Tokyo , Japan

Tokyo West-Side Cycling & Food Tour

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(212 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Discover eclectic parts of Tokyo missed by most visitors and explore the city like a local: on two wheels. This small-group Tokyo bike tour takes you on a captivating local jaunt through the twisting backstreets and riverside bike paths away from the tourist crowds.

Available options

Private Ride

3.5 Hour Private Cycling & Food Experience

Small Group Ride

3.5 Hour Small Group Cycling & Food Experience

What's included

2 Japanese street food eats from long-standing neighbourhood vendors.

Cycling liability insurance.

Use of bicycle

Local English speaking guide

Bicycle parking fees.

Your choice of bottled drink from one of Japan's 5+ million vending machines.

A simple 'salaryman' style lunch experience at a popular neighbourhood eatery.

What you'll see

Jump on board a salvaged 'mamachari' bicycle and join a like minded group of guests on an ALL INCLUSIVE cycling, walking and food adventure in West Tokyo.

Delve into the eclectic local neighbourhoods of Nakano, Koenji, and Asagaya as we pedal to the rhythm of everyday life on this all-season, all-weather neighbourhood jaunt.

With the insider knowledge of a seasoned local, nothing's off limits as we encounter the urban landscapes, neighbourhood attractions and enticing cuisine that gives these culturally rich areas their distinctive character.

Test your cycling dexterity through the twisting backstreets, coast along the picturesque Zenpukuji River, enjoy a tailored selection of popular local snacks, experience first-hand Tokyo's unique bicycle parking systems and jostle for counter space with hungry ‘salarymen’ as we refuel for lunch.

The possibilities are endless as we set off to explore a captivating side of Tokyo on our sometimes creaky, sometimes squeak but always immaculately maintained ‘mamachari’ bikes.

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

45 reviews

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1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

167 reviews

5★

166

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Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

This is a ‘no-fuss’ Tokyo cycling, walking and food tour with an emphasis on socialising, exploration and local discovery. There won’t be any major sightseeing or ‘fine dining’ stops on our itinerary.

For the enjoyment of the group and your personal safety, you are expected to be competent riding a bicycle in an urban environment through narrow and potentially crowded streets and on uneven surfaces for a distance of roughly 12 - 15 km (7.5 - 9.5 mi).

Guests should be over 140 cm in height (4'7) to comfortably ride the bikes and helmets can be provided for all participants on request.

All salvaged ‘mamachari’ bicycles are ‘Japanese-sized’ and come equipped with front baskets that have the capacity to hold a standard sized backpack.

Japanese cuisine often contains meat and seafood elements, with ‘dashi’ being a common base ingredient. Please understand that we will be visiting typical local eateries and that it can be difficult to cater to personal tastes, dietary requirements and food allergies.

Group size, environmental factors and the speed in which the group eats and cycles will all impact on the finishing time of our bike tour. As a rough guide, it’s a 3.5 to 4 hour outing.

Please appreciate that you have chosen an outdoor activity that may be impacted by the weather. If we encounter a rainy day, basic ponchos will be provided and our cycling tour generally proceeds as planned.

By attending this Tokyo bike tour you acknowledge the adventurous nature of the ride and that participation can involve a degree of personal risk. Cycling liability insurance is included for the cycling portion of our experience but you are expected to possess comprehensive travel insurance to protect yourself from unforeseen incidents.

Meeting point

The tour will commence directly outside the electronic ticket gates of Koenji Station on the JR Train Network. Koenji Station is only two stops by train from Shinjuku Station (6 min) or five stops by train from Shibuya Station (18 min).

Important notes

Thanks for booking!

Our cycling, walking and food experience will kick-off from KOENJI STATION on the JR TRAIN NETWORK. Koenji Station is a quiet suburban station with only one ticket exit. You'll have no difficulty finding me waiting DIRECTLY OUTSIDE the electronic ticket gates, 5 minutes before the start of our experience. I’ll be wearing a baseball cap, please come over and say hello!

ACCESS

JR Koenji Station can be accessed by-

- Rapid services ONLY on the JR Chuo Line, (orange line), on weekdays.
- Services on the JR Chuo-Sobu Line, (yellow line), that TERMINATE in MITAKA.
- Services on the Tozai Subway Line, (blue line), that TERMINATE in MITAKA.
- Walking 15 minutes from Shin-Koenji Station on the Marunochi Subway Line, (red line).

IMPORTANT NOTES

- In the event of rain, this experience generally proceeds as planned.

- If our experience is CANCELLED due to weather or unforeseen circumstances, I will personally be in touch no less than 90 MINUTES before the start of our ride. Please keep an eye on your messages.

- Japanese cuisine often contains meat and seafood elements, with ‘dashi’ being a common base ingredient. Please understand that we will be visiting typical local eateries and that it can be difficult to cater to personal tastes, dietary requirements and food allergies.

- THIS EXPERIENCE DEPARTS ON TIME. For the enjoyment of guests that have arrived as planned, the group will wait no longer than 10 MINUTES for your arrival. I STRONGLY encourage you to be at the departure point 30 MINUTES before the start of our experience, we don’t want to cycle the streets without you!

If you have any further queries about our Tokyo West-Side Cycling & Food Tour or your trip to Tokyo in general, please don’t hesitate to give me a shout!

Thanks again for booking and I look forward to cycling the backstreets of Tokyo with you soon,

Andy!

andy@digtokyotours.com

+81 80 9553 8692

About Tokyo

Tokyo, the capital of Japan, is a bustling metropolis that beautifully blends traditional culture with cutting-edge technology. Known for its neon-lit streets, historic temples, and world-class cuisine, Tokyo offers a unique experience that caters to every type of traveler.

Top Attractions

Senso-ji Temple

Senso-ji is Tokyo's oldest temple and one of its most significant. The temple's massive lantern and five-story pagoda are iconic landmarks.

Historical/Religious 1-2 hours Free (small fee for some areas)

Meiji Shrine

Meiji Shrine is a Shinto shrine dedicated to the deified spirits of Emperor Meiji and his wife, Empress Shoken. It is surrounded by a beautiful forest.

Historical/Religious 1-2 hours Free

Shibuya Crossing

Shibuya Crossing is the world's busiest pedestrian crossing and a symbol of Tokyo's bustling urban life. It's a must-see for its chaotic yet orderly nature.

Cultural 30 minutes to 1 hour Free (¥2,200 for Shibuya Sky)

Tokyo Skytree

Tokyo Skytree is the tallest tower in Japan and the second tallest freestanding structure in the world. It offers breathtaking views of the city.

Architecture 2-3 hours ¥2,100 to ¥3,100 (USD $15 to $22)

Odaiba

Odaiba is a man-made island in Tokyo Bay known for its shopping, dining, and entertainment options. It's a great place for families and tech enthusiasts.

Entertainment Half day to full day Varies by attraction

Must-Try Local Dishes

Sushi

Fresh raw fish served on vinegared rice, a staple of Japanese cuisine.

Dinner Contains fish, can be vegetarian with substitutes.

Ramen

Noodle soup with various broths and toppings, a popular comfort food.

Lunch/Dinner Vegan and vegetarian options available.

Tempura

Deep-fried seafood and vegetables, known for its crispy texture.

Lunch/Dinner Contains seafood and deep-fried ingredients.

Okonomiyaki

Savory pancake with various ingredients, often topped with sauce and bonito flakes.

Lunch/Dinner Contains seafood and can be made vegetarian.

Popular Activities

Hiking in the nearby mountains Parasailing at Odaiba Onsen (hot spring) visits Tea ceremonies Traditional tea ceremonies Kimono rentals and photo shoots Boat tours on the Sumida River Beach activities at Odaiba

Best Time to Visit

March to May (Spring) and September to November (Autumn)

These seasons offer comfortable temperatures and beautiful scenery, with cherry blossoms in spring and vibrant foliage in autumn. However, these are also the busiest times for tourism.

10°C to 25°C (50°F to 77°F) 50°F to 77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Japanese
Widely spoken: English, Chinese, Korean
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited elsewhere

Currency

Japanese Yen (JPY)

Time Zone

GMT+9

Electricity

100VV, 50/60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Very safe

Tokyo is generally very safe, with low crime rates and a strong emphasis on public order. However, petty crimes like pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas.

Important Precautions:

• Be cautious of your belongings in crowded areas.
• Use licensed taxis and check fares before getting in.
• Be aware of your surroundings, especially at night.

Getting there

By air

Narita International Airport • 60 km (37 miles) from city center
Haneda Airport • 15 km (9 miles) from city center

By train

Tokyo Station, Shinjuku Station

By bus

Tokyo Station Bus Terminal, Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

Tokyo's subway system is efficient, clean, and punctual. It consists of multiple lines operated by Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway.

Taxis

Available • Apps: JapanTaxi, DiDi

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Shibuya Shinjuku Asakusa Ginza Akihabara

Day trips

Nikko

120 km (75 miles) from Tokyo • Full day

Nikko is a city known for its beautiful shrines, temples, and natural scenery. It's a UNESCO World Heritage site and offers a peaceful retreat from the bustling city.

Kamakura

50 km (31 miles) from Tokyo • Half day to full day

Kamakura is a coastal town known for its historic temples, shrines, and the Great Buddha statue. It's a great place to experience traditional Japanese culture.

Hakone

90 km (56 miles) from Tokyo • Full day or overnight

Hakone is a hot spring resort town known for its onsen (hot springs), scenic views of Mount Fuji, and the Open-Air Museum. It's a popular destination for relaxation and nature.

Festivals

Sannō Matsuri • Mid-June (every 2 years) Kanda Matsuri • Mid-May (every 2 years) Sumida River Fireworks Festival • Last Saturday of July

Pro tips

Use IC cards like Suica or Pasmo for convenient and discounted public transport.
Download useful apps like Google Maps, Japan Transit Planner, and Japan Travel by Navitime.
Learn a few basic Japanese phrases to enhance your experience and show respect for the local culture.
Carry cash, as some smaller shops and restaurants may not accept credit cards.
Visit popular attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds.