Shared Bicycle Service 'ChariChari' Fully Launches in Kyoto and Otsu
Shared bicycle service 'ChariChari' officially launched its operations in Kyoto and Otsu from April 1, 2026. The company signed a cooperation agreement with Kyoto City and an agreement with Otsu City, introducing 520 electric-assist bicycles with special colors that blend into the local environment, aiming to solve local mobility challenges.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: April 1, 2026 at 19:00
- 🔍 Collected: April 1, 2026 at 10:15
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 22, 2026 at 07:10 (500h 54m after Collected)
ChariChari Inc. (Headquarters: Chuo-ku, Fukuoka City; Representative Director and President: Kentaro Iemoto; hereinafter "ChariChari"), which operates the shared bicycle service "ChariChari," announced that it has commenced full-scale service operations in Kyoto City and Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture, from 7:00 AM on Wednesday, April 1, 2026.
On the same day, ChariChari also signed a "Cooperation Agreement for Promoting the Use and Spread of Shared Bicycles" with Kyoto City.
With the mission of "creating the next habit of urban mobility," ChariChari is committed to solving urban mobility challenges in 9 areas nationwide as a public transportation option. In Kyoto City and Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture, ChariChari took over the "kotobike" business and began operations as ChariChari in December 2025.
This time, the bicycles and app have been rebranded to ChariChari, and full-scale operations have commenced.
Based on the cooperation agreement signed with Kyoto City on the same day, ChariChari will collaborate to create a safe, secure, and convenient shared bicycle usage environment that complements public transportation within Kyoto City.
Furthermore, in February, ChariChari signed an agreement with Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture, regarding the implementation of a "Shared Bicycle Project for Promoting Eco-Mobility" (*). Under the administrative cooperation system and in collaboration with Otsu City, ChariChari will establish a new service model that combines its strength in flexible port deployment with cycle ports installed on city-owned land, serving as hubs for the community.
(*) https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000206.000048038.html
The bicycles introduced in the Kyoto and Otsu areas feature special colors that harmonize with the local scenery and cityscape. While based on ChariChari's service color red, the design blends into the streets of Kyoto and Otsu, aiming to provide a service integrated with the community.
Reference: Shared Bicycle Service 'ChariChari' Takes Over 'kotobike' Shared Bicycle Business Operated by Kyoto's Long-Established Bicycle Shop Kyube in Kyoto and Otsu Through Company Split
https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000194.000048038.html
520 electric-assist bicycles will be in operation. The company plans to gradually increase the number of bicycles in line with future usage and the expansion of port numbers.
In addition, the ports previously used by "kotobike" will continue to be used as ChariChari ports.
On the same day, ChariChari also signed a "Cooperation Agreement for Promoting the Use and Spread of Shared Bicycles" with Kyoto City.
With the mission of "creating the next habit of urban mobility," ChariChari is committed to solving urban mobility challenges in 9 areas nationwide as a public transportation option. In Kyoto City and Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture, ChariChari took over the "kotobike" business and began operations as ChariChari in December 2025.
This time, the bicycles and app have been rebranded to ChariChari, and full-scale operations have commenced.
Based on the cooperation agreement signed with Kyoto City on the same day, ChariChari will collaborate to create a safe, secure, and convenient shared bicycle usage environment that complements public transportation within Kyoto City.
Furthermore, in February, ChariChari signed an agreement with Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture, regarding the implementation of a "Shared Bicycle Project for Promoting Eco-Mobility" (*). Under the administrative cooperation system and in collaboration with Otsu City, ChariChari will establish a new service model that combines its strength in flexible port deployment with cycle ports installed on city-owned land, serving as hubs for the community.
(*) https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000206.000048038.html
The bicycles introduced in the Kyoto and Otsu areas feature special colors that harmonize with the local scenery and cityscape. While based on ChariChari's service color red, the design blends into the streets of Kyoto and Otsu, aiming to provide a service integrated with the community.
Reference: Shared Bicycle Service 'ChariChari' Takes Over 'kotobike' Shared Bicycle Business Operated by Kyoto's Long-Established Bicycle Shop Kyube in Kyoto and Otsu Through Company Split
https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000194.000048038.html
520 electric-assist bicycles will be in operation. The company plans to gradually increase the number of bicycles in line with future usage and the expansion of port numbers.
In addition, the ports previously used by "kotobike" will continue to be used as ChariChari ports.