An overview on skating in Osaka
Dotombori at night time
Osaka is a major city in Japan and is also a hot place for in line skating. In terms for beginners there are good places to skate in Osaka such as Nagai Park and Osaka Castle Park. Also the riverside cycle paths along the Yodo River are suitable for skating. For experienced skaters and people who skate in traffic like I do in NY, Osaka is a good place to skate. People had told me that it was not possible to do so because the drivers in Osaka are nuts. But I skated in there this past summer and I must say that I was pleased with skating on the major streets (avenues) in Osaka. Actually the best time to skate on streets in Osaka is the early morning hours of the weekend (from 5 AM to 10 AM). Not that you can't skate in the daytime, but that is when you will see the least amount of traffic. There are bike lanes along the sidewalk of some of the major streets in Osaka that you can also use. But watch out for those speeding cyclist who will ring their bell at you.
NOTE: By Japanese traffic laws, in line skating is prohibited on streets and National roads. But having skated in traffic in Osaka this year, I did not run into any problems. So be careful and obey the rules of the road. Skate in traffic at your own risk!!
A few reminders about skating in Osaka:
1 - Before you skate, check your skates, wear your protective gear and most importantly:
WEAR A HELMET!! If you don't have a helmet, get one.
2 - If you are a beginner, try to skate in such places as Nagai Park or Osaka Castle Park
.
3 - If you have mastered the basic techniques such as starting off and stopping and you are looking for some more fun on your skates, maybe you would like to join the gang from City Run on Sunday mornings.
4- When skating on the sidewalk you must yield to all pedestrians and do not enter a building or store with your skates.
5 - About skating on streets in Osaka or any streets in Japan: By law, in line skates are not considered a means of transportation, so you are not supposed to be in traffic. But from my experience skating in Tokyo, as long as you follow the rules and skate in a safe manner, you should not have any problems.
6 - If you are skating in traffic, do not go to fast and allow enough space. Remember, you are on the road with cars, mopeds and cyclist.
7- Skate with traffic, do not go against it.
8- Let the driver know that you are on the road and keep an eye out on everything. Also, watch out for opening car doors.
9 - Do not skate in sand or wet surfaces, especially when it rains.
10 - At night, wear reflective gear and flashing lights so that you will be noticed by traffic from the front and behind.
