Bicycle rentals and shared bicycles available in Iwate Prefecture!
Iwate Prefecture is also famous for “wanko soba” and as the hometown of Kenji Miyazawa.
Morioka City in Iwate Prefecture was recently selected as one of the 52 places to visit in 2023, as reported in the New York Times.
In this issue, we will introduce you to some of the most attractive places in Iwate Prefecture where you can rent or share bicycles.
Content of this article
- Shared bicycles available in Morioka City
- Bicycle rentals available in Hanamaki City
If you are interested in Iwate tourism, please take a look at this opportunity.
Table of contents
Share Cycle【Chario】for Bicycle Sightseeing in Morioka City
In Morioka City, famous for Morioka Castle Ruins Park and the Red Brick Pavilion, it is convenient to use the “Chario” shared bicycle service.
Chario is a service linked to HELLO CYCLYNG, which is operated by a major SoftBank group company, and allows users to easily reserve, ride, and return bicycles from their smartphones.
Since this is a shared cycle, the rental and return locations do not have to be the same.
In addition to Morioka City, there are also several dedicated HELLO CYCLYNG cycle ports in Hachimantai City.
Unlike most bicycle rental services, the variety of bicycles available for rent is limited, but we recommend this service as a perfect way to explore Morioka City on a day trip!
Dedicated ports in Morioka City and usage fees, etc.
| dedicated port | More than 20 locations in Morioka City |
|---|---|
| usage fee | 15 minutes : 100 yen 12 hours: 1,500 yen |
| business hours | 24 hours |
| Bike model | electrically power assisted bicycle |
| Payment Method | Credit card payment etc. |
There are three dedicated Chario cycle ports in Morioka City (as of April 2023).
It is centered around JR Morioka Station and Morioka Castle Ruins Park in the heart of Morioka City.
The models available for rental at Chario are electrically power assisted bicycles, which cost 100 yen for 15 minutes or 1,500 yen for 12 hours.
The number of dedicated ports and fees may change depending on the time of year, etc. Please be sure to check the official website.
How to use Chario
To use Chario, you will need the HELLO CYCLYNG application, so please install and set up an account on your smartphone first.
The main procedures for using the system are as follows.
- Search for dedicated ports in the app
- Reserve a Bicycle
- Enter and unlock the PIN on the operation panel
- Rent a Bicycle
- Return to the dedicated port after use.
As a precaution, there are no helmets or other items available for rent on the shared bicycles, so you will need to prepare your own when using them.
1. Search for dedicated ports in the app
First, start the HELLO CYCLYNG app. The map will then show you the dedicated ports where bicycles can be rented out.
2. Reserve a Bicycle
Tap the desired dedicated port to view details such as address and the number of units available for rent.
Tap the “Select” button for your desired bicycle from the list, and further tap the “Reserve Bicycle” button to complete the bicycle reservation.
3-4. Entering and unlocking the PIN
Next, head to the reserved dedicated port. Upon arrival, check to make sure the bike has the same vehicle number as the reserved bike.
Enter the PIN issued after the reservation into the operation screen to unlock.
5. Return to the dedicated port after use
When you are finished, head to the nearest dedicated port, park your bicycle, and lock it manually.
In addition, turn on the power on the operation screen, press the RETURN button and select “1” to complete the return of the bicycle!
For other detailed information on how to use, please refer to the official website.
Bicycle rentals available in Hanamaki City
Located south of Morioka City, Hanamaki City in Iwate Prefecture is famous as the birthplace of “wanko soba,” Iwate Prefecture famous gourmet food, and the hometown of Kenji Miyazawa.
As well as facilities related to Kenji Miyazawa, there are many attractive sightseeing spots in Hanamaki City, such as Osawa Onsen and Kamabuchi no Taki Waterfall!
The following bicycle rental services are available in the Hanamaki area.
- Hanamaki Tourism Association
- Ohara Honda
Bicycle rental by Hanamaki Tourist Association
Bicycle rentals operated by the Hanamaki Tourist Association are available at a souvenir store located a 2-minute walk from JR Shin-Hanamaki Station.
Electric bicycles are available, and the rental fee is 1,000 yen per day.
This service is recommended for those coming by Tohoku Shinkansen since it is just a short walk from Shin-Hanamaki Station.
Fees and store information
| Rental fee | 1,000 yen per day |
|---|---|
| Bike model | electrically power assisted bicycle |
| Rental hours | 9:00-16:00 |
| Office | 1-3-3, Hu-Shiou, Hanamaki-shi, Iwate |
For other details about bike rental, please refer to the Hanamaki Tourist Association website.
Ohara Honda
Rental bicycles are available at Bike Shop Ohara Honda, a 10-minute walk from Hanamaki Station.
Two types of bicycles are available for rent: Bridgestone’s TB1, a popular domestic brand, and Crossfire.
Both models are cross bikes and are recommended for those who are comfortable with sports bicycles.
There are two fee plans: half-day 800 yen and full-day 1,200 yen. Advance application (3 days in advance) and same-day application are available for bicycle use.
Please note that bicycle rental hours differ for those who apply in advance and those who apply on the day of the event.
Fees and store information
| Rental fee | Half day: 800 yen full-day 1,200 yen |
|---|---|
| bike model | Cross bike (TB1, Crossfire) |
| rental hours | ■In case of same-day application All days: 9:00～17:00 Half-day: Up to 4 hours within the full day’s usage time is allowed. ■In case of advance application All days: 8:00～18:00 Half-day: Up to 5 hours within the full day’s usage time is allowed. |
| Office | 540-11 Shimo-Kobunawatari, Hanamaki-shi, Iwate |
Summary of this article
In this article, we have explained about rental and shared bicycles available in Morioka City and other parts of Iwate Prefecture!
As you can see, in Iwate Prefecture in the Tohoku region, bicycle rental services such as Share Cycle are available here and there, especially in Morioka City.
If you are visiting Iwate Prefecture for the first time, or even if you have already visited once, please consider bicycle sightseeing!
Have a great day today!
Author of this article
