Want to ride across Tokyo? Learn the essentials about cycling in Japan before you arrive. JAL offers you the opportunity to book your trip today.
Learn where to rent bicycles, the best routes for cycling, and the laws that you must obey when cycling in Tokyo.
Tokyo and Japan, in general, are renowned for their quick and reliable public transportation system. The extensive train network is certainly worthy of praise. However, exploring the city on two wheels gives you a new perspective and helps you better understand this sprawling metropolis.
Tokyo has embraced bicycle culture for decades and continues to make improvements in infrastructure and policies that are bike-friendly. This makes it easier and safer to navigate the city. Cycling to Tokyo’s must-see destinations is a great way to explore the city. It is fast, cheap, and fun.
You will soon realize that pedal power is a great way to get around, even if you are not a fan of cycling. We’ve highlighted the benefits of using a bike during your visit and revealed some of the best routes for cruising once you arrive.
INDEX
Rent a bike in Tokyo
- Tokyobike (Kiyosumi Shirakawa)
- CycleTrip
- Docomo Bike Share
Rules of the road for bicycling safely and legally
- You should only ride in certain areas
- Take your bike off the train
- Drinking and driving is not allowed
- Park with Mindfulness
- After dark, use your light
Bicycle routes around Tokyo
- Yamanote Line Loop – Pedal your way through the Inner-City
- Kanda River to Inokashira Park – Arrive in serene gardens
- Tamako Bike Path: Journey to a pristine Lake
- Discover ancient Tokyo by exploring the Sumida River and Asakusa.
- Toyosu and Odaiba: Discover the high-tech metropolis
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Rent a bike in Tokyo.
Are you ready to move? There are many options for renting a bike in Tokyo. We have compiled a list of bicycle rental options in Tokyo that are easily accessible and offer reliable equipment.
Tokyobike (Kiyosumi Shirakawa)
Tokyobike, a well-known global bicycle manufacturer, was founded in Yanaka’s peaceful neighbourhood in 2002. The brand has now opened stores in London and Bangkok but has not forgotten its roots. Kiyosumi Shirakawa, the first store to offer a high-quality bicycle rental service, is still the flagship.
These premium bicycles are designed by a brand known for its minimalist design. You’ll feel as good as you look while cruising through Tokyo in one. You can rent a bicycle for Y=1,000 during the week or Y=1,500 at weekends.
To get to Tokyobike, take the Hanzomon Line (Oedo Line) to Kiyosumi-Shirakawa Station. You will need to walk seven minutes before you reach the store.
* Address: 3-5-7-2 Miyoshi Koto City, Tokyo 1345-0022
* Operating Hours: Friday from 10:00 am until 6:00 pm. Renting time weekdays from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm, weekends and holidays 10:00 am – 6:00 pm.
* Contact Details: +81-3-6458-8198
CycleTrip
CycleTrip is a popular place to rent bicycles in Tokyo. The store offers a wide range of bikes, from super-convenient electric bikes to finely tuned road bikes.
CycleTrip is located in the heart of Chiyoda City. You’ll be outfitted with the latest gear and have a team of experts on hand to answer any questions.
Directions to CycleTrip. Take the Yamanote Line or Keihin-Tohoku Line to Akihabara Station, and then walk for four minutes.
* Address: 1F, 2-9 Kanda Sudacho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0041
* Operating Hours: Monday to Thursday from 9:00 am to 5:30 pm
* Contact Details: +81-3-6458-8198
Docomo Bike Share
Docomo Bike Share makes it easy to rent a bike in Tokyo. Electric-assist bikes are available at docks in 10 wards of the city, including Shinjuku, Shibuya, and other areas.
After creating an account on the Docomo site and registering your credit card, you can use the desktop website or mobile app to locate a dock close to you. You can then unlock the bicycle of your choice and start moving with a daily or weekly pass.
Rules for Bicycling: How to ride safely and legally
Some laws govern how to ride a bike in Japan. To avoid getting a ticket and possibly an accident, you should be familiar with the following rules.
Ride on the right areas.
In some areas of Tokyo, it is acceptable to cruise on the sidewalks, but you will usually need to ride the road. When travelling on pedestrian streets, you must be extra careful. Take extra caution when the shared road sign appears. If you are involved in an accident, you will likely be held liable.
In Japan, people drive and ride on their left. Always travel in the same direction on the left side of the road. There is a slight quirk: pedestrians always walk on the left. This can confuse you, especially if you are on the sidewalk. Avoid making mistakes by following what other people are doing.
Avoid riding your bike on trains.
In Tokyo, you can’t bring a standard bicycle onto the train. You’ll need to find an alternative way to get to your destination. There is one exception. You can bring a folded bike and a bag on the train, but it is recommended that you only use the first carriage or last carriage.
If you only have a standard bike, it is possible to store everything in a bag by removing the wheel. Avoid riding a bicycle during rush hours for your comfort and that of others. The same rules apply when you take a bullet train to get out of town.
Don’t drink alcohol and drive.
Biking in Japan is illegal if you are intoxicated. The penalties can be severe, including up to 5 years in jail, a fine of Y=1,000,000, or even deportation. Bicycles are classified as light vehicles, and you can put yourself or others in danger if you ride drunk.
In recent years, the police have been taking a stronger stance on bicycle traffic violations. Both locals and foreign visitors are receiving more serious infractions. This figure has increased almost tenfold in the last decade, from 2,584 fines to 22,859 in 2021.
Park with Mindfulness
You should be careful when parking your bicycle in Tokyo. If you leave it in the wrong spot, you could get a fine, or your bike may even be towed. You can’t lock up your bicycle anywhere, as local authorities want to keep the walkways free.
There are many places where you can park your bike at a reasonable price, including shopping malls and railway stations. For a small fee, you can park your bicycle securely, preventing theft and ensuring that it is not taken away by city workers.
Use your lights after darkness.
The use of lights at night is one of the strictest laws for cyclists in Japan. Use front and rear lights when you are exploring Tokyo at night to avoid drawing the attention of local authorities.
It’s good for adults to wear helmets while cycling, even though it’s technically not a law. Children aged 13 and under are required to wear helmets.
The Best Bicycling Routes in Tokyo
After considering Tokyo’s laws and regulations and where to rent bicycles, it is time to embark on a bike trip through Japan. These routes offer stunning scenery, unique cultural experiences, and more. Completing a selection makes biking in Japan a truly memorable experience.
Yamanote Line Loop – Pedal your way through the inner city
The Yamanote Line Loop has become a popular path for riders who want to experience the inner city of Tokyo in a single trip. This 36-kilometer journey follows the Yamanote train route as it circularly traverses the city. It offers many fascinating sights to see on your way from one station to the next.
Shinjuku, though you can start from anywhere along the line, is a popular starting point. As you ride east, the Tokyo Metropolitan Teien Art Museum and other art galleries flank the route. As you turn north from Osaki Station and fly along the path, you will soon pass vast parks like Hamarikyu Gardens or Kokyo Gaien National Garden.
Start your ride at Shinjuku Station or another convenient station on the Yamanote Line.
* Address: 1-1 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0023
Kanda River to Inokashira Park – Arrive in serene gardens
The Kanda River’s winding path is the perfect adventure for those who don’t want to leave Tokyo. This journey, which stretches for 25 kilometres, passes through famous Tokyo wards such as Taito, Chuo and Sumida. It begins at the Yanagibashi Bridge.
On this relaxing bike tour in Japan, you will ride through suburban backstreets with lush trees. The river disappears below the ground, and your route may occasionally diverge from it. After pedalling through districts like Suidobashi and Edogawabashi in Suginami City, you will soon arrive at Inokashira Park, a popular cherry blossom destination.
How do you get to the starting point of the ride? Take the JR Sobu Line, Toei Asakusa Subway Line to Asakusabashi Station and then walk six minutes to Yanagibashi Bridge.
* Address: 2-2 Higashinihonbashi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 103-0004
Tamako Bike Path- A journey to a beautiful lake
The Tamako Bike Path in Tokyo is a well-defined route for cyclists. This relaxed 10 km cycle through Japan’s streets ends at Tama Lake, which features tranquil waterfront gardens and a view of Mt Fuji.
This wide, smooth path offers sections for both pedestrians and cyclists. As you make your way to the finish, you can enjoy a relaxed ride through many quiet suburbs. This is an ideal place to ride a bike in a Japanese setting. Cherry blossoms and fragrant flower rows are abundant during springtime.
To reach the starting point of the ride, take the Chuo Line up to Musashi-Sakai Station. After walking for around 20 minutes, you will get the Tamako Bike Path.
* Address: 3-4-4 Shinmachi Nishitokyo City Tokyo 202-0023
Sumida River and Asakusa: Explore the ancient Tokyo
The Sumida River from Ryogoku Station to Asakusa is a great option for those who want a smooth ride through the heart of Tokyo. From Ryogoku station on the eastern bank of the river, you can follow a seamless route along the waterfront to the ancient district of Asakusa.
This bike tour through Japan’s old-world districts is just three kilometres long, but you can enjoy the spectacular view of the skyline as you pedal along. Once you reach your destination, explore the world-class attractions, such as Senso-ji, the oldest Buddhist temple in the city.
How do I get to the starting point of the ride? Take the Chuo-Sobu Line, or the Oedo Line, to Ryogoku Station. The bike path is located along the riverfront.
* Adress: 1-3-20 Yokoami Sumida-ku Tokyo 130-0015
Toyosu and Odaiba: Discover the high-tech cities
Tokyo’s futuristic city is reflected in the artificial islands that overlook Tokyo Bay. You can take a ride from Toyosu Station, Koto City, to Odaiba, the largest island in the area. The Rainbow Bridge connects this colourful destination to the mainland. It looks stunning after dark.
There are many more modern landmarks to be found nearby if you bike through this part of Japan. You can, for example, take a breather at Odaiba Beach while admiring the Odaiba Statue Of Liberty.
To reach the starting point of the ride, take the Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Line (or the Yurikamome Train) to Toyosu Station.
* Adress: 2 Toyosu Koto-ku Tokyo 135-0061
Book your JAL Japan Explorer Pass today!
Do not let Tokyo’s size stop you from cycling through its striking streets. The city’s bike infrastructure is improving every day. There are a variety of safe and accessible activities that will ensure your Japan bike tour goes without a hitch.
Check out our JAL Japan Explorer pass for special airfares to Tokyo and other cities on our domestic network. This deal offers a world-class experience on board while also ensuring that you can travel at a lower cost.
