Charichari Expands Its Share Bicycle Service with New Port on Chikugo River

Charichari Expands Its Reach in Kurume

Charichari Inc., based in Fukuoka, has made headlines with its latest initiative: the installation of a new bike-sharing port along the Chikugo River in Kurume City. This development marks a significant milestone, being the first permanent bike-sharing port set up in a river area in Japan. As the need for sustainable and accessible transportation grows, Charichari is committed to enhancing mobility options for local residents and students alike.

Expansion Overview in Kurume

Charichari has established itself as a vital public transportation alternative, with goals directed towards community engagement and sustainable growth. Partnering with Kurume City, the company is set to begin service in April 2024 with an impressive roster of around 280 bicycles and over 100 parking ports already available in the area.

So far, key transport hubs such as JR Kurume Station and Nishitetsu Kurume Station, as well as public facilities, commercial spaces, and neighborhoods, are linked through the bike-sharing services. Looking ahead, Charichari plans to expand its service area to include Miyanoujin and Komorino by October 2025, responding to the increasing demand from the community while enhancing user experiences.

Installation of Port in the Chikugo River Area

The Chikugo River, recognized as Kyushu's largest first-class river, offers vast open spaces conducive to the development of bike-sharing services. The proximity of this new port facilitates convenient transportation for students heading to nearby educational institutions, as well as for residents commuting to work or shopping.

Various local voices have called for the use of Charichari as a mode of transportation, detailing limited commuting options available in the area. These demands have led to the realization of placing a bike-sharing port along the river area. This is the first case in Japan where a bike-sharing port has been installed in a river space, according to internal research.

Positioning the port roughly 200 meters from both Nishitetsu Miyanoujin Station and the Kurume Ohashi bus stop, Charichari aims to facilitate short-distance travel using bikes as a secondary transport mode that helps alleviate congestion, reduce travel times, and improve overall accessibility in the surrounding region.

Current Port Locations (as of January 7, 2026)

- Chikugo River Dike Port (1-1 Miyanoujin, Kurume, Fukuoka Prefecture)

About Charichari

Charichari offers an easy-to-use bike-sharing service through a dedicated smartphone app that unlocks its signature red bicycles. The service is priced reasonably at 7 yen per minute for standard bikes and 17 yen for electric-assist bikes, enabling users to ride anytime and anywhere at their convenience.

Launched in February 2018 in Fukuoka, Charichari has since noted over 42 million rides, marking rapid growth in this green transport sector. The service currently spans nine areas across Japan, including Fukuoka City, Nagoya, Tokyo, Kumamoto, and now Kurume.

Additional Offerings

Further catering to its community of cyclists, Charichari has introduced a specially designed helmet for bike users. Lightweight, compact, and certified for safety by the Product Safety Association, the helmet boasts a stylish design suitable for both casual and formal wear, available for purchase through Charichari’s online store. As a bonus, buyers also receive Charichari ride tickets with their helmet purchase!

- Official Online Store

Join the Charichari Community

Charichari is currently seeking port owners to partner with! If you have unused space, such as an area in front of your store or office parking, consider transforming it into a Charichari port. Starting with spaces for as few as five bicycles, this initiative provides new value to underutilized areas.

- Detailed Information for Port Owners

As Charichari continues to innovate and expand, it encourages locals to embrace cycling as a daily habit, effectively contributing to the community's mobility and environmental sustainability.