River, the soft pink hue of the Senbonzakura, and the snow-covered Mt. Zao as a picturesque backdrop. Having a picnic, taking a boat ride along the river, or exploring the Funaoka Castle Ruins Park are among a few fantastic options to immerse yourself in the springtime scenery!

ℹ️Plan your trip to Miyagi Prefecture https://www.japan.travel/en/destinations/tohoku/miyagi/
ℹ️For more information on the Hitome Senbonzakura https://hitome-senbonzakura.jp/

A clear blue sky, fresh new greenery, and the still snow-capped Zao Mountains. As if tying these all together are endless rows of pale pink cherry trees. This precious scene marking the start of spring lasts for but an instant. Here we find an ancient beauty of Japan, talked about since the old days...

05/03/2024

I recommend Wakayama prefecture to cycle around if you like a long ride.
和歌山県

Wakayama Where?

Wakayama Prefecture is located on the Kii Peninsula and is an area of beautiful nature, historical sites, and seafood.

Wakayama Prefecture is an area where nature and history are in harmony, and its beautiful coastline and historical shrines and temples attract tourists. The Kumano Kodo Trail and Shirahama Onsen are especially worth visiting.

https://www.rollingjapan.com/kinki-region/wakayama-menu/?

Wakayama Prefecture 和歌山県. Click on the photo for more information. ※You can also link to the English site from the link, but we recommend that you use a translation application to read the Japanese text, as it differs from the Japanese information. Shirahama Onsen and Shirahama Beach: Shir...

04/03/2024

Let’s cycle around Nagasaki prefecture, JAPAN
長崎県

Nagasaki Where?

Nagasaki Prefecture is located in the Kyushu region and is an area of historical tourism, cultural exchange, and beautiful nature.

Nagasaki Prefecture is an area where history, peace, beautiful nature, and rich culinary culture combine to offer tourists a wide variety of experiences and attractions.

Nagasaki Prefecture 長崎県. Click on the photo for more information. ※You can also link to the English site from the link, but we recommend that you use a translation application to read the Japanese text, as it differs from the Japanese information. Nagasaki City and Glover Garden: The city of...

03/03/2024

Rolling Japan with Train & Cycling, How to use Rolling Japan

This time, we would like to introduce Rolling Japan (https://www.rollingjapan.com), a portal site that introduces cycling courses all over Japan.

https://youtu.be/LPsxlWc1b8o

Rolling Japan provides an overview of each prefecture in each of the 9 regions of Japan, Hokkaido, and Okinawa, and also introduces the cycling courses in each prefecture arranged by distance.
We would like to support a style of travel that tourists travel around Japan by train, such as the Shinkansen, or by car ferry, while traveling to multiple regions with bicycle.

The information on each course in each prefecture introduced on this site is produced by different producers and is not in a unified format.
We have prepared simple explanations in English on the menu.
Some linked sites are available in English, but many are only in Japanese.

Please use the translation function to translate the content into your preferred language and check the content.
You can check photos and map data of each course.

Japan has 47 prefectures, but there are still many good cycling courses that are not well known.
In the future, we also plan to launch services that will help foreign cyclists visiting Japan on their bicycle trips.

We will continue to add more course information, so please bookmark this page.

This time, we would like to introduce Rolling Japan (https://www.rollingjapan.com), a portal site that introduces cycling courses all over Japan.https://www....

03/03/2024

Do miss the cherry blossom season in Japan!

Adventure Awaits Fly with us and take a trip of a lifetime

02/03/2024

If you are going around the Tohoku Region for your next trip, check out the JR EAST PASS (Tohoku area), an affordable pass offering unlimited rail travel on JR East lines (including bullet trains) in the valid area for 5 consecutive days. At only ¥30,000, it costs less than a round-trip between Tokyo and Hirosaki (~¥36,000). You can also make seat reservations for bullet trains, some limited express trains and Joyful Trains online for free, up to 1 month in advance, on the JR-EAST Train Reservation.

The JR EAST PASS (Tohoku area) can be used for automatic ticket gates, and foreign passport holders living in Japan are also eligible to use this pass.

—
To cover some of the places mentioned in the Hokkaido portion of this article, look no further than the JR East-South Hokkaido Rail Pass, which enables visitors to have unlimited train rides on JR East and JR Hokkaido lines in the valid areas in the two regions. The pass is ¥35,000 per adult. Alternatively, visitors bypassing Tokyo altogether and are planning to fly into and out of New Chitose Airport can consider getting the JR Tohoku-South Hokkaido Rail Pass for ¥30,000.

Similarly, both passes, like the JR EAST PASS (Tohoku area) allow seat reservations for bullet trains, some limited express trains, and Joyful Trains online for free, up to 1 month in advance, on the JR-EAST Train Reservation.

https://japanrailtimes.japanrailcafe.com.sg/web/article/rail-travel/east-japan-16yrs?fbclid=IwAR2S8h27_dcDnYPkahTXPZ2Q6NuUIujMLMPS_ZUThB62JhkX8RUrf-k3pRY_aem_Ac0kZ_pSQw3ViIyZda3aY_fhcjEy7ES_NYozWddU-3x6jFGPPJ-JKE-xJXyN8Dn2uL7Hc9Vi3L97hgO9gMiSpEmj