Tokyo by Bike: Discover the City in a Whole New Way
- Published on : 10/09/2026
- by : Phoebe
- Youtube
Explore Tokyo by Bike
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What if the best way to explore Tokyo were by bike? Away from the subway, a few pedal strokes are all it takes to go from one neighborhood to another, stop for a coffee or visit a temple, and then set off again wherever the mood takes you. Practical and eco-friendly, biking reveals another side of the capital. Which routes should you choose? Where can you rent a bike? The Japan Experience team takes you on a journey to discover Tokyo on two wheels.
From the vicinity of the Kokugikan, the legendary sumo tournament venue, head toward the Sumida River and follow it north. No need to constantly check the map—the pleasure lies in riding leisurely, with the water on one side and the cityscape unfolding on the other.
As the kilometers go by, the Tokyo Skytree comes into view between the skyscrapers. It’s time to slow down. A few minutes later, you’ll arrive in Asakusa, home to Senso-ji Temple and its grand Kaminarimon Gate as your destination. Don’t put your bike away just yet! First, take a detour through the narrow streets around the temple, then stop for some tea or a few sweet treats. Our recommendation? Matcha Cafe & Studio Asakusa, just a stone’s throw from Senso-ji, which offers several varieties of tea, as well as sweet and savory pancakes.
If you’re still in the mood to ride, continue on to Ueno. Otherwise, take it easy on your way back to the Sumida River.
Tokyo Skytree and the Surrounding Area by Bike
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Take our guided tour to discover another side of Tokyo
From the concrete of Marunouchi to the Imperial Palace Gardens
This time, meet in front of Tokyo Station. The start sets the tone: skyscrapers, impeccable suits, and wide avenues—you’d almost forget that one of Tokyo’s largest green spaces lies just behind it.
Head toward the Imperial Palace and gradually leave the Marunouchi skyscrapers behind you. In just a few minutes, the landscape changes. The moat comes into view, trees replace the glass facades, and the pace slows down. The official route around central Tokyo is about 12.7 km long and passes through the outer gardens of the Imperial Palace, Chidorigafuchi, Nihombashi , and Ginza.
Our favorite moment? The Chidorigafuchi moat in the spring, when the trees are in bloom.
But the rest of the route is also worth taking your time to explore: rather than trying to finish the walk as quickly as possible, take a few detours and enjoy the changing atmospheres.
End your ride in Ginza. Get off your bike, browse a few stores, then continue on to Tsukiji for lunch.
Our recommendation: Start with a coffee in a business district, such as at imperfect MARUNOUCHI ROASTERY, open as early as 7 a.m., and wrap up a few hours later with a bowl of seafood in hand at Tsukiji.
Imperial Palace by Bike
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Getting Lost in Yanaka
For this walk, forget about following a set route! Start at Nezu and head toward the shrine of the same name. After taking a few photos, stroll leisurely up toward Yanaka. The wide avenues have given way to narrow streets lined with small houses, neighborhood shops, and temples hidden behind walls.
This is where biking gets interesting, since you can get around faster than on foot, but still stop whenever a street catches your eye.
Next, walk through the Yanaka Cemetery, then head back toward Yanaka Ginza. The shopping street is perfect for a break: grab a coffee, watch the locals do their shopping, and head out again when you’re ready.
Our top tip? Yanakana Macha Stand, which also serves ice cream in addition to tea and coffee.
The neighborhood doesn’t require a set itinerary. On the contrary, set aside a few hours and be open to taking detours. In Tokyo, the best discoveries are the ones that weren’t on the map!
Discover daily life in Tokyo's historic neighborhoods
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From Yoyogi to the Neon Lights of Shibuya
Start among the trees at Yoyogi Park. Take a first walk around the park, then exit on the side near Harajuku. Wander through the narrow streets around Omotesando before heading back toward Shibuya.
The contrast is immediate: the trees give way to storefronts, the streets fill up, and the noise gradually increases. It’s precisely this change that makes the route so interesting.
In Harajuku, there's no point in trying to stay on your bike. Park it and go explore on foot. Takeshita-dori and the neighborhood cafés deserve more than just a quick stop.
Then hop back on your bike to head to Shibuya. As you approach the Scramble Crossing, same deal: get off and walk. Once the crowd is behind you, you can head back toward Daikanyama or Ebisu to finish the ride at a more leisurely pace.
Shibuya by Bike
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On to the bay!
Heading toward Toyosu. As you approach the bay, Tokyo seems to rise up. The docks open up, the buildings spread out, and you finally catch a glimpse of the horizon.
From Toyosu, take some time to stroll along the waterfront toward Tsukishima. Here, there’s no need to cram in a lot of sightseeing—the scenery is the main attraction of the route.
Take a break when you spot a bench facing the bay, and grab a drink at a konbini and admire the city from across the water.
It’s best to start this ride in the afternoon. You can still enjoy the daylight, and then gradually watch the buildings light up. It’s also one of the routes where you’ll really appreciate an e-bike. Distances can easily add up when you’re riding along the waterfront, and the pedal assist lets you keep exploring without worrying about how many kilometers you’ve covered.
Tokyo Bay by Bike
@D.Julien on Flickr, CC BY-NC 2.0
Explore the city at night
At night, you’re looking for a certain atmosphere. For your first stroll, start at Tokyo Station just before sunset. Walk through Marunouchi while the last lights still illuminate the building facades, then gradually make your way down toward Ginza. At this hour, the city transforms before your eyes. Offices empty out, neon signs light up, and the streets take on a whole new energy.
Continue toward Tsukiji, then press on to Tsukuda. Once you reach the waterfront, take a moment to stop and look around. It’s one of those moments when you realize just how vast Tokyo can be: beyond the bay, skyscrapers glisten, while the traffic seems far away.
For a more spectacular stroll, start at Ryogoku and follow the Sumida River to Asakusa. The illuminated Skytree serves as a landmark for much of the way, while the lit-up bridges offer a perfect excuse to stop and take it all in.
And if the idea of cycling alone through Tokyo at night doesn't appeal to you, Tokyo Great Cycling Tour offers guided night rides. It's a great way to explore the city after sunset without having to worry about navigating the streets!
Tokyo at Night
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Where can you rent a bike in Tokyo?
For a few hours, the easiest option is bike-sharing. The concept is simple: you pick up a bike in one neighborhood and drop it off elsewhere, which lets you take a real ride rather than sticking to a predetermined loop.
DOCOMO Bike Share is one of the most widespread networks in the capital and offers electric bikes, among other options. It’s our top choice for a day when you plan to explore several neighborhoods.
HELLO CYCLING works on the same principle. In both cases, it’s best to check the app before you set out: just because there’s a station near your starting point doesn’t guarantee that a bike will be available, nor that a spot will be waiting for you at your destination.
Other services, such as LUUP, Charichari, ecobike, or Lime, are also available depending on the neighborhood. For a spontaneous ride, this can be convenient: just open the app, see what’s nearby, and go with the flow.
If you’re in the mood for a sportier bike, CycleTrip offers sports bikes and e-bikes.
Otherwise, there’s no need to turn Tokyo into a stage of the Tour de France. A self-service e-bike is enough for a day and lets you venture a bit further from the subway stations.
Tokyo by Bike
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