How to Bring Bicycles on Trains in Japan | Rinko Bag (輪行) Tutorial

Is it OK to bring your bicycle on trains in Japan? I often get asked this question on this channel, so I thought I'd make this video about this topic.
We're in the last day of our Kansai road bike bikepacking trip and we're taking the shinkansen high speed bullet train back to Nagoya. In order to bring your bike on a train in Japan 99% of the time you will need a rinko bag (輪行袋).
They are usually about 3,000~5,000 yen and come in various sizes/colors.
TIOGA Rinko Bag (the one that I own) (タイオガ)
amzn.to/2CSqJJw
DOPPLEGANGER 輪行バッグ
amzn.to/2F91LIn
Both of these are large enough to carry a road bike, but you need to take off your front wheel.
Some extra tips
- take off your pedals (though not necessary)
- strap your front wheel to the frame to prevent movement
- if you're on the shinkansen, there's plenty of space at the back of each train car.
- For regular trains, aim for the front or back of the train. Peak hour times on crowded lines are not allowed, so be careful to avoid this situation.
Any other questions about bringing bikes on trains in Japan, leave them in the comments.
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[@chrisconley4808]

Like the changing of the tire, it's good to see your wife trying to do this. Beginners inspire beginners. Also, some bike bags require you to take the fork and derailleur off too. Might be good to show this type of bag and also how she would take the bike apart for any bag.

[@sureshchinnappa2290]

Thanks for the video it brought back wonderful memories of our adventures in Japan. We did a lot of train travelling which we both loved

[@RediscoverTours]

Great advice about cycling in Japan. The trains make it super easy to travel to any location in Japan with your bike.

[@ChritsianBucic]

Interesting topic and you see so much things by bike. It's one of the purpose I have, to visite some places by bike in Japan.

[@Sylphical]

Oh... This a very helpful video. I've been wanting to do this for a while.

[@wontondestructxn]

Thanks for the very helpful video. I had no idea the bike bags were so compact. I'll definitely bring my bike around Japan.

[@TwoWheelCruise]

Yep, the good ones don't take up too much space :)

[@cynthiawang3600]

Great vid. Me and my brother want to tour japan on our bikes. More bike packing vids! ありがと

[@TwoWheelCruise]

Awesome! More on the way 😁

[@lorenzsiggel1515]

Another great video. Great travel tip!

[@TwoWheelCruise]

Thanks!

[@pedaltopia-kingcog]

Great video! Thank you

[@camusmonamour]

merci pour vos vidéos toujours aussi sympa. Karl ( Lyon)

[@TheSpaceBrosShow]

Perfect. heading to Japan shortly, will be shoving my tandem into two of these 😅

[@ashishtakawale283]

Very informative

[@Yosimunesama]

nice back packing style😃 長旅お疲れ様でした🚴‍♂️

[@TwoWheelCruise]

Thanks! 😁

[@deanschuldt9713]

Good video. Im ready for a new bag after many years and many trips touring in Japan. You have been lucky. In the past I use to get away with the handlebars out of the bag. But a few years back they slammed the door on exposed parts. By all means take your chances but plan on a bag that can enclose the entire bike. Especially on the bullet trains. And the tip to enter at the back of your train car is key. And be the first in line.

[@TwoWheelCruise]

Thanks! I forgot to mention, but one of my backups solution is just to cover the saddle with a plastic bag, though I haven't had to resort to it yet thankfully. Definitely good advice to enter from the back and be first in line.

[@BruceChastain]

I actually did travel on the trains in Japan with my bike in a bike bag, no issues. But I really like your bag, mush less bulky than the one I have.

[@TwoWheelCruise]

Definitely helps if they take up less space :)

[@DioJeanBaptiste]

very informative 🙂

[@kurimawhermusilla2411]

In our country bike are not allowed in MRT even you put it in the bag,wow its nice in Japan no issues concerns nice bro

[@TwoWheelCruise]

No problems as long as the train is not busy :)

[@Drubbered]

Thanks for the video! I'm planning to cycle across Shikoku next autumn and will need to take my bike by train from Kansai airport to Onomichi to begin my route.

[@TwoWheelCruise]

Nice, enjoy your trip!

[@skalpel67]

I guess you might to go Shimanami cycling. I recommend you to ride on a ferry. Orange ferry which is the ferry company has a ferry route between Osaka and Imabari and accepts bike. It's really fan. *Imabari is the start or goal city of Shimanami cycling.

[@Drubbered]

@@skalpel67 yes, I plan to cycle the shimanami-kaido route and then across Shikoku, finally getting back to Osaka using the Tokushima to Wakayama ferry.

[@rdmadventure1603]

Watching sir ride safe God bless

[@ibcybermon]

Thanks for the tip on the Rinko bag. I plan to fly to and from Japan with my hard shell case. Landing in Osaka, travel north to Noto Peninsula then back south to Shikoku returning to Osaka to fly back home. Any suggestions where to leave a hard shell case for 3 weeks?

[@skalpel67]

Oh, I use same saddle backpack Restrap,bought on Wiggle. It's expensive but high quality and nice design. And that Tioga bike back arouses cvontroversy between Japanese cyclists bacause that size might be over the standard of JR's rule.

[@TwoWheelCruise]

It is a bit pricey, but it seems very durable. Hoping to get a lot of use out of it over the next few years :) I didn't know this bag was of controversy.. Seems strange that they would even sell it then.. I've had no problems with it though.

[@RadLaura]

YASSSSSS!!!!! I am absolutely purchasing that bag, like, right meow! Thank you so much! This changes everything for us, as we don't have driver's licenses, yet.

[@TwoWheelCruise]

awesome! :)

[@RadLaura]

Thanks! So, this bag is a bit small for me (touring racks). What bag are you using for your larger bike that you referenced? You said it was a bit thicker, as well...

[@TwoWheelCruise]

Info is in bio

[@RadLaura]

Two Wheel Cruise, thanks so much!!! I apologize. So the doppelgänger is the one that’s a bit larger and thicker, eh?

[@RadLaura]

Also, this tutorial is INCREDIBLY helpful. Thank you so much!!

[@bendeblok4948]

Thanksssss 👏👏👏👏👏

[@conradbeer4383]

Thank you Richard Hendrix

[@randonneurUK]

So I have been wondering how I could do a Diagonale Audax across France and get back on a train because the trains require bikes to be boxed/bagged. In Italy we had to sneak our bikes on the train, this idea is perfect when traveling with a bike. At a push it could be used for Air travel with some bubble wrap or that sellophane wrapping madness seen at some Airports

[@RediscoverTours]

551 Horai 8:06 is a must stop for all people in Osaka. They have the best butaman (steamed dumplings) in Japan!

[@steffen4692]

Is there any rule against using e.g. 2 large bin bags (one from the front, the other from the rear) in a pinch or on a budget? Not as good looking and perhaps less comfortable, but might also not have to disassemble as much?

[@AndreaMenzies]

Great information on trains and bikes.I just found out Amtrak in America in DC lets you take bikes on trains so I was wondering what that was like.

[@TheSpaceBrosShow]

Yep, Amtrak is pretty chill with bikes as long as you buy a slot

[@KickAssets]

How about if I use my giant rain cover as a bag since mine covers my entire bike...would they care or does the bag need a label? Do they even check closely?

[@tenminutetokyo2643]

DOOOOOD!!!!

[@TwoWheelCruise]

LOL in a dooood mood?

[@davidchan5424]

Just wondering if there are Ringo bags for MTB's and Fat boy bicycles ?

[@kelalamusic9258]

How would you bag a large fat tire e-bike? Do they make bags for such a bike? Or perhaps these types of bikes aren't allowed? Mahalo!

[@joaquimfigueiro8302]

Hi guys, love your videos. One question, we're planning a trip to Japan to cycle the Shimanami Kaido, have you cycled it already? Anyway, thinking of renting a bike in Onomichi, but starting the path from Imabari to Onomichi. The question is: is it possible to take the bike on the bus from Onomichi to Imabari, do I need to have the Rinko Bag?

[@TwoWheelCruise]

Thanks! I have not been yet.. I'm not sure about that bus, but most buses do not allow full-size bicycles. They're often more lenient with folding bikes though since they're much smaller.

[@markwilkinson3903]

Joaquim Figueiro - I heard of, but did not use a bus called “Shimanami Cycle Express Bus” which is smaller, requires a reservation to take a bike (limited spaces) bike must be in Rinko bag or something similar that covers it. I think it only runs at the weekend. Alternatively- look at the scheduled ferries between Onomichi and Imabari. Not one that goes point to point, but you could do it with a couple of ferries and some riding. Also, Giant stores at both ends do road bike rentals and charge extra for returning the bike to the other store ¥3000, I think.

[@galapagosdrum]

what size bike do you have? i am looking at the bag you have but am concerned about the fit, i have a 58

[@kenstaib8940]

I have a 24 inch foldable bike and was wondering how tough the small lightweight rinko bags are. I see some at 200gms. I’ll only use it for about 4 trips

[@TwoWheelCruise]

They don't really offer any protection to the bikes

[@hkharrington]

If my 輪行バッグ is large enough can I leave the bike fully assembled and only need to turn my handle bars? I toured around Japan last year and had a tough time with train station staff because my large touring bike wouldn't fully fit into the bag. I'm touring Hokkaido this summer and plan to custom make my 輪行バッグ to fit my fully assembled touring bike. I haven't been able to find size restrictions for various train companies in Japan. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[@TwoWheelCruise]

No, you cannot use a fully assembled road bike in a custom bag, it is too big. Just taking off the front wheel is the borderline, most people take off both wheels. You may be able to get away with it at some places, but most likely will be stopped

[@jacquesconnard]

Such a pain in the ass. Wish it was like Germany... wheel your bike on to the train, in the specific bicycle car and spot.

[@TwoWheelCruise]

That sounds nice! Lots of trains in Taiwan allow bikes as well, but you have to hold them

[@charlesdarwincruz6753]

Hey Cruise! Very Informative video. Just wanna know what is the weight of your cx bike?

[@TwoWheelCruise]

Thanks! It's about 9-10 kg.. really heavy wheels and mechanical breaks..

[@1houroflove186]

Your Amazon link is in JAPANESE. I'm in San Francisco. Will be flying to Japan in Feb for 3 mo. Should I order it now and ship the bag to me or can I buy the bag from a shop in Japan?

[@TwoWheelCruise]

I don't think these are really available on Amazon US.. Many shops will have bags in stock, but most will not have the larger size one that I'm using..

[@markjthomson]

So do you put anything in the fork drop outs in case they get compressed?

[@TwoWheelCruise]

No, but that's probably a good idea

[@aboysarchives]

Can you make a twc hoodie small medium and large im small

[@TwoWheelCruise]

We've got hoodies on our merch shop ;) shop.spreadshirt.com/twowheelcruise

[@robertomartin8731]

In S. Korea they have the front area and some back area of the metro train for bikes, no need to bag them.

[@TwoWheelCruise]

They also have much better cycling lanes 😭

[@thomasb7237]

@@TwoWheelCruise Check out the 4 rivers path if you haven't already yet. Literally a 600km bike "highway" from Seoul to Busan.

[@richym2020]

Is the frame bag that Thuong is using comfortable. I mean does it rub on your legs/knees? I've been thinking about getting one but am concerned about this?

[@TwoWheelCruise]

She said it doesn't bother her. Check out the top half frame bags

[@richym2020]

@@TwoWheelCruise Will do... thanks

[@daffygrey]

I have a padded flight bag for my bike. If I was to go cycle touring around Japan I wouldn't know what to do with it, as it is too bulky to pack down into panniers. Maybe I'd have to do it differently, by basing myself in one area for a few days and then catch the train to a new area. I hear Kansai International is not a good place to fly into if you are cycle touring, as none of the bridges off the island allow bicycles.

[@TwoWheelCruise]

Yeah, some of the airports are like that.. 🙄 As for the bag, you can ask/pay to store it at a shop, your hotel, etc while you are away for a few days. Might get lucky

[@skalpel67]

Yes, the road to Kansai airport island is prohibetted riding on a bike. You have to ride on train with your bike inside in the bag. And around Nanba station, there are some luggage storage services so you should ask them.

[@randonneurUK]

I'm wondering if they need to see the bike in its bag when you buy a ticket.

[@TwoWheelCruise]

No, and most ticket gates are automated.

[@m4t1ss]

Hi! Any tips on where in Japan to find a travel bag/case for flying? I've seen some on Amazon, but they cost 10-20万円 😭

[@TwoWheelCruise]

Not cheap here 😥

[@meghanfitz-james49]

Very good video. Thank you! But where do you buy the rinko bags?

[@TwoWheelCruise]

amazon links are in the description. Most shops should have some stock, but likely may not have the larger size that I am using, so Amazon is your best bet

[@meghanfitz-james49]

@@TwoWheelCruise Thank you!

[@ikramidris2386]

Man how about bring my bike inside softcase (Scicon bag)? Is it allowed?

[@TwoWheelCruise]

most bags are fine as long as it is completely covered.

[@davidgrimesau]

Did you notice your wife's drive-side skewer spring on the front wheel was on back to front (have a close look at the video)? If she flips it around, it will avoid damaging the skewer spring when she puts the wheel on.

[@TwoWheelCruise]

Thanks for pointing that out, fixed now 🙂

[@mancello]

Get a folding bike like Brompton or Bike Friday for traveling.🤗

[@TwoWheelCruise]

Might be a good idea.. Are those good on longer distances?

[@mancello]

@@TwoWheelCruise Absolutely. Many people travel with folders internationally. I prefer Bike Friday cause many of their bikes have 20" wheels compared to 16" wheels like the Brompton.

[@TwoWheelCruise]

Good to know.. I have yet to try one..

[@barmarcelo]

i´m giving a look to Change bikes.... 700 road , 27,5 mtb , 26 mtb, all foldable... Living in Japan too...just moved to a small town in Niigata...now i´m on the stages "saving yenes" and "choosing my dream bike" ... :D

[@alexandrelebel1439]

If I put my bag in an evoc travel bag is it too big?

[@TwoWheelCruise]

Technically yeah, but you can probably get away wit hit if the train isn't busy.

[@jemelajoycesolon368]

Hello! Is it still needed to be put in a bag if you have a foldable bike?

[@TwoWheelCruise]

Yes

[@chriswinston1223]

Would you use bags like that for air travel too?

[@TwoWheelCruise]

No way

[@Jem231993]

Can I do this with an electric mountain bike?

[@TwoWheelCruise]

If it gets small enough, but that's gonna be heavy

[@CreRay]

What's the reason you have to put your bike in a bag? I've never heard of this before.

[@TwoWheelCruise]

Japan loves putting things in bags... and apparently it's cleaner/ safer.. I still don't get the logic..

[@skalpel67]

In Japan there is no cycle train. And easy to become full of pasangers so a bike is really disturbring and danger in a cabin. Finally In past time train company, once managed by the goverment, regarded a bike as their competitor. So they didn't accept a bike positively.

[@tomassoejakto]

Japan's cyclists are so lucky. Commuter trains in my country only allow folding bikes, and with intercity trains you need to check full-sized bikes into a baggage car which you have to pay for and will be handled carelessly by ignorant hands. My brother tried this once and he got his bike back with a scratched RD and broken derailleur hanger. Since train regulations are purposefully vague to maximize corruption income, they make sure nothing good will come off of filing a complaint. so albeit being pissed, my brother just let it go and bought a new hanger.

[@TwoWheelCruise]

yeah, in that aspect we are lucky. Though you can't really bring your bike on the trains during rush-hour times.

[@spin2win721]

What size is your wife’s bike? I have a 51cm Cannondale. Do you think it will fit?

[@TwoWheelCruise]

It's a medium, she's 170cm

[@s.stallone5350]

Is there an extra charge for bringing the bike on the train?

[@TwoWheelCruise]

Not now, possibly next year depending on the size

[@rashpalbhati]

Wouldn't it be more customer friendly to have train cars to accommodate bikes, larger luggage etc, it's more hop on - hop off style here in Helsinki, Finland for the metro, and for intercity trains you can online reserve a place for €5 in the dedicated double decker carriage. What a huge PITA to demand customers take off the wheels and put the bike into a bag 😱, why exactly, is it mainly a space issue?

[@christophercrespo7885]

As @twowheelcruise mentioned it is probably a matter of safety and staying organized. Besides, Japanese f*** love bagging stuff. It's just the way they are: everything must look and work perfectly.

[@randonneurUK]

Is there a rinko bag that I could also use as a bivi bag

[@TwoWheelCruise]

Don't think so, unless you're really really short

[@randonneurUK]

@@TwoWheelCruise but what about a bivi bag that can fit over a bike

[@JL-od4wg]

Is hi speed bullet train are same allow ?

[@TwoWheelCruise]

Yes

[@JL-od4wg]

@@TwoWheelCruise thanks for sharing.

[@macxferb4670]

How about on plane?

[@1houroflove186]

Just store your bicycle beneath the seat. Once I left it in one of the restrooms.

[@AutoWorldzz]

"Nice and creative Videos，I can see A lot of thought has been put into the content and editing of the video， This is really my favorite channel.:) .🌴🌴🌴excellent 👍👌👍👌👍 🌴🌴🌴 🌴🌴🌴 🌴🌴🌴 🌴🌴🌴 " Stephentown Rensselaer 2021

[@jimmyhor78]

Thats alot of giant stuff

[@the.communist]

What a pain in the arse

[@HyperSonic707]

You kinda rude to your wife bro ダメー