TOKYO
Cycling through the world's largest city
OVERVIEW
Tokyo is undoubtedly one of the world’s top megacities. Cycling is a fantastic way to recon the city’s vast landscape in a day. With a ride of around 50 kilometers, you can get a solid overview of Tokyo, hitting highlights like Tokyo Tower, Skytree, Asakusa, the Imperial Palace, Shinjuku, and Shibuya—all in one day. This allows you to get an active “preview” of Tokyo and revisit favorite spots later for a more in-depth experience, making it an efficient way to sightsee on a short trip.
One of Tokyo’s defining features is its continuous urban landscape. While public transportation is incredibly convenient, the real charm often lies in the streets between stations, where you can find hidden local spots. Cycling is perfect for uncovering these tucked-away gems. Even with Tokyo’s impressive train network, some areas are harder to reach, such as the riverside and waterfront zones ideal for cycling but not as accessible by train.
A “gourmet ride” is also a must-do in a city renowned worldwide for its food. Cycling through Tokyo lets you efficiently visit numerous food spots, enjoy a variety of flavors, and burn off calories along the way.
Tokyo Sights Unique to Cycling
There are countless photos and videos of Tokyo, but the views from a bike are something else entirely. Here are some unique ways to experience Tokyo that only a cyclist can enjoy.
For example, the area around the famous Tokyo Tower features a steep uphill road. The feeling of pedaling uphill toward this towering landmark is an unforgettable experience.
Visiting shrines and temples is also a quintessential part of Japanese culture. In Tokyo, you’ll find torii gates and temple entrances standing directly across roads. Passing through these on a bike offers a surreal, one-of-a-kind perspective.
And the famous Shibuya Crossing? Cycling through this iconic intersection from the road instead of walking gives you a fresh view of the bustling scene.
Take advantage of the views only a bike can offer and discover a whole new side of Tokyo.
Cycling-Friendly Spots in Tokyo
Cycling around Tokyo is a great experience, but the heavy traffic can be challenging. If you’re looking for a more relaxing ride, here are some recommended spots:
Tamagawa and Arakawa Cycling Roads:
Two rivers, the Tamagawa and Arakawa, run along Tokyo’s borders, each with a dedicated cycling path. These are popular routes for local cyclists, featuring regular rest spots with public restrooms and vending machines.
Tokyo Bay Area:
The waterfront area, known for places like Toyosu Market and Odaiba, offers wide roads and open views, making it ideal for cycling. Especially on weekends, there are fewer transport trucks, creating smooth and easy riding conditions.
Palace Cycling:
The Imperial Palace area is a famous Tokyo sightseeing spot, but did you know that the roads around the palace become a dedicated cycling path on Sundays? This “Palace Cycling” event is held every Sunday except in July, August, and December. It’s a great way to enjoy the iconic surroundings on a bike.
Night Rides
Night rides in Tokyo are highly recommended, especially in summer when the city’s heat is intense. Riding at night lets you avoid the heat, and the lighter traffic makes for a smoother, more enjoyable ride. Japan’s nighttime streets are generally safe, but do watch out for taxis—there are many on the roads at night, and they tend to stop and start suddenly.
If you’re a Zwift user, you may have ridden through Makuri Island. The neon, cyberpunk scenes you’ve seen in Neokyo come to life here, with Tokyo’s real city lights and high-tech vibe all around you.
In winter, many parts of Tokyo feature seasonal illuminations, with lights wrapped around street trees. Cycling through these areas lets you pass through tunnels of light that are difficult to fully experience on foot. It’s a magical experience unique to night cycling.
Gourmet Ride
Since you’re in Tokyo, why not enjoy some gourmet delights along the way? Tokyo has countless cafés, making café-hopping a classic activity for cyclists. Be sure to discover your favorite spots as you ride.
Aside from cafés, Tokyo also has plenty of delicious bakeries and burger shops, which are still a bit of a hidden gem. Tokyo’s many parks make it easy to grab a takeout lunch and relax in a green space—a local favorite! For a truly Japanese touch, try picking up an Onigiri (rice ball) for a portable, traditional lunch.
And of course, cycling and sweets go hand-in-hand! Beyond the usual donuts and crepes, Japanese sweets (Wagashi) are a must-try. Convenient options like Taiyaki (fish-shaped pastry filled with sweet filling), Daifuku (mochi with a sweet filling), and Dorayaki (pancake sandwich with red bean filling) are great for takeout. In winter, there’s nothing better than biting into a hot, freshly baked Taiyaki on a chilly ride. Enjoy the flavors of Tokyo as you explore by bike!
WEATHER
