Rental FAQ & Rules

Q: What do I need to bring?

Please bring a valid photo ID such as a passport, Japanese driver’s license or student ID. We take a photo of the ID at the counter as part of the rental procedure.

Q: How does the half-day rental work?

Half-day rental starts from 3:00 PM and runs until 6:00 PM. Half-day availability is normally confirmed on the day and may be limited during weekends or busy travel periods. Full-day reservations have priority.

Q: Can I cancel my reservation?

Yes. Please contact us by the morning of your booking day. Standard cancellations are free of charge. If weather conditions make riding unsuitable, contact us and we will help you adjust or cancel the booking.

Q: What are your business hours?

Our regular business hours are 9:00 AM–6:00 PM . Normal same-day return is by 6:00 PM.

Q: Can I charge an E-Bike during a multi-day rental?

Yes. For rentals of 2 days or more , ask our staff for a charger and battery key. If you do not need a charger, you can also return to the shop for a battery exchange.

Q: Can I return after 6:00 PM?

Yes, if arranged in advance. Self-service return is available until 10:00 PM . Electric-assist bikes have a ¥700 per bike after-hours fee from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM. Non-electric bikes have no additional after-hours fee during this period. See the After-Hours Return instructions.

Question 1

How do I make a reservation?

Answer

Book online through our website, then pay when you pick up the bicycle. A standard reservation does not require advance payment or a deposit.

Choose your pickup location and book here.

Question 2

What do I need to bring?

Answer

Please bring a valid ID such as a passport, Japanese driver’s license, health insurance card or student ID. We take a photo of the ID at the counter as part of the rental procedure.

Question 3

How does the half-day rental work?

Answer

Half-day rental starts at 3:00 PM. The listed price covers return by 6:00 PM. With advance arrangement, standard e-bikes may be returned by 10:00 PM for an extra ¥700 per e-bike, while non-electric bikes have no after-hours fee. The child-seat e-bike must be returned by 6:00 PM. Half-day availability is normally confirmed on the day, and full-day reservations have priority.

Question 4

What payment methods do you accept?

Answer

Payment is made at pickup. We accept Japanese yen cash, major credit/debit cards and supported QR-code payments.

Question 5

Can I cancel my reservation?

Answer

Yes. Please contact us before noon on your booking day. Standard cancellations are free of charge. If weather conditions make riding unsuitable, contact us and we will help you adjust or cancel the booking.

Question 6

What languages do you support?

Answer

We can assist in English, Chinese and Japanese. If you need help before arrival, contact us through WhatsApp or your booking message.

Question 7

What are your business hours?

Answer

Our regular business hours are 9:00 AM–6:00 PM. Normal same-day return is by 6:00 PM.

Question 8

What are the multi-day prices?

Answer

One- and two-day rentals are charged at the normal daily rate with no multi-day discount. 3 consecutive days receive 10% off, and 7 consecutive days receive 20% off. For other durations, please contact us for a quote. Both pickup and return dates count as rental days.

Question 9

Can I charge an E-Bike during a multi-day rental?

Answer

Yes. For rentals of 2 days or more, ask our staff for a charger and battery key. If you do not need a charger, you can also return to the shop for a battery exchange.

Question 10

Can I return after 6:00 PM?

Answer

Yes, if arranged in advance. Standard bicycles and standard e-bikes may use self-service return until 10:00 PM. Standard e-bikes have a ¥700 per bike after-hours fee for returns from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM, while non-electric bikes have no additional fee. The child-seat e-bike must be returned by 6:00 PM.

See the After-Hours Return instructions.

Question 11

Can I keep the bicycle overnight?

Answer

Yes for a multi-day rental, but the bicycle must be stored in a designated bicycle parking area or approved hotel bicycle parking. Do not leave it on the street, in front of an apartment building, or at another hotel.

Question 12

Can I leave luggage at the shop?

Answer

Rental customers can leave luggage with us during business hours. Please collect it by 6:00 PM and keep valuables with you.

Question 13

Which bicycle should I choose?

Answer

Choose based on your height, riding confidence and route. E-Bikes are best for longer days and hills; City Bikes are ideal for flatter central-Kyoto rides. Compare all bikes and prices here.

Question 14

Do I need a driver’s license for an E-Bike?

Answer

No. Our electric-assist bicycles are standard pedal-assist bicycles and do not require a driver’s license. The motor assists only while you pedal.

Question 15

What happens if the E-Bike battery runs low?

Answer

You can continue riding the bicycle without electric assistance. For multi-day rentals, ask us about a charger, or contact the shop to arrange a battery exchange.

Question 16

What is included with the rental?

Answer

Helmet, lock, phone holder and basket are included at no extra charge. Drinking water and a cycling map are also available free of charge.

Question 17

What should I know about the electric bike with child seat?

Answer

The recommended adult rider height is 155 cm+. The child-seat guideline is approximately 1–6 years old, 8–24 kg and 70–120 cm. Because the bicycle is heavier than a normal bike, the adult rider should be confident handling an electric-assist bicycle with a child passenger.

Question 18

Where should I ride?

Answer

As a general rule, bicycles ride on the left side of the roadway. Sidewalk riding is an exception. When sidewalk riding is permitted, ride slowly on the side nearer the roadway and always give pedestrians priority.

Japan National Police Agency bicycle rules ↗

Question 19

What should I do at traffic lights and STOP signs?

Answer

Follow traffic lights and come to a complete stop at STOP signs before checking for vehicles and pedestrians. Slow down at blind intersections and corners even when there is no STOP sign.

Question 20

What riding behavior is prohibited or unsafe?

Answer

Do not ride after drinking alcohol. Do not use or look at a mobile phone while riding. Do not ride side-by-side with another bicycle. Turn on your light at night.

For additional safety, NoriNori also asks riders not to use an umbrella or headphones while riding.

Question 21

Do I have to wear a helmet?

Answer

In Japan, all bicycle users are expected to make an effort to wear a helmet. NoriNori provides a helmet free of charge with every rental, and we strongly recommend using it throughout your ride.

Question 22

Where can I park the bicycle?

Answer

Use a designated bicycle parking lot at temples, hotels, stations and tourist sites. Do not leave the bicycle on a public road, sidewalk, apartment entrance, private car park or another business’s property without permission.

Kyoto City may remove bicycles left in prohibited public areas. The current bicycle removal/storage recovery charge is ¥3,500, which is the rider’s responsibility.

See our visual Bicycle Parking Guide: where you can and cannot park →

Kyoto City bicycle parking information ↗

Question 23

What happens if there is an accident?

Answer

Stop immediately and do not leave the scene. If anyone is injured, provide reasonable assistance and call emergency services. In Japan, call 110 for police and 119 for ambulance/fire. Please also contact NoriNori as soon as possible.

Question 24

Are bicycle traffic violations enforced in Japan?

Answer

Yes. Since April 2026, Japan’s traffic-infraction notice system also applies to certain bicycle violations by riders aged 16 and over. Serious or dangerous violations can lead to enforcement, so please treat the bicycle as a vehicle and follow traffic rules.