monkeytusmc 

Im currently stationed in Okinawa Japan and am curious of there are any other riders out in Japan.

stewartt1982

I'm in Japan, though no where near you, in Tokyo. Still waiting for my frame to be shipped so not riding yet (I'm doing the dreaded "running" now). I used to ride a lot when I previously lived in Ibaraki prefecture, not so much in Tokyo. There are quite a few roadies around, but not sure how many are on bikeforums. Perhaps it might be good to join some strava groups to see who is cycling in your area?

biker in japan

Not sure if anyone is still active on the forum here in Japan, but new member here. A bit south of Hiroshima.
Be touring Japan this spring and summer. Can possibly meet up for a cup of coffee.

biker in japan

Might be in Okinawa this summer touring. Keep in touch.

ususum

How safe would you guys say bike commuting is, in Japan, when compared to the other countries you've been?

stewartt1982

I've lived in my home country of Canada (New Brunswick, Ontario, Manitoba), Germany, UK and Japan. Generally commuting is pretty safe as drivers are reasonably well trained. My gut feeling is much better than anywhere I've lived in Canada or visited in the US. Perhaps not quite as good as Germany/UK.

How nice of a cycle you will have will of course depend quite a bit on your commute. Much of central Tokyo cycling will be of course very urban (and I'm not a fan) but I live in western Tokyo and the cycling isn't so bad (especially if there is a river path nearby).

Cycle paths exist, and in places can be very good and allow long travel ie. Tama river but cycling infra is generally lagging compared to Germany for instance.

The above is a bit rambling, if you have specific questions/location for commute, please ask.