I live in Fukuoka and have realized I never see anybody skateboard just on the sidewalks, or in the road, as a method of commuting to work or other places. Im interested in saving money on bicycle parking and commuting via skateboard but it seems uncommon, not to mention all of the “no skateboarding” signs I see in various areas (due to the noise I’m guessing).
Does anybody have any anecdotal stories about this? Is it very frowned upon?
11 comments
No go in Japan. Skateparks only.
It is illegal based on the traffic law.
Some ref; https://www.city.neyagawa.osaka.jp/material/files/group/44/sukebokinnshikannbann.pdf
skateboarding is seen a ‘yankee’ thing
I’d love to skate here but don’t know where you can or can’t in Tokyo area
also too afraid I’d KO a slow moving old folk that suddenly crossed my path
It’s not allowed. The bicyclists on Keyaki Dori riding at high speed up and down the sidewalk, despite a bike lane on the road, is already annoying.
get an electric scooter and you can commute with the bicycles and cars. Skateboards will get stopped.
I use a 3 wheel kickboard to commute sometimes. It does take a bit more space than a regular board but it collapses and no one has ever said anything to me about it. They are pretty cheap.. I bought it a few years ago but it was under 10k on Amazon. There are 2wheel ones too but I’m a bit fragile in my middle age so I didn’t get that one. The 2 wheeled ones are of course lighter and cheaper still.
No one has ever said anything to me in Osaka about it. I mean there are motorized scooters people are riding around so this appears to be ok.
There is little else as freeing as when you get off at your station or leaving work and then blasting off to wherever you’re going without having to worry about parking or a big unwieldy bicycle. They sell carry straps (I think) if you want to carry it around.
If you’re unsure of the investment you can check out tricycle m recycle shops and Mercari. You should be able to find even cheaper, used ones there.
I love mine.
I’ve been street skating in Japan for a decade, eight years in Tokyo. I rarely get stopped for cruising, and it’ll only be a warning or even just a megaphone prompt from a cop car if anything. When I skate street spots, I get kicked out all the time, but that’s usually the end of it.
Just go for it and help contribute to Japan getting more used to skaters by doing it right.
Yes, it’s very frowned upon because it’s so dangerous and inconsiderate, unlike the kind and respectful people charging down the narrow sidewalks on motorized mamacharis with kids on front and back, poorly maintained brakes, with an umbrella in one hand and a smartphone in the other, racing around blind corners and running red lights… /s
Fuck it, do it until someone tells you not to
Don’t listen to anyone. Skated almost everyday to school back in the day. Not once did I get a ticket.
Police will tell you to get off and you walk your board until you’re out of sight.
Lots of them in Shibuya at night, commuting home and elsewhere.