Tokyo by Bike: Top Cycling Routes & Rentals

Cycling through Tokyo offers a unique perspective of Japan's vibrant capital that you simply can't experience by train or bus. From tranquil riverside paths to historic neighborhood circuits, exploring on two wheels allows you to cover more ground than walking while still connecting intimately with the city's diverse landscapes and hidden corners. This guide highlights the best cycling routes, rental options, and guided tours to help you navigate Tokyo efficiently and enjoyably.

Best Cycling Routes in Tokyo

Tokyo offers a variety of cycling paths catering to different interests and skill levels:

1. Sumida River Cycling Path

Distance: 12km (one way)
Difficulty: Easy
Highlights: Tokyo Skytree, Asakusa, historic bridges, waterfront views

This flat, well-maintained path follows the Sumida River from Asakusa to Tokyo Bay. With minimal street crossings and dedicated bike lanes, it's perfect for casual cyclists and families. You'll pass beneath cherry trees (spectacular during spring bloom), alongside historic temples, and enjoy views of Tokyo's iconic skyline. Numerous waterfront cafés provide pleasant rest stops.

2. Imperial Palace Loop

Distance: 5km (full loop)
Difficulty: Easy
Highlights: Imperial Palace gardens, Marunouchi business district, Chidorigafuchi Park

This popular route circles the moats surrounding the Imperial Palace, offering views of historical fortress walls and meticulously maintained gardens. Though sections share the road with cars, traffic is typically light, especially on Sundays when the palace-side road is closed to vehicles. During cherry blossom season, the Chidorigafuchi section transforms into one of Tokyo's most picturesque cycling spots.

3. Tamagawa River Cycling Road

Distance: 50km (full route)
Difficulty: Moderate
Highlights: Riverside parks, Futagotamagawa area, Mount Takao views (on clear days)

This extensive path follows the Tama River from central Tokyo west toward Mount Takao. The wide, car-free route is popular with sport cyclists but also accommodates casual riders who can simply turn around whenever ready. Numerous parks and recreational areas along the way provide excellent picnic spots and facilities.

Pro Tip: Carry cash for small purchases as many local shops and cafés along cycling routes may not accept credit cards.

Bike Rental Services

Several options exist for renting bicycles in Tokyo:

• Docomo Bike Share - A convenient city-wide bike-sharing system with stations throughout central Tokyo. Download the app, register, and unlock bikes as needed. Perfect for short trips between attractions.
• Tokyo Bike Rental (Yanaka) - Offers high-quality city bikes and provides maps with recommended routes through the historic Yanaka district.
• Cycle Tokyo (Asakusa) - Rents road bikes, hybrids, and e-bikes with English-speaking staff who provide detailed route advice.
• Tokyobike Rentals (Yanaka) - Features stylish, lightweight bikes designed specifically for urban exploration.

Rental Service	Location	Bike Types	Daily Rate (approx.)
Docomo Bike Share	Multiple stations	City bikes	¥1,500
Cycle Tokyo	Asakusa	Road, hybrid, e-bikes	¥3,000-¥6,000
Tokyobike Rentals	Yanaka	Designer city bikes	¥2,000
Tokyo Bicycle Tour	Shinjuku	City bikes, includes guided tour	¥6,000-¥10,000

Guided Cycling Tours

For those preferring expert guidance, several companies offer organized cycling tours:

• Tokyo Great Cycling Tour - Offers full-day tours covering major attractions like Asakusa, Akihabara, and the Imperial Palace with knowledgeable guides providing historical context.
• Tokyo Bicycle Tour - Specializes in small-group and private tours focusing on authentic local experiences and hidden neighborhoods.
• Cycle Tokyo Tours - Provides themed tours including "Tokyo After Dark" and "Food & Sake Discovery" routes that combine cycling with culinary exploration.

Guided tours typically include bike rental, helmet, insurance, and often a meal or refreshment stop. They range from leisurely 3-hour neighborhood explorations to full-day adventures covering 20-30km.

Essential Tips for Cycling in Tokyo

1. Follow traffic rules - Technically, cyclists should ride on the road in the same direction as traffic. In practice, many locals ride on sidewalks when roads are busy; if doing so, yield to pedestrians and ride slowly.
2. Avoid rush hours - Plan rides between 9:30 AM and 4:30 PM or after 6:30 PM to avoid the busiest traffic times.
3. Use bicycle parking - Haphazard parking can result in your bike being removed. Look for designated bicycle parking areas, particularly near stations.
4. Be weather-aware - Summer can be extremely hot and humid; carry water and plan for shade breaks. Spring and autumn offer the most pleasant cycling conditions.
5. Bring ID - Japanese law requires cyclists to carry identification; for tourists, a passport photocopy is sufficient.

Pro Tip: Use Google Maps' cycling directions feature with caution in Tokyo—it sometimes routes through busy roads. Local rental shops often provide better paper maps with cyclist-friendly routes.

Day Trips and Extended Routes

For more adventurous cyclists, Tokyo serves as an excellent starting point for longer rides:

• Tokyo to Odaiba - Cross Rainbow Bridge (dedicated cycling path with spectacular views) to reach the futuristic island of Odaiba.
• Cycling to Kawagoe - A 30km ride northwest of Tokyo leads to this well-preserved Edo-period town known as "Little Edo."
• Arakawa River to Kasai Rinkai Park - Follow this 28km riverside path to reach one of Tokyo's largest parks with beautiful bay views.

For those interested in venturing beyond the immediate Tokyo area, consult our Day Trips from Tokyo guide, which includes cycling-accessible destinations.

When developing your Tokyo travel plan, consider incorporating a cycling day for a refreshing break from train travel. Our comprehensive Tokyo Itinerary offers suggestions for balancing your exploration methods throughout your visit.

Whether you're an avid cyclist or simply enjoy occasional recreational riding, Tokyo's extensive cycling infrastructure and diverse landscapes make it an unexpectedly wonderful city to explore on two wheels. Combining efficient transportation with close-up views of local life, cycling provides one of the most rewarding ways to experience Japan's captivating capital.