The sharper edge to traveling in Asia

WoWasis tours Tokyo by bicycle

Written By: herbrunbridge - Jul• 28•13

GBikeTokyoSmall BTo us here at WoWasis, it first the concept of seeing a lot of one of the world’s largest cities by bicycle in one day sounded absurd. Tokyo isn’t laid out on a grid pattern, so following a map and doing on your own is problematic, especially considering the constant traffic. But doing it alongside another bicyclist who knows the city, and it’s terrific! There are several companies offering bike tours of Tokyo (see below), but we went with our friend Lennie Mace, an expat artist who’s lived in Tokyo for years, has a passion for architecture, and travels by bicycle just about everywhere.

Tokyo's Imperial Palace

Tokyo’s Imperial Palace

Over a six-hour day, we biked 20 kilometers. Beginning in Shinjuku, we first viewed the amazing Olympic architecture at the Yoyogi National Gymnasium, designed by architect Kenzo Tange, and built in 1964. Riding east, we stopped at the ancient Meiji-jingu Shrine, then biked to the Meiji Memorial Picture Gallery, a magnificent Taisho-era structure completed in 1925. The beautiful grounds of the Imperial Palace were next, where we de-biked and took a lovely walk. We next headed southeast to the Ginza district, and pedaled through to the legendary Tsukiji Fish Market. We arrived there in the early afternoon, well after the auctions and most commercial activity had taken place. This gave us an opportunity to bicycle through the building, something that wouldn’t have been possible earlier in the day.

Yoyogi National Gymnasium

Yoyogi National Gymnasium

After the market, we crossed the Nijubashi Bridge and over the Sumidagawa River, for a view of Tokyo Bay. We re-traced our ride through Ginza to stop briefly at the historical Diet building, then ended our day at the Hiejinja Shrine. The whole trip took six hours, allowing for numerous stop-offs at historical shrines, parks, and buildings, as well as an hour for lunch.

Traffic-wise, it was wonderful, as Tokyo drivers are used to bicycles, and getting around the city was easier than we could ever have imagined. Biking Tokyo made for a memorable day, and we recommend it. Here are two companies that offer Tokyo bicycle tours:

Tokyo Great Cycling Tour Office
1-3-2, Shinkawa, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 104-0033
Tel +81-3-4590-2995 (International)

Tokyo Bicycle Tours
Tel: 080-3209-9996 (in Tokyo)

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One Comment

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