Bicycles/Scooters:

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Bicycles are the most common form of transport amongst the students. All of the accommodation is within 5-7 minutes on a bicycle at most. The train station, supermarkets and shopping malls are all about the same distance or less. Some of the longer term students obtain motorized scooters, but bicycles are by far the more common.

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The area surrounding the Institute and most of the southern part of the city is fairly flat so its easy to get around. The Institute has a bicycle/scooter shelter next to Sakura House (adjoining the courtyard/basketball area) and there is also an area nearer the Yamasa II building where bicycles can be parked.

Bicycles are fairly cheap to purchase or rent. You can rent a bicycle directly from Yamasa.

If you wish to ride a scooter you'll need a license (even for a 50cc bike). This involves going to the Motor Registry at Hirabari (there are a lot of forms to fill in, long queues to join, all in all its more like a zoo than an efficient process), take and pass a knowledge test (in Japanese), pay the license fees and then do a practise course for about 2 hours. This is why its usually only the longer term students who obtain scooters.

Even if you don't think you will drive in Japan, it is still worth obtaining an International Drivers Permit in your own country. If you have a motorcycle license, ensure that the details are included on the permit. It means that for up to one year you can ride or drive anything in Japan. Its very useful if you want to rent a car - renting a car may sound expensive, but if the cost of the rental is shared between 3 or 4 students then its a pretty cheap and flexible way to see the mountains and other hidden parts of Japan.

Car Parking:

Second hand cars are pretty cheap as cars in Japan don't have much of a re-sale value due to the "shaken" system. Some students obtain second hand cars for work or travel purposes - and parking is provided free at all of Yamasa's accommodation. You can drive to the Institute and park (also free), but ask Student Services for a parking permit first as even with the large carparks, space can be very limited.