Tour operator
Arigato Travel
A Tokyo-registered travel agency founded in 2016, running guided food and culture tours such as a Shinjuku and Golden Gai evening food walk.
Tokyo Great Cycling Tour
Guided bicycle tours of Tokyo starting from Shinkawa, with themed half-day and full-day routes covering the bay, old Edo, backstreets and architecture.
At a glance
- Type
- Cycling tour
- Area
- Shinkawa, Tokyo, Japan
- Official site
- tokyocycling.jp
Good to know
- Half-day and full-day tours
- Evening tours
- Bikes provided
Why we recommend it
Tokyo Great Cycling Tour was established in 2006 and describes itself as the original guided bicycle tour company in Tokyo. It runs rides from its office in Shinkawa, near Nihonbashi and the Sumida River, and cycling turns out to be an excellent way to cover the flat central districts of the city, linking neighbourhoods that would take far longer on foot and seeing backstreets that buses and trains miss.
Routes are themed and labelled by letter. Options include Tokyo Bay, Edo-Tokyo culture, Tokyo's transformation, hills and backstreets, riverside local life, a journey back to old Tokyo, architecture, the designer public toilets of the Tokyo Toilet project, a Perfect Days route inspired by the film set in those toilets, a visit to a sumo stable's morning practice, and half-day versions of the most popular full-day routes. There is also an evening tour, a tour on which you can bring your dog, and separate kayaking, running and traditional culture workshop tours.
Full-day tours last about six hours and half-day tours about three, and both start and finish at the Shinkawa office. To reduce the risk of heatstroke, full-day tours are suspended in mid-summer, normally from July to September, when only half-day rides run, and tours may be shortened or cancelled on very hot days. Book through the online calendar or by email, and report any cancellation in advance by email or phone.
The tours suit all ages and abilities, including solo travellers, families and children. Standard touring bikes are provided, along with kids' bicycles, child seats and toddler trailers, and a small number of electric-assist bikes are available for those who want help on the hills. Larger groups ride with two guides, one at the front and one at the back. The office offers luggage storage and a shower, so bring a towel if you want to freshen up afterwards.
The office is at 1-3-2 Shinkawa in Chuo-ku, a few minutes' walk from Kayabacho Station on the Hibiya and Tozai lines and within reach of Hatchobori on the JR Keiyo Line. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes suitable for several hours in the saddle, and bring sun protection in warmer months and layers in winter.
Tokyo Great Cycling Tour FAQs
How long are the tours?
Full-day tours last about six hours and half-day tours about three hours.
Do full-day tours run in summer?
No, they are normally suspended from July to September, when only half-day tours run.
Where do tours start?
At the company's office at 1-3-2 Shinkawa, Chuo-ku.
Can children join?
Yes, kids' bicycles, child seats and toddler trailers are available.
Are electric bikes available?
Yes, a small number of electric-assist bikes are offered.
How do I book?
Through the online calendar on the official website or by email to [email protected].
When was the company founded?
In 2006.
Is there anywhere to shower afterwards?
Yes, the office has a shower; bring your own towel.