Explore Fukuoka Like a Local: Your Ultimate Guide to Chari Chari Bike Share
What Exactly is Chari Chari?
Chari Chari is a bike-sharing service in the Fukuoka area that lets you conveniently rent and return bicycles using a smartphone app. With rental stations, or “ports,” located all over the city, it’s a favorite way for locals and tourists alike to get around. The basic idea is to ride from one port to another.
What You’ll Need to Get Started
- A smartphone: Any iOS or Android device.
- Internet Connection: Make sure you have data roaming, a pocket Wi-Fi, or a local SIM card.
- A credit card that allows international payments: VISA, MasterCard, JCB, American Express, Diners Club, etc.
App Download and Registration
- Download the App
- For iOS users: Search for “Chari Chari” on the App Store.
- For Android users: Search for “Chari Chari” on the Google Play Store.
2. Sign Up
- Open the app and follow the registration steps. You only need to enter five pieces of information: your name, phone number, address, date of birth, and credit card number.
- Phone Number: You can register with a non-Japanese mobile number.
- Language Settings: The app supports both English and Japanese during registration. Choose the language that works for you.
3. Register Your Payment Method
- Enter your credit card information. The service accepts major international brands. Instead of paying per ride, the system works on a monthly billing cycle. Your total usage for the month will be charged to your card at the end of the month.
How to Use Chari Chari
- Find a Bike
- Open the app’s map to see available bikes near you.
- Head to a “port” where a bike is located. On the map: the number indicates how many bikes are available (0 means none), and the lightning bolt symbol means there are electric-assist bikes at that port.
2. Unlock Your Bike
- Once you’ve chosen a bike at the port, tap the red “Unlock” button in the app and scan the QR code on the bike.
- Once it unlocks, you’re ready to ride!
3. Making a Quick Stop (Temporary Lock)
- If you need to park the bike for a short time, you can manually lock it. You can unlock it again later by scanning the QR code.
- Warning 1: Locking and unlocking only works in areas with a stable internet connection. You may have trouble unlocking it again in an area with a poor signal.
- Warning 2: The rental fee continues to add up even when the bike is manually locked outside of a designated port. If you’re stopping for a long time (e.g., shopping or a meal), it’s highly recommended to end your ride by returning the bike to the nearest port.
4. Ending Your Ride & Returning the Bike
- When you reach your destination, you must return the bike to a designated parking port. (Push down the lock on the rear wheel).
- You can only return bikes to ports marked with a 〇 or △. A port marked with an ✖ is full and cannot accept new bikes.
- Locking the bike automatically ends the ride in the app.
- The app will calculate your ride time and charge it to your registered payment method. You’ll hear a beep when the ride has ended, but always double-check the app screen to confirm the ride has officially ended.
Pricing Guide (As of October 2024)
- Standard Bike: 7 JPY per minute
- Electric-Assist Bike: 17 JPY per minute
Example: A 30-minute ride on a standard bike will cost 210 JPY.
How to tell them apart: Generally, the sturdier, bulkier bikes are electric, while the slimmer ones are standard.
If you’re not sure, the electric bikes have a power switch on the handlebar. You need to turn this on to get the electric boost.
Important Tips & Rules
- Internet is a Must: You need an internet connection to start and end your rental. Prepare ahead with data roaming or a pocket Wi-Fi for a smooth experience.
- Follow Japanese Traffic Laws: In Japan, you must ride on the left side of the road. Always prioritize pedestrians, obey traffic signals, and ride defensively. Your safety is the top priority when traveling abroad.
- Parking Etiquette: You must return the bike to a designated parking port. If you park it randomly on the street (e.g., while shopping), it could be towed, and you will continue to be charged for the rental time.
- Battery Management: If you’re using an electric-assist bike, keep an eye on the battery level. Also, remember to turn the power switch on! Otherwise, you’re just paying a higher price to pedal a heavier bike.
Additional Resources
- Japan Bicycle Rules Guide: This guide on cycling rules is available in seven languages, including English. Give it a read for a safe journey. (Link, PDF file)
Final Thoughts
Cycling is a fantastic way to explore places that are hard to reach by public transport and to experience the daily life of a city up close. It can save you time and money compared to other transit options. Plus, you can enjoy that classic Japanese cinematic feeling—waiting at a quiet railway crossing, hearing the clanging bells, and feeling like you’re in a movie. We highly recommend giving it a try for a memorable travel experience.
