The City of Nagoya maintains measures to deal with the parking of bicycles and mopeds (gentsuki / 原付), particularly around railway stations, in accordance with the City of Nagoya Ordinance on the Prevention of Abandonment of Bicycles, etc. (enacted Oct. 1988).
While bicycles and mopeds are easy and convenient modes of transport, when left in the street or on the sidewalk they become not only a hazard for pedestrians, but can also cause accidents and hinder rescue efforts in an emergency. As well as being an annoyance for residents, abandoned bicycles and mopeds are also an eyesore.
When you need to park your bicycle or moped, be sure to use an appropriate parking facility.

• Bicycle parking facilities are provided around railway stations as necessary. Residents who live within around 1 km of a station should refrain from using a bicycle and walk to the station.
• When visiting a store, etc., use the bicycle parking provided on the store premises.
• If there is no bicycle parking at your destination, use a different mode of transport.

Bicycle parking provided around stations

Paid bicycle parking areas are managed and operated by private operators at each station.
Parking areas near station entrances / exits become congested during the morning rush hour. Applying for fixed period use is recommended for those commuting to work or school.

No Illegal Bicycle Parking Zones

No Illegal Bicycle Parking Zones have been established, mainly around railway stations, in accordance with the ordinance.
Bicycles left within these precincts will be subject to immediate removal (see below).
Even outside of these areas, a bicycle left for longer than a certain period will be subject to removal.
Regardless of location, be sure not to leave a bicycle or moped on the sidewalk, in the street, or in any other public place.

Recent/upcoming updates to No Illegal Bicycle Parking Zones

1 Nov. 2022

• • Expansion of No Illegal Bicycle Parking Zones around Nagoya Sta. Taiko-Dori Side
  • Expansion of No Illegal Bicycle Parking Zones around Kanayama Sta.

1 Apr. 2023

• • Expansion of No Illegal Bicycle Parking Zones around Sakae Sta., Fushimi Sta.; Addition of areas around Takaoka Sta., Hisaya-odori Sta., Osu Kannon Sta., Yaba-cho Sta.

See the City of Nagoya website for more information on bicycle parking around stations and No Illegal Bicycle Parking Zones.

Abandoned bicycles

What is meant by 'abandonment' of a bicycle

A bicycle is considered 'abandoned' (hōchi / 放置) if left by the user in a public place, such as a sidewalk or street, in a condition whereby it cannot immediately be moved. For example, a bicycle left in the street while the user goes shopping or uses an ATM, or undertakes some other task that may not even take long, is considered abandoned as soon as the user moves away from the bicycle.
In a bicycle parking area, too, a bicycle is considered 'abandoned' if it is left in the parking area longer than the period specified in the facility usage
regulations.

Removal of abandoned bicycles

Abandoned bicycles are taken by truck to a designated holding facility.
Even if the user approaches bicycle removal staff and lays claim to a bicycle, the bicycle cannot be returned once loaded onto the truck.
Abandoned bicycles secured and locked to a fence, post, tree, etc. will be removed after the chain lock, etc. has been broken or cut. The City of Nagoya bears no responsibility for damage to locks, etc.
If you are unsure whether a bicycle has been removed, inquire via the 24-hour call center (0120-924-396, Japanese) or contact the designated holding center (see below).

Reclaiming a bicycle

Abandoned bicycles that have been removed are held at a designated holding center for one month. The owner must go to the holding center to have the bicycle returned.
The owner will be sent a notification that their bicycle is being held, with the holding period indicated. (* A notification cannot be sent if the bicycle has not been registered.)
A fee must be paid when reclaiming a bicycle (3,500 yen for a bicycle, 5,000 Yen for a moped). The fee is collected to ensure that the owner or user of the abandoned bicycle bears the cost of the bicycle's removal, transport, holding, and return procedure.
If the bicycle is not claimed within the holding period, the bicycle will be disposed of.
Please inquire at the designated holding center for more information on reclaiming a bicycle.

Bicycle Holding Centers

Closed Sundays, national holidays, end of year/New Year period, and while a storm warning is in effect.
Reclamation fee:

・Bicycle - 3,500 Yen
・Moped - 5,000 Yen

Items to bring when reclaiming a bicycle:

・Bicycle key
・Personal identification
・Fee

Holding period: 1 month (A bicycle will be eligible for disposal any time after this period.)
The center at which a bicycle is held will depend on where the bicycle was left/recovered from.
For a list of holding centers, see the City of Nagoya website.

Recycling of unclaimed bicycles

Some bicycles that remain unclaimed after the holding period and have become eligible for disposal will be repaired and sold at bicycle retailers registered as City of Nagoya recycling business operators.