Jinrikisha (Rickshaws): Japan's Traditional Transportation

One of Asakusa’s most iconic attractions is its many rickshaws. You’re bound to see traditionally clothed drivers trotting along the streets, pointing and guiding tourists through the many attractions in the area.

These, of course, aren’t a modern attraction. They’ve been around for nearly 200 years! Let’s explore the history of rickshaws and what makes them such an interesting experience.

History of the Rickshaw

The late 19th century was a time of rapid change and industrialization in Japan. Japanese leaders began to adopt Western practices and cultural norms, including lifting a longtime ban on wheeled vehicles that was set in place by the Tokugawa Shogunate, which ruled from 1603 to 1868. This paved the way for all sorts of innovation and invention, including the rickshaw.

While the original inventor of the rickshaw is unconfirmed, it is believed that they were first created in Japan in 1869 by a man named Izumi Yosuke. Working in partnership with two other men, Suzuki Tokujiro and Takayama Kosuke, Izumi was inspired by the horse-drawn carriages introduced to the streets of Tokyo during the early years of Japan’s Meiji Restoration (1868-1889). Would-be rickshaw drivers would need a seal from the three men to operate a rickshaw in Tokyo. By 1872 there were around 40,000 of them in use across Japan!

Another reason for the popularity of rickshaws was that horses were primarily reserved for military use, thus making human power much more affordable and accessible. However, that doesn’t mean they were slow! Most rickshaw drivers covered 30-50 km (20-30 miles) a day at an average speed of 8 km/h (5mph).

How Did the Rickshaw Get its Name?

Originating from the Japanese word “jinrikishaw” (人 jin = human, 力 riki = power, 車 sha = vehicle) the first rickshaws were made of wooden carriages set on “Western wheels.” This improved on prior forms of transportation like sedan chairs and litters (enclosed seats) known as norimono, all of which required two or three people to move and were far less comfortable for passengers. Rickshaws were by far the easiest and most convenient form of transportation in the early Meiji to Showa periods, not unlike an old-timey taxi!

Rickshaws Today

Over time, the rickshaw spread across the world, making a significant impact throughout most of Asia. Eventually, with modernization and industrialization, human-powered rickshaws evolved first into cycle rickshaws and eventually into motorized versions. These are still popular in many Southeast Asian countries and can even be seen in other parts of the world.

If you’re looking for a traditional experience, fear not! There are many rickshaw companies still operating in Japan. They cater specifically to tourists, allowing riders to see cities in a way they might not otherwise. Drivers are extremely friendly and knowledgeable and some companies even offer unique experiences spread out along the route of the rickshaw tour. They might transport you from one area to the next, dropping you off for experiences like a tea ceremony, and then picking you back up for a continued tour of the town.

Popular areas for rickshaw tours include Asakusa in Tokyo, Arashiyama in Kyoto, Kamakura, and Miyajima in Hiroshima. They are a wonderful way to see historic sights and experience these cities in a new way, all while saving your legs and feet for extra adventuring!

About the author: 

Kevin Kilcoyne

The spark that lit Kevin Kilcoyne’s interest in Japanese culture began in elementary school through a friendship with his then classmate Keisuke. Since then, that passion has evolved and bloomed to encompass more than just video games and manga, leading Kevin to live in Japan as a participant of the JET program. During his time in Japan, Kevin sought out as many foods as he could, the experiences and taste memories lingering long after they had gone. Now he is forging a path to link his passions for Japanese food, history, and visual culture and is planning for his return to live in Japan once again. For now, you can find Kevin on Instagram (@waruishouten) where he posts his photography and illustration work. Keep an eye out for more posts and updates as Kevin delves more deeply into his passions for writing and food.