Ground Transportation
Bicycles:
Bicycling is the main mode of transportation for JCMU students. Most places in the local area are accessible by bicycle and train. Each JCMU student is issued a bicycle, helmet, and a bike lock to be used during the program.
IF YOU CANNOT RIDE A BIKE, YOU MAY FIND TRAVEL TO AND FROM THE GROCERY STORE, TRAIN STATION, AND ELSEWHERE DIFFICULT.
JCMU students must wear a helmet when riding bicycles at all times. According to the Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute, “Depending on the type of impact and the severity of injury, the reduction in the risk of head injury as a result of wearing a helmet has been shown in several studies from all over the world to be in the range of 45 per cent to 85 per cent.” If a student is found to be riding a bicycle without a helmet, there are penalties that are stipulated in the bike loan agreement each student must sign upon receiving a bike.
Due to limited bike parking space at the Center, students are not permitted to bring their own bike to Japan or purchase a bike while in Japan unless special permission is granted. For example, individuals over six feet tall might find they are more comfortable on a large frame bike brought from the States or wheelchair users may wish to bring a handcycle. Students who wish to do this must make prior arrangements with the Student Services Coordinator in Japan.
Local Hikone Locations:
Below are approximate distances from the center to several locations in the city.
[1.6 km = 1 mile]
- Beisha Grocery Store - 2.8 km
- Post Office - 2.4 km
- ATM inside 7/11 Convenience Store - 3 km
- Shiga University - 3 km
- Hikone Castle - 3.2 km
- Hikone Train Station - 3.6 km
- University of Shiga Prefecture - 6 km
- Hikone Hospital - 6.8 km