Japanese apartment buildings generally have detailed rules already set for where you can keep a bicycle, motorbike, or car. Leaving one outside the designated spot can result in a warning or even removal. Here we'll go over the basics of bicycle parking and parking lots, and the points worth checking both before and after signing a contract.
- As a rule, bicycles should be kept in the designated bicycle parking area within the building; leaving one in a hallway or an open spot on the grounds is often prohibited.
- Some properties require a registration sticker or notification to use the bicycle parking area, so complete this procedure when you move in.
- Motorbikes often can't be kept in the bicycle parking area, so you need to check whether a dedicated motorbike space exists.
- Parking lots are often full or charged separately from rent, so if you own a car, check this before signing the contract.
- Not following the rules for where to keep your vehicle can lead to disputes with other residents or contractual problems.
Basic rules for bicycle parking
Many apartment buildings have a dedicated bicycle parking area. Leaving a bicycle in a hallway, in front of the entrance, or in an open spot on the grounds is generally prohibited, both because it blocks passage and for appearance's sake. Since bicycle parking space is limited, some properties assign you a specific spot at signing while others operate on a first-come, first-served basis, so it's reassuring to confirm this with the management company in advance. Properties with a limited number of spaces sometimes set a cap on the number of bicycles per unit, so if you own more than one, it's worth discussing this in advance.
Registering to use the bicycle parking area
Some properties require you to be issued a registration sticker, or to report an anti-theft registration number, in order to use the bicycle parking area. Unregistered bicycles can be subject to removal from the parking area, so complete any required registration when you move in. The registration process varies by management company or management association, so it's a good idea to check this at the time of contract signing as well. If you buy a new bicycle in Japan, registering it for theft prevention (bōhan tōroku) at the shop where you bought it is standard practice, and this registration number is sometimes also needed for the bicycle parking notification.
Checking where to keep a motorbike
Motorbikes often can't be kept in the bicycle parking area — some properties provide a separate dedicated space for motorbikes, while others don't allow motorbike parking at all. If you own a motorbike, you must check before signing whether parking is permitted and whether a fee applies. Another option is to separately contract a nearby monthly motorbike parking lot (tsukigime chūrinjō).
Parking lot availability and fees
If you own a car, you need to check whether a parking spot is available in the lot attached to the building. Parking is often charged separately from rent, and in urban areas it's not uncommon for the building's own lot to be full, requiring you to separately contract a nearby monthly parking lot (tsukigime chūshajō). Contracting a parking spot can involve additional procedures, such as obtaining a garage certificate (shako shōmei), so it's reassuring to check this early. Depending on your car's size, mechanical parking systems can also have height and weight restrictions, so it's important to check before signing whether your car is compatible.
The importance of following the rules
The rules for bicycle parking and parking lots exist so that all residents can share the limited space fairly. Leaving a bicycle or motorbike outside the designated spot can block other residents' passage or draw a warning from the management company. Just like garbage disposal and noise, following the rules for where to keep your vehicle is a basic courtesy for living comfortably in an apartment building. If you find the rules unclear, avoid leaving your vehicle on your own judgment — checking with the management company first can help you avoid trouble.
Frequently asked questions
Where should I keep my bicycle?
As a rule, keep it in the designated bicycle parking area within the building. Avoid leaving it in a hallway or an open spot on the grounds.
Can I keep a motorbike in the bicycle parking area?
In most cases, no. You need to check before signing whether a separate motorbike-specific space is provided.
Am I guaranteed to be able to rent a parking spot?
It's common for a lot to be full, or for parking to be charged separately from rent. If you own a car, check availability before signing.
Summary
Detailed rules for where to keep bicycles, motorbikes, and cars are set by each building. By checking bicycle and car parking availability and registration methods before signing, and correctly using the designated spot, you can avoid unnecessary trouble with other residents. Ask the management company about anything unclear before you move in, and make sure you understand the rules before you start using the space.