Bicycle is an amazing invention not only being environmentally friendly but also providing a decent exercise and allowing one to take things at a much slower, holiday-like pace. Those without a license or anyone who wants to enjoy the scenery while slowly pedalling around the island can opt for a bicycle rental. Here we will briefly go over the shops which provide such service and other information related to bicycle rental.
Unfortunately no rental services are provided at the airport thus reservations beforehand are recommeded for a possible pick-up from your arrival point, but you can always just head straight to the shop on your own. Also, it might be wise to check the weather forecast for the duration of your stay and opt for a different method of transportation if it will be raining for a longer period of time.
Bicycles can be rented at some of the lodgings too, therefore it is advisable to check with your place of stay whether they provide bicycle rental or not. If not, refer to the information below.
Cycling in Hachijojima
On the island you can find 3 main rental bicycle providers which one by one is described below. Here, let us quickly go over some of the general things about bicycle rental and cycling in Hachijojima.
First and foremost, deciding on the type of bicycle is probably the most important thing. Hachijojima having two mountains makes it difficult to get around the higher places without electrically powered ones, however, if you do not plan on going to the hot springs with a bicycle, then there should be no problems. And, if you are renting more than one electric bicycle, it is usually recommended to rent the same type (either city or mountain type) because otherwise due to the difference in battery capacity one will run out of energy faster than the other and thus becoming a headache midway. Next, if something changes in your plans or it starts raining continuously and you want to return the bicycle early, you will not get a refund. Then, remember that you can always walk uphill with your bicycle by your side to save your sweat and not to get exhausted too early in the trip. Finally, remember to have fun and take it easy.
It is easy to forget even the most basic things when you are in the holiday mood, but if you take the described aspects into consideration, no bigger problems should arise.
To sum up:
There are three bicycle rental providers (lodgings excluding)
Choose the same type of bicycle when renting
No refunds on early returns
Walk the bike uphill if it is too hard
Have fun
HJP Rent a Car
HJP offers only electrically powered bicycles as they call it Shimachari, or in English, the island's bicycle (shima - island, chari - slang for bicycle). What is special about it is that its battery is charged solely by the wind power which makes it a pure eco-choice as no carbon dioxide (CO2) is released during the charge.
These bicycles are further separated into two types: city-type and mountain-type. The former comes with a basket and is seen as a more laid back suited for the downtown area (Mitsune, Okago), while the latter comes without a basket and is more recommended for the more farther distances like heading to the hot springs, Fureai farm, circling around the island, and so on.
Reservations beforehand can be made by two ways: e-mail or phone. Unfortunately the staff does not speak English, but they are assisted by the Hachijo Tourism Association which helps out so you can always opt to just head straight to the tourism association center and inquire there. When making reservations directly via e-mail (to info@hjpilot.com) make sure to include: your name, number of people, contact number, with which flight/ship are you coming/leaving with, and place of stay.
Key Points
Location: Okago area
Address (MAP): Tokyo, Hachijomachi, Okago 2435 (東京都八丈町大賀郷2435)
Open hours: 9:00~17:00 (everyday)
Regular bicycles: Unavailable
Electric bicycles: 1,500 JPY (3 hours), 3,000 JPY (over 8 hours)
Pick up service: Free (in Mitsune and Okago areas) or 1000 JPY (other areas)
English support: Somewhat available (see above)
Contact: TEL (+81) 4996 2 5651; E-mail info@hjpilot.com
My recommendation would be to either phone or visit Hachijo Tourism Association and inquire there for a fluent service. Tourism Association can be contacted by TEL (+81) 4996 2 1377 or via online inquiry form; address (MAP): Tokyo, Hachijomachi, Okago 2345-1 (東京都八丈町大賀郷2345-1).
Mobile Rent a Car
If you have no interest in the electrically powered bicycles and want to do it the old way, this place will be happy to help you out. Offering cheapest regular bicycles with some of the staff speaking English should put you at ease when renting here. However, choose another provider should you want that extra push from an electric bicycle.
Key Points
Location: Okago area
Address (MAP): Tokyo, Hachijomachi, Okago 2322 (東京都八丈町大賀郷2322)
Open hours: 8:00~17:00 (everyday)
Regular bicycles: 1,000 JPY (3 hours); 2,000 JPY (24 hours)
Electric bicycles: Unavailable
Pick up service: Free (in Mitsune and Okago areas) or 500 JPY (other areas)
English support: Available
Contact: TEL (+81) 4996 2 0148
Note: the English speaking staff might not always be available.
Akamatsu Automobile Co., Ltd.
Renting a bicycle is no rocket science so the lack of English support should not intimidate you. If you are residing in Mitsune this place is probably your best bet, unless, of course, you can schedule a pick-up by one of the two other providers mentioned above.
Key Points
Location: Mitsune area
Address (MAP): Hachijojima, Hachijomachi, Mitsune 352-1 (東京都八丈島八丈町三根352-1)
Open hours: 8:30~17:30 (closed on Sundays and public holidays)
Regular bicycles: 1,000 JPY (3 hours); 2,100 JPY (24 hours)
Electric bicycles: 1,500 JPY (3 hours); 3,000 JPY (24 hours)
Pick up service: 500 JPY each way
English support: Unavailable
Contact: TEL (+81) 4996 2 1131; E-mail akamatsu-c@aj.wakwak.com
Note: if you are late to return the bicycle, you will be charged 300 JPY for every extra hour.
Safe travels!
Hachijojima101