There are many ways to get around Kamakura, with local trains and buses running to most of the major sites, and you can always treat yourself to a taxi ride. But nothing beats a bicycle for the freedom it gives you to explore this city at your own pace, to discover hidden gems, and to stop when and where you like.
Kamakura Rent-a-Cycle Bicycle Rental
Kamakura Rent-a-Cycle is a friendly bicycle rental store beside Kamakura Station that has been in operation since 1974. The store has 150 bicycles, which include standard bicycles and electric bicycles (e-bikes). Standard bicycles are of course cheaper, but you may want to consider the extra power of an e-bike if you plan to cycle extensively or tackle some of Kamakura’s hills!
Bicycles can be rented for as short a time as 1 hour or for a full day — which means until the store closes at 17.00.
One great point of this store is that they also offer a luggage storage service. So you can leave your bags here while you explore the city by bicycle. At the time of writing, luggage storage is available between 8.30 and 16.00 and costs 400 yen for a small bag, 500 yen for a medium-sized bag and 700 yen for a large bag.
When renting a bicycle you will need to show some proof of identity such as a passport or driver’s license. You will then need to fill out a rental form which includes details of the type of bicycle you have chosen and how long you want to rent it for. If you return the bicycle later than the scheduled time, you will have to pay an extra fee of 250 yen for every extra hour.
If you plan to cycle as far as Enoshima, it is possible for an extra fee to return the bicycle you rent at the Koike Shoten Rent-a-Cycle Store which is located right beside Enoshima Station. However, you will have to book this service when you fill out the rental form.
Bicycle helmets for adults can be borrowed for free, but there will be a fee if they are returned after the store’s closing time at 17.00.
Below are the bicycle rental fees, which are correct at the time of writing. However, these fees are subject to change with the seasons and during peak periods.
| Rental Period | Standard Bicycle | E-Bike |
| 1 hour | 600 yen | 1,200 yen |
| 2 hours | 850 yen | 1,600 yen |
| 3 hours | 1,100 yen | 1,900 yen |
| 4 hours | 1,350 yen | 2,100 yen |
| One day (until 17.00) | 1,200 yen | 2,200 yen |
| One day – return at Enoshima | 2,500 yen | 3,000 yen |
Payments can be made with cash or with a prepaid IC card like Suica or Pasmo.
Please be aware that this store has a limited number of bicycles, and may run out of bicycles during peak holiday periods like the Golden Week holidays in early May, or during the summer vacation period.
Kamakura Rent-a-Cycle is open from 8.30 to 17.00 but reception closes at 16.00.
Location
Kamakura Rent-a-Cycle is located to the south of Kamakura Station’s East Exit. After exiting the East Exit ticket gates turn right and walk along the station building towards the Kamakura Ekimae Police Box. At the end of the station building you will see a sign for the Rent-a-Cycle Store ahead of you and some stairs. Go up the stairs to reach the Rent-a-Cycle store. Here is a map showing the store’s location
Article and original photo by Michael Lambe. All rights reserved. Last updated 23-Nov-2025.
