A ride along Tokyo’s waterfront
Tokyo is not short of coast, riverbanks, or shoreline. There are canals and moats around former medieval estates. Rivers originate in the mountains surrounding Tokyo, and marshes empty into Tokyo Bay. It’s a great way to discover the contours of Japan’s capital. There are many affordable and convenient options for renting a bicycle if you don’t have one with you.
Tips
- Enjoy the cool breezes of Tokyo Bay at Wakasu Beach Park
- Take a ride along the Sumida River to the heart of Tokyo.
- Enjoy nature all year long along the Edogawa River, Arakawa River, and Tama River.
- Take a tour by bicycle to see Tokyo from a new perspective.
Enjoy the outdoors in Wakasu Seaside Park
Wakasu Island is located in Tokyo Bay, just outside Koto City. The Wakasu seaside park occupies the other half. A 6-km-long course covers the eastern coast of the island. The cycling centre is located near the gate on the south end of the park. If you’re with kids, be sure to check out the mini-course next to the centre. It has a variety of fun vehicles. Enjoy the views of the bay and the greenery on the main cycling route. There are also many rest areas. Some wonderful amenities on the island give you a taste of the outdoors without leaving the city. These include a fishing centre, a camping area where you can grill, and a course of golf.
Shibamata and the Edogawa Cycling Course
The Edogawa cycle course follows the banks of the Edo River, which is the border between Tokyo Prefecture and Chiba. This is a beautiful ride in any season. The 64-km route starts in Saitama Prefecture, where the Tone River splits off the Edo River and ends in Chiba Prefecture. For a shorter course in Tokyo, the starting point is Mizumoto Park, Katsushika City. The endpoint is Shibamata. This is an old-school neighbourhood made famous by the Otoko wa Tsurai Yo (Being A Man Is Tough) film series. Tora-san is a travelling salesman who has adventures all over Japan and always wants to return to Shibamata. Visit the Shibamata Takishakuten Temple and the Yamamoto-tei traditional house. If you’re curious about Tora-san, visit the Katsushika Shibamata Tora-san Museum.
Take a ride along the Sumida River to experience a real Tokyo adventure.
The Sumida River takes you to many of Tokyo’s most popular neighbourhoods and landmarks. Start in Ryogoku, the epicentre of sumo, then pass a series of colourful bridges to reach the TOKYO SKITREE. Asakusa, Sensoji Temple, and Asakusa are just across the river. You could also visit the Tsukiji Outside Market, which, despite being a wholesale market, still has a large fish market. Then, head to the glitzy Ginza. Take a trip to Tokyo Station or the Imperial Palace. Tsukuda is a small island in the middle of a reclaimed piece of land. In centuries past, the Sumida River served as a major artery of commerce and transportation. It is still located in the heart of Tokyo.
More riverside bike routes in Tokyo
These suggestions are only a starting point. You can cycle along the waterways in Tokyo to see both the city and its beautiful natural surroundings. And you will get some exercise. Here are some more ideas:
- The Tama River is the border between Tokyo Prefecture and Kanagawa Prefecture. The bike path along the wide banks of this river is a great way to relax and refresh yourself. The entire course is approximately 50 km long, from Hamura in west Tokyo to the airport.
- Arakawa River runs roughly from north to south in the east of the city, between the Sumida River and the Edo River. Its broad waters can be followed for miles through residential neighbourhoods and retro-style commercial districts.
- The Tamako Lake cycling path (also called Lake Tama), which borders Tokyo and Saitama prefectures, is located on the west side. You can start in the Nishitokyo area near Tanashi Station and cycle around the lake to Higashimurayama. The other way is also fine. You will get plenty of shade in Sayama Park and nearby Sayama Hills. This was the location for Studio Ghibli’s My Neighbor Totoro.
