I lived in Osaka for a year and rode a bike everyday for work and errands. Yes, I had the ubiquitous "girl" bike with baskets and a generator that everybody rides in Japan. I didn't want to ship my bike over and get it beat-up in the elements. Anyways, I recommend hyper viglilance when riding in Japan. Even though millions are riding everyday, car drivers don't seem to be very aware of this. I was hit once and had dozens of close calls. Drivers seem to think they always have the right-of-way. Even if it means running you over. I recommend bringing a helmet. I got laughed at and pointed at everyday because of it, but I wasn't going to take chances with my noddle after I saw a mother toting her two very young kids (one in a front basket, one in the rear) take a hard fall with the two kids' heads hitting the pavement first. Hope this insight helps.