Shared-use pathJapan

An introduction to the traffic rules and road signs of Japan. Learn about driving, road safety and much more in our illustrated book, with answers to frequently asked questions.

For informational purposes only. Always follow official regulations. Some content and images were created with AI assistance.


9. Shared-use path

A shared-use path is a path or part of a road intended for use by both pedestrians and cyclists. Unlike facilities where pedestrians and cyclists have clearly separated sections, users of a shared-use path normally travel within the same general space.

Because users may travel at very different speeds, cyclists should approach pedestrians carefully, adapt their speed and leave sufficient space when passing. The permitted users, priority rules and any speed restrictions depend on the local traffic signs and regulations.

Shared-use path
Shared-use path for pedestrians and cyclists along the Sawara–Abiko Bicycle Road. (Sakae, Chiba, Japan)
Wikimedia.org • 小石川人晃 • CC BY-SA
When can ordinary bicycles share a Japanese pavement with pedestrians?

The national rules provide specified exceptions, including signs permitting ordinary bicycles, certain rider age or disability conditions, and circumstances making carriageway use dangerous. A pavement is not automatically a cycling route. The permission concerns ordinary bicycles as legally defined.

🔗 laws.e-gov.go.jp • Japan Road Traffic Act — Articles 17–18, 63-3 and 63-4

🔗 laws.e-gov.go.jp • e-Gov — current enforced Road Traffic Act, revision metadata and full text

🔗 npa.go.jp • NPA — current 2026 bicycle rulebook; facility allocation and passing duties

🔗 npa.go.jp • NPA — bicycle rules FAQ, April 2026 amendment

🔗 npa.go.jp • NPA/MLIT — safe and comfortable bicycle-use environment guideline, June 2024

🔗 keishicho.metro.tokyo.lg.jp • Tokyo Police — bicycle navigation marks do not create new statutory rules or penalties

Mandatory shared pedestrian and cycle path. Mandatory shared pedestrian and cycle path.

English • Traffic sign 325の3 • Ordinary bicycles and similar users, and pedestrians only. Indicates a road for bicycles and pedestrians, or a pavement usable by ordinary bicycles and related categories. Also concerns eligible specified small motorised bicycles; check the road type and supplementary signs. Give pedestrians priority on pavements.

日本語 • 325の3 • 普通自転車等及び歩行者等専用。 自転車と歩行者のための道路、または普通自転車等が通行できる歩道を示します。対象となる特定小型原動機付自転車の通行にも関係するため、道路の種類と補助標識を確認してください。歩道では歩行者を優先してください。

How must cyclists ride when permitted on a Japanese pedestrian pavement?

Normally use the part nearest the carriageway and ride slowly enough to stop immediately. If you would obstruct pedestrians, you must stop. Pedestrians have priority; permitted cycling does not allow forcing them aside.

🔗 laws.e-gov.go.jp • Japan Road Traffic Act — Articles 17–18, 63-3 and 63-4

🔗 laws.e-gov.go.jp • e-Gov — current enforced Road Traffic Act, revision metadata and full text

🔗 npa.go.jp • NPA — current 2026 bicycle rulebook; facility allocation and passing duties

🔗 npa.go.jp • NPA — bicycle rules FAQ, April 2026 amendment

🔗 npa.go.jp • NPA/MLIT — safe and comfortable bicycle-use environment guideline, June 2024

🔗 keishicho.metro.tokyo.lg.jp • Tokyo Police — bicycle navigation marks do not create new statutory rules or penalties

Does every Japanese bicycle symbol mean walkers and cyclists share the whole path?

No. A legally designated cycle track, a reserved carriageway cycle lane and a pavement allowing ordinary bicycles are different arrangements. Painted navigation marks alone do not create new statutory access rules. Identify the facility and follow its applicable controls.

🔗 laws.e-gov.go.jp • Japan Road Traffic Act — Articles 17–18, 63-3 and 63-4

🔗 laws.e-gov.go.jp • e-Gov — current enforced Road Traffic Act, revision metadata and full text

🔗 npa.go.jp • NPA — current 2026 bicycle rulebook; facility allocation and passing duties

🔗 npa.go.jp • NPA — bicycle rules FAQ, April 2026 amendment

🔗 npa.go.jp • NPA/MLIT — safe and comfortable bicycle-use environment guideline, June 2024

🔗 keishicho.metro.tokyo.lg.jp • Tokyo Police — bicycle navigation marks do not create new statutory rules or penalties

1 Japan 2 Motorway 3 Expressway 4 Zone 5 Speed limit 6 Minimum speed 7 Footpath 8 Bike path 9 Shared-use path 10 Tunnel 11 Toll road 12 One-way traffic 13 Quay 14 Slope 15 Bus lane 16 Bus stop 17 Stop sign 18 Give way 19 Roundabout 20 Road narrowing 21 Pedestrian crossing 22 Railway crossing 23 Mandatory direction 24 Turn prohibition 25 School area 26 Overtaking 27 Crossing animals 28 Slippery road 29 Rockfall 30 Curve 31 Wrong-way driving 32 Roadworks 33 Crosswind 34 Height limit 35 Width limit 36 Weight limit 37 Radar speed sign 38 Selective barriers 39 Intersection direction sign 40 Traffic lights 41 Traffic lights warning 42 Pedestrian lights 43 Road markings 44 Driving licence 45 Location marker 46 Traffic mirror 47 Emergency telephone 48 Cycling route 49 Parking 50 No parking 51 No stopping 52 Disabled parking 53 Traffic management 54 Reversing 55 U-turn 56 Uncontrolled crossroad 57 Road surface 58 Provisional licence 59 Emergency exit 60 City limit 61 Horn 62 Licence plate 63 Charging station 64 Dangers 65 Pedestrian 66 Cyclist 67 Moped 68 Motorcycle 69 Car 70 Truck 71 Bus 72 Police 73 Ambulance 74 Pothole 75 Path 76 Particulates 77 Air pollution 78 Rush hour 79 Road code 80 Two-way traffic 81 Street gutter 82 Cargo bike 83 Forestry vehicle 84 Construction vehicle 85 Semi-trailer truck 86 Trolleybus 87 Speed pedelec 88 Delivery vehicle 89 Idling 90 Tow truck 91 Four-wheel drive 92 No vehicles 93 Bicycle 94 Motorcycle equipment 95 Tram 96 Rail track 97 Caravan 98 Trailer 99 Tow hitch 100 Fire truck ...