Around Saitama-Shintoshin Station in 2026
11.15日
Loading my beloved car,
In the same car as my friends.
On the day of the Saitama Criterium, chartered jumbo taxis are an option. Won't you free yourself, just a little, from the morning of carrying a bicycle transport bag through the ticket gates?
6:30 AM. Packing my beloved bike into a bicycle transport bag at the front door, carrying the wheel bag and backpack to the nearest station. On the stairs during a transfer, the bag hits my shin, and on the platform, there is a wave of people also heading to watch the race. By the time I arrive at the venue, I feel like I've already finished a day's work.
On Sunday, November 15, 2026, the "J:COM presents 2026 Tour de France Saitama Criterium" will be held around Saitama-Shintoshin Station. In this article,Taxi to the Saitama CriteriumFor those considering attending, we will introduce key points regarding traffic regulations on the day, a comparison with bicycle bags (rinko), personal cars, and standard taxis, as well as how to spend the day in a jumbo taxi that can transport bicycles along with passengers, complete with a model itinerary.
Essential Dates and Traffic Restrictions for the 2026 Tournament to Know First
This is tournament information that serves as the foundation for the travel plan. The content is based on information posted on the official website as of September 23, 2026.
Date, venue, and broadcast schedule
- Tournament name
- J:COM presents 2026 Tour de France Saitama Criterium
- Date of event
- Sunday, November 15, 2026
- venue
- Around Saitama-Shintoshin Station
- Traffic regulations
- November 15 (Sun) 9:00 AM – 6:30 PM (tentative)
- Broadcast
- J Tele / J SPORTS / J SPORTS On Demand 14:30 - 17:30 (scheduled)
- Related events
- Cycle Festa, Saitama Marche (scheduled for November 14 and 15), general participation experience events, public viewings, and others
Source:2026 Tour de France Saitama Criterium Official WebsiteSchedule and details are subject to change.
Cars cannot be brought up to the venue entrance after 9:00.
On the day of the event, traffic regulations will be in effect around the venue from 9:00 to 18:30 (scheduled). The restricted area isofficial website traffic regulation pagecan be checked on the regulation map. Whichever means of transportation you take,Where to get off outside the regulations and where to meet up on the way backDeciding on it in advance leads to peace of mind on the day of the event.
This year's course is the outer perimeter of the arena.
The 2026 tournament is scheduled to use the outer perimeter of the GMO Arena Saitama as the course, rather than passing through the inside of the arena. As the course is subject to change in the future, please check the official latest information when considering viewing locations.
Bicycle transport, private car, and two taxis. The "reality of the day" for each.
Every means of transportation has its merits. That being said, when the conditions "having a bicycle," "being with friends," and "on the day of a large-scale event" overlap, the perspective changes a bit.
| Bicycle transport (train) | my car | Usually multiple taxis | Jumbo taxi charter | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Good points | Easy to keep costs down | Have control over one's time | You can sometimes ride without a reservation. | Everyone and all the equipment fit in one vehicle. |
| Bicycle | Bagging and carrying it around | Limited number of units available | Often can't be loaded | Loaded together in the large cargo area |
| Transfer | Multiple times depending on the route | None | None | None (door-to-door) |
| Load on the day | Traveling through the crowd with heavy luggage | Driving and finding parking | The hassle of meeting up after splitting into separate cars | Leave the driving to the pros. |
If you are traveling light and attending alone, taking the train might be the easiest option. However, as the number of bicycles increases to two or three, and your companions increase as well, "who carries everyone's luggage and how" will affect how tired you feel on the day of the event. Which pattern is closest to your group?
Why "That's a problem" directly turns into a solution
I have listed the common troubles often heard when watching a critérium or participating in a test ride, comparing them one by one with the features of a jumbo taxi.
The burden per person is calculated by dividing one unit by the number of people.
The charter fee is per vehicle. This means that the more people who ride, the lower the cost per person.
Since there are no additional charges based on vehicle type or late-night/early-morning surcharges, the calculation is simple even for early morning departures. The specific amount isFare and Toll ChartPlease confirm with the estimate.
[Model Plan] Spending November 15 with 4 road cycling friends and 3 bicycles
Here is an idea for four visitors from out of town (three of whom are bringing their bicycles) to enjoy the games and events. Times and locations can be adjusted to suit your preferences.
- 7:15 Pick up at your hotel, home, or nearest stationLoaded with 3 bicycles, wheel bags, winter clothing, and spectator gear. The crew will assist with the loading process.
- Around 8:30, get off outside the restricted area.Get off at the pre-determined safe location before the restrictions start at 9:00. From here, head to the venue on foot or by your own means.
- Daytime: Watching games, hands-on experiences, gourmet foodCycle Festa, Saitama Marche, public viewings, and more. Check the official website for the latest information on the events.
- Meet up in the evening away from the crowdsIt gets crowded after the race and around the time traffic restrictions are lifted (scheduled for 18:30). The trick is to allow plenty of time and flexibility for your meeting place and time.
- Return trip directly to home, hotel, or stationWith your bicycle and gear still loaded, you can drive home while looking back on the day's race from inside the car.
Tips for deciding boarding and alighting points:Available parking spots change depending on traffic regulations on the day of the event. For the return trip, it is smooth to choose a merging spot in the opposite direction of the post-game crowds. Let's discuss this with the driver in advance.
How many bikes can fit in a Hiace? Pre-loading checklist
Luggage space size guide
For the jumbo taxi, we use a Toyota Hiace (Wide Super Long). The cargo space is 1,700 mm wide by 3,250 mm deep, with a rear height of approximately 1,550 mm. The number of bikes that can be loaded varies depending on the number of passengers, the type of bicycle, and whether the wheels can be removed, so please inform us of the number and types of bicycles before making a reservation.
Things to prepare by the day of the event
- Make sure the front wheel (and preferably the rear wheel too) can be removed.
- Prevent dirt and scratches inside the car using bike transport bags and wheel bags
- Cover parts that easily get greasy, such as the chain and pedals.
- Pack your helmet, shoes, and apparel in a separate bag.
- Consult in advance regarding large, heavy vehicles such as electric assist bikes and fat bikes.
For small groups, a wagon taxi is also an option.
If you are traveling in high comfort with 2 to 4 people without bicycles, you can also choose a Grand Ace or Alphard wagon taxi (capacity up to 5 passengers, fits about 4 medium-sized suitcases). If you are bringing bicycles, a jumbo taxi with a large luggage compartment is recommended.
Honestly, there are cases where a jumbo taxi is not needed.
If you are attending alone and without a bicycle, taking the train to Saitama-Shintoshin Station is the easiest option. For those who live near the venue and can ride there, a charter is likely unnecessary.
On the other hand,There are multiple bicycles, there are 3 or more companions, you are with children or elderly family members, you are coming from a distance or from the airportIf even one of these applies to you, booking a private charter will likely be easier in the end and offer good value for the cost per person.
We also provide transportation to and from Haneda and Narita airports. For those visiting Japan or returning home with a bicycle transport bag or bike case,Haneda Airport pricing pageinterpoint (interword separation)Narita Airport pricing pagePlease also see.
4 steps from estimate to the day of service
- Consult via web formPlease provide the date and time (outbound and return), number of passengers, boarding and drop-off locations, and the number and types of bicycles. We accept requests 24 hours a day.
- EstimateI will check the details and send you an email with the vehicle, plan, and pricing information.
- Reservation ConfirmationIf you are satisfied with the details, you can confirm. You can also discuss the boarding and alight points at this stage.
- Same-day pick-upOur driver will pick you up at the specified location.
Operations are conducted as a passenger motor transportation business (green license) authorized by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism. All drivers hold a Class 2 driver's license for regular vehicles, and alcohol screenings are conducted before and after shifts. All operations are handled in-house with no sub-contracting. Our head office is located in Sakura Ward, Saitama City, andNationwide pick-up and drop-off servicealso supports.
Saitama Criterium Taxi Travel Q&A
How many bicycles can be loaded?
It depends on the number of passengers, the type of bicycles, and whether the wheels will be removed. If you let us know the quantity and types, we will suggest the best vehicle and plan for you.
Can I get off right in front of the venue?
On the day of the event, from 9:00 to 18:30 (scheduled), there will be traffic restrictions around the venue, so boarding and alighting will take place outside the restricted area. Please discuss the location with the driver in advance.
Can I use it for two days starting from the event on the previous day?
Yes, you can also inquire about multi-day usage and transportation to your pre-stay hotel. Please let us know your schedule when requesting a quote.
Are there any additional charges for early morning departures?
There are no late-night or early-morning surcharges. There are no additional fees based on the vehicle type. For details,Fare and Toll Chartfor more information.
By when should I make a reservation?
Consultations may be concentrated before the tournament. As soon as your schedule is decided,Web formPlease contact us as soon as possible.
Summary｜Save your stamina for watching the race
The 2026 Saitama Criterium will be held on Sunday, November 15, around Saitama-Shintoshin Station, with traffic restrictions in place from 9:00 to 18:30 (tentative). Considering the hassle of transferring while carrying bicycles and meeting up with friends, a chartered jumbo taxi that can transport "everyone and all equipment in a single vehicle" is a logical choice, especially for larger groups.
It is okay to start with just the date, number of people, and number of bicycles. Please feel free to contact us.
Free estimates for bicycle transportation per bike
Please provide the date and time, number of people, boarding and alighting locations, and the number of bicycles. The web form is available 24 hours a day.
Read in conjunction with
This article is provided by Jumbo-Taxi.com based on publicly available information and is not affiliated with the tournament organizers. For the latest tournament information, traffic regulations, and tickets,Official websitePlease check with.
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