Best Bike Tours in Tokyo: Top 13 Routes to Try

With so many vibrant areas to explore, cycling is one of the best things to do in Tokyo, showing you all the city has to offer — from green spaces like Yoyogi Park to the glitzy streets of Ginza, to more traditional areas and waterways. Tokyo is a city worth exploring on two wheels.

Even the locals sing the praises of cycling the city — whether it’s a leisurely ride on a day off, or a fast-moving commute to the office, it’s a way to beat the crowds and see some sights you wouldn’t otherwise. 

It’s a fantastic way to really savor the city, and there’s a little something for everyone so read on to find out more about the best bike tours in Tokyo, the best routes for sightseeing and how to cycle through this memorable metropolis.

Find out more: Best Tokyo Food Tours for Japanese Food Lovers

Absolutely. You may be shocked to see just how many local people commute via bike, whether they’re on their way to or from work, taking the kids to school or just on a short grocery run. 

For a big city, the bike lanes and option of riding along the sidewalk make cycling through Tokyo great for enjoying things at your own pace.

It’s really easy to rent a bike in Tokyo, whether it’s from a local bike shop like Tokyo
Bike, or at any of the Docomo, Luup or Hello Cycling locations scattered throughout the city.

Tokyo is spread over a wide area, so cycling may seem difficult, but you’ll be surprised at how easy it is to get around. It’s often the quickest way to get to your destination! Despite Tokyo’s vast size, many areas are flat, with only a few hilly spots to navigate. 

For example, one of the easiest cycling routes is from Shinjuku to Tokyo Station, which takes a mere 30 minutes — not bad for a big city commute!

Tokyo offers a variety of cycling lanes and courses. These include paths along rivers, like Sumida and in parks like Wadabori. You’ll also find plenty of residential bike lanes connecting major stations and some sidewalks even have designated bicycle lanes. 

There are longer paths along rivers, like the 173 km Arakawa Cycling Route which offers glimpses of Mt. Fuji on a nice day. Getting out of the city, you can enjoy longer routes and full-day trips, with one of the most popular being to Lake Tama, the inspiration for Totoro.

Since the bicycle is such a common mode of transportation in Japan, no license is required. 

However, when purchasing your own bike, there are two things to keep in mind:

• You must register your bicycle with the Bicycle Theft Prevention Registration system. You can register at a bicycle shop and must present the registration label on your bike. 

• In some cities, like Tokyo, you must have bicycle liability insurance.

If you’re renting a bicycle, both will be covered as part of the rental fee.

Here are a few more things to be aware of when cycling Tokyo:

• Ride slowly along sidewalks, yield to pedestrians and do not ring your bell at them.

• Roads are left-side, bicycles keep to the shoulder, riding single-file.

• Yield to cars, and watch out for taxis and buses pulling in or out, as well as parked cars.

• A front light is required by law at night. Police may stop you if you don’t have one.

• Park in official bicycle parking areas — bikes parked illegally are often taken away.

• Use a lock. Japan is safe, but bicycles still get stolen.

• It is illegal to drink alcohol while cycling.

• You can be fine if holding a phone or umbrella while cycling.

There’s no better way to work up a good appetite than cycling through Tokyo’s lively Shibuya and Shimokitazawa neighborhoods. On this tour, a local ramen expert will guide you through the trendy streets of Shimokitazawa to discover some of the best local ramen. 

Having been to over 2,000 ramen restaurants in Japan, this ramen aficionado will guide you through ramen’s history and customs. Once you reach Shibuya, your guide will show you the perfect hidden places to get a fresh bowl of steaming gourmet ramen. 

Let your guide know your ramen style preference, or leave it up to them to decide!

The Shibamata area of Tokyo is rich with Showa-era retro charm, temples, a shopping street and cycling roads. The bikes on this tour are smaller and foldable, making for an easy jaunt around the area. 

The guide will take you for a local lunch (with gluten-free and pescatarian options), and along the gorgeous Mizumoto Park, the largest waterfront park in Tokyo. As the tour winds down, there is one last stop at a local bike-friendly cafe. 

Touring this retro area provides a perfect contrast between the modern city and traditional wooden buildings.

Explore the neighborhoods of Nakano, Koenji and Asagaya on a restored “mamachari” or mom’s bike. These bikes aren’t just for moms — you’ll see salarymen in suits, fathers and even teenagers using them to get around. 

Enjoy their charm as you wind through eclectic neighborhoods along narrow, local streets, away from the tourists for a salary-man style lunch experience and two street food stops. 

This tour is only 3.5 hours so it’s a great way to enjoy Tokyo and see it from a local’s perspective.

Cycle Asakusa’s backstreets and dive deeper into this popular tourist area, which, despite being a major tourist hub, is rich in history, with some locals living in the area for generations. On this tour, you’ll get to enjoy some local food favorites like yakitori grilled chicken, oden and sakura mochi. 

These mom-and-pop shops are definitely not on the regular tourist’s radar and are a great way to fuel your journey! 

If you visit in spring, you can enjoy the cherry blossoms, or in winter, you can try the steaming oden. The guide is happy to introduce you to other foods as well, so just ask! 

Find out more: Survive Winter with These Oden Restaurants in Tokyo

For those looking for more adventure, explore Tokyo by bicycle and boat via Asakusa, Tsukiji and Fukagawa, enjoying a fresh seafood lunch, historic shrines and temples, and getting a feel for the older parts of Tokyo. 

This tour takes you on a 7-hour trip through the city, with some of the most amazing views of Tokyo via riverboat. It takes you on and off shore to see hidden local areas, including two religious sites that were founded during the medieval era, and even river cruising breaks where you can take in city views while you rest your legs. 

This 4-hour foodie cycling tour takes you on an exploration of the local street food in the east areas of Tokyo, including Asakusa with nice views of the Tokyo Skytree, as well as to Ryogoku, the heart of sumo in Japan. 

Touring with a local guide, you get to taste classic snacks like sakura mochi, warabi-mochi and sweet potato cakes, as well as savory octopus dumplings (takoyaki) while you explore shopping streets and see the city from across the river. 

This tour has gluten-free and pescatarian options as well, so let your guide know if you need any dietary accommodations. 

Starting in the Tsukiji area, ride west to the glittering Ginza, Azabu and Roppongi Hills areas. Continue west to Aoyama and then north to Omotesando, past Yoyogi Park, to Kagurazaka in Shinjuku. Follow the road northeast to reach the Imperial Palace and Tokyo Station. 

You can stop here, or move north to the Yanasen-Yanaka area for an older atmosphere, and then end by making your way south to Akihabara’s neon streets.

Starting at dusk, make your way through the city streets of Shinjuku, moving west to Akebonobashi, up the ginkgo-lined streets of Yasukuni, climbing slightly northeast to Ueno. 

Make your way east through the chic old streets of Kuramae, up through Asakusa to see Sensoji, and then cross the river to reach Sumida City Park at the foot of the Tokyo Skytree. 

An alternate course is to cycle from Shinjuku, past Meiji Jingu Gaien to the east, making your way down the hills of Roppongi to reach Shiba Park at the foot of Tokyo Tower.

Find out more: Best Things to Do Near Tokyo Tower: Top Attractions

Starting on the west side of Tokyo at the lush and green Inokashira Park, make your way east to Shinjuku, climbing slightly north east to reach Bunkyo Ward, cycling around the north of the Imperial Palace, making your way either up to Asakusa or across the river to Ryogoku.

Starting near Tokyo Station, make your way down through Ginza and Tsukiji, then follow the river north to Kuramae, up to Asakusa and then across the Sumida river to Ryogoku, ending at Tokyo Skytree. For a great picnic stop, check out Tsukuda Island. 

Simply cycling around the Imperial Palace and Tokyo Station — adding in a nice dinner in the Akasaka area or moving north to Asakusa — is a nice way to enjoy traditional gardens and parks as well as get a taste of the posher areas nearby.

For some stunning sunset views of Tokyo Bay, start from the traditional streets of Asakusa, moving south to Toyosu, and then making your way across the nearby bridges to futuristic Odaiba. 

Once the sun has set, make your way back across the river via the Rainbow Bridge to enjoy the city lights.

For those interested in anime, manga or Japanese subcultures, start your night ride from Akihabara, taking in the neon displays and stopping in shops as you go. Make your way north to Ikebukuro which is also a Japanese subculture haven. 

This little area is fighting to become the rival of both Akihabara and Shibuya, hosting major anime conventions and events, and has some really great city lights at night.

Cycling north through Ueno Park or to the eastern Sumida river are great ways to escape from the urban hustle, while not being too far from the city centers.

Find out more: Best Day Trips From Tokyo

For late-night lights, start near Shinjuku Chuo Park, taking in the views of the Tokyo Metropolitan Building, and make your way east to Kabukicho in the northeast, passing by Golden Gai and Omoide Yokocho. 

Move south past Shinjuku Gyoen, staying near the station to the Kitasando area, and, if it’s late enough, this is a great time to ride through Takeshita-dori, Harajuku’s main street which is usually packed with people. 

Head west  toward Yoyogi Park, and if you need to refresh, take a loop on Yoyogi Park’s Cycling Course.

Cycle your way through the boutique-lined streets of Nishi-Hara to Yoyogi Uehara, another chic area at the foot of the hill, stopping by any of the cute local coffee shops or cafes (including plenty of vegetarian-friendly options) along the way, and then climb your way into Yoyogi for the adventure!

Make your way southwest from Shinjuku to Shimokitazawa for some retro shopping and cafes, and then move south to Sangenjaya for some street food that is a favorite haunt for locals, but isn’t popular with tourists yet.

Make your way north from Shinjuku to the Nakano area, moving west to enter Wadabori Park. Stop by the local museum with a traditional Japanese home, then ride west to the woods of  Inokashira Park. 

End your ride by stopping by some of the best, retro hole-in-the-wall izakaya bars in Kichijoji.

If you’re a cycling fan, you’ve heard of Blue Lug, so start in Hatagaya (just west of Shinjuku), then ride down a small backstreet nearby to Woodvillage Cycles, a friendly local bike shop with some interesting, modern takes. 

Make your way east to Brotures, a fixed-gear specialist in Harajuku, and then move northeast to Yanaka Ginza for a classic Tokyo Bike Experience. Finally, cross the Sumida River to talk with JD Cycle Tech. From here it’s a short ride to Tokyo Skytree, the perfect place to end your tour.

With all the different areas and charms of Tokyo, there’s really no better way to see the city than by bike. If you’re ready to get started on your cycling adventure in Tokyo, why not start by adding a few more stops to your itinerary? 

Try eating at the best Michelin-starred restaurants in Tokyo or, if you’re looking to keep it active, check out our guide to climbing Mount Fuji. If you'd prefer to explore the city with a local expert, join one of our Tokyo food tours or bar-hopping tours.