Commuting in Japan is relatively easy depending on where you will live. Most JETs use a combination of personal and public transit to get around.

Personal transportation:

• Bicycles
• Cars
• Scooters/motorcycles

Bicycles （自転車）

Bicycles are the most common form of personal transportation. They are everywhere, on every street, and on every corner. Bikes have a very low cost and maintenance barrier.

They range from 7,000-12,000 yen brand new. Cheap bikes can be as low as 5,000 yen new and used, and require little to no maintenance for years. Common bike problems are tire punctures, and they usually cost about 500 yen to get fixed!

Furthermore, bicycles must be registered with the local police (Koban), costing about 500 yen in fees. If your bike is ever stolen, you can report it. If you are ever pulled over on your bike (which can happen), you can prove it’s yours! Bikes are also one of the most commonly stolen things in Japan… next to umbrellas.

Practically every JET and person in Japan owns a “Mamachari” (Mom’s Bicycle)

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Cars（車）

Cars are the second most common form of personal transportation in Japan, especially in the countryside and suburban areas. Japanese cars are very reliable and require little maintenance besides shaken (car inspection tax) every other year.

Quick Overview:

Cheap cars: 70,000 – 200,000 yen
Tax weight: 7,000 – 30,000 yen (yearly, depends on the size)
Insurance: 5,000 – 10,000 yen (monthly)
Shaken Tax: 70,000 – 100,000 yen (every 2 years)
Other miscellaneous taxes: varies
Parking: free – 10,000 yen (monthly)
Gas: 150 yen (liter)

Don’t let the cost of car ownership scare you. The initial upfront cost of buying a car is relatively cheap compared to western countries. Used Japanese cars are always in excellent condition with low mileage. However, much of the burden comes in taxes, the biggest being shaken every 2 years.

Driving is awesome in Japan! There is no better way to get around to amazing sightseeing spots and remote areas. Also, a car comes in handy for shopping and dining out. Generally speaking, anywhere outside of large metropolitan cities is very car friendly. Parking is usually free unless you are downtown in bigger cities.

Scooters/Motorcycles　(原付バイク)

Scooters and motorbikes are another mode of personal transportation in Japan, but they are used less than bicycles and cars. They are generally considered safe and are very convenient for city use.

Quick Overview:

Used scooter: 50,000 – 150,000 yen
Use motorcycle: 75,000 – 300,000 yen
Secondary Insurance: 2,000 – 10,000 yen (monthly)
Light weight vehicle tax: 2,000 (scooters), larger bikes vary (yearly)
Shaken tax: 40,000 – 50,000 yen (motorcycles over 250cc, only)
Mandatory liability insurance: 7,000 yen ~ (varies based on engine displacement) (yearly)

The cost of ownership of a motorbike is very cheap compared with a car. They require little to no maintenance and are easy to park anywhere. Most places where bicycles can park, motorcycles can park, too. Bikes are also the cheapest to fill up with gas and allow you to avoid heavy traffic. However, bikes are still mildly dangerous because they are small and offer no protection against the elements.

Motorbikes are in a class of their own. As long as you have a regular Japanese driver’s license, you can drive a 50cc scooter, but you are required to have a standard bike license depending on the size of the bike you want to drive. That’s another story… During my 4 years of driving a scooter in Japan, I never once had an engine failure, only tire punctures. It was a terrific way to get around!