These conditions apply when you rent a bike from Hidden Japan Travel for one of our tours. They sit alongside our tour terms and conditions. By riding one of our bikes, you agree to them.

Your bike

• Our mechanic checks and services every bike before your tour, and we keep it in good working order for the whole rental.
• We’ll set up your bike and fit it properly when we meet.
• If anything feels wrong with your bike, tell a member of our team straight away. Please don’t try major repairs yourself.

What’s included

• Your bike, fitted with flat pedals, one bottle and cage, a handlebar bag for valuables, and front and rear lights.
• Support from our team and van throughout the tour, including spare parts and tools.
• A helmet, free on request. You’re also welcome to bring your own.

If you prefer clip-in pedals, please bring your own pedals and cycling shoes, and we’ll fit them for you.

See the bikes we offer, with photos, sizes and prices, on our rental bikes page.

Rental fee

Whether bike rental is included in the tour price or charged separately depends on the tour. It is shown in your booking details.

Riding safely

When you ride one of our bikes, please:

• wear a helmet on every ride
• follow Japanese road rules. We ride on the left, and we’ll brief you on the rest before we set off
• follow your guide’s instructions, and ride within your ability and to the road and weather conditions
• never ride after drinking alcohol. It is illegal for cyclists in Japan
• keep the bike for your own use on the tour, and don’t lend it to anyone else
• park and lock the bike as your guide advises

We may refuse a bike to anyone we judge unable to ride safely, or who hasn’t accepted these conditions. We may also ask anyone who rides unsafely, or who is unwell, to stop riding, for their own safety and the safety of the group.

Damage, loss and theft

Normal wear and tear is on us. That includes punctures, worn tyres and brake pads, and parts that wear out through normal use.

If the bike is damaged beyond normal wear and tear during your rental, or lost or stolen while in your care, you are responsible for the cost of repair or replacement, up to the bike’s market value. We’ll always show you the damage and explain the cost before we charge anything.

The bike is in your care from when we hand it to you until you return it to our team, including overnight at your hotel. When the bike is in our van or stored by our team, it’s our responsibility.

Your own equipment

You’re welcome to bring your own saddle, pedals, bike computer and other kit, and we’ll fit it for you. We’re not responsible for loss of or damage to your own equipment, unless it’s caused by our negligence.

Insurance

As set out in our terms and conditions, you must have travel insurance that covers medical expenses, including medical repatriation. We strongly recommend that your policy also covers cycling, cancellation and personal liability (damage or injury you might cause to someone else while cycling). Please check your policy before you travel.

Risk

Cycling is an active holiday and carries some risk. We plan every route with care and our team rides with you, but you take part at your own risk. Nothing in these conditions limits our responsibility where the law does not allow it, including where an accident is caused by our negligence.

Cancelling

If you cancel, bike rental follows the same cancellation terms as your tour. See our terms and conditions.

Governing law

These conditions are governed by the laws of Japan. If any part of them is found to be invalid, the rest still applies.

Questions

If you have any questions about these conditions, write to us at [email protected] before you travel.

Our tour terms and conditions