With so many popular spots and must-see attractions in Tokyo, you might find yourself wondering which route to take when planning a sightseeing trip. That's why we highly recommend cycling tours. You can efficiently visit various spots while avoiding crowds and explore Tokyo from a local perspective—discovering hidden alleys and parks often overlooked by train or bus tours. Plus, guided tours provide commentary at each spot, and eliminate worries due to the route or safety. With smaller group sizes, you'll enjoy interacting with fellow participants and staff.
This time, I joined a guided tour with TRB Bike Tour by Tokyo Rental Bicycle. Not only is the course selection impressive, but you can rent high-performance cross bikes, and they’ll even deliver the bikes to your hotel or other designated locations within Tokyo. I signed up for the Tokyo CITY Bike Tour. It covers 20 kilometers through central Tokyo, including the Imperial Palace, Tokyo Station, the National Stadium (MUFG Stadium), and Shibuya, over a 3-hour period.
When I arrived at the meeting point in Shiba Park, the guide showing me around greeted me with a smile. Italian-made Bianchi bicycles were provided. They’re high-performance hybrid bikes, offering a good balance of stability and speed, making them excellent bikes that even those unaccustomed to cycling can ride comfortably around the city. The helmets (available for rental at an additional cost) are colorful, further boosting your spirits. Other amenities included everything you could need: raincoats for wet weather, a mini pouch for your wallet and keys, and even bicycle insurance. If you’re worried about stamina, it is also possible to choose an electric-assist bicycle.
From our starting point of Shiba Park, the tour began! The first stop was Zojoji Temple. This venerable temple boasts a history of approximately 600 years and is also known as the family temple of the Tokugawa shoguns. Standing right next to it is Tokyo Tower, creating a spectacular sight with two of Tokyo’s most famous landmarks side by side. Starting with the history of Zojoji Temple and Tokyo Tower, the guide will also carefully explain about other Japanese shrines and temples.
From Zojoji Temple, it’s about a 10-minute bike ride to the Imperial Palace. Even on busy main roads, you’ll feel at ease as the guide leads you along safe routes. At the Imperial Palace, the residence of His Majesty the Emperor, you can deepen your knowledge by learning about the history of Edo Castle’s construction while viewing sites like Sakuradamon Gate and Nijubashi Double Bridge.
Proceeding straight down Gyoko-dori Avenue from the Imperial Palace, the Tokyo Station building appears directly ahead. From mid-November to early December, the ginkgo trees lining Gyoko-dori Avenue give off a seasonal golden glow. The exhilaration of cycling past Tokyo Station’s red brick structure while admiring the vibrant ginkgo leaves is simply unforgettable. The greatest charm of sightseeing by bicycle is experiencing Tokyo’s unique scenery while feeling the seasonal atmosphere on your skin.
Viewing the State Guest House, Akasaka Palace, from outside, where foreign dignitaries are received, we arrived at the National Stadium, the venue for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games. We toured the Olympic Cauldron, learned about the stadium’s capacity and stories from the Games, and took commemorative photos together. Afterward, we moved through Aoyama, Harajuku, and Shibuya, finally reaching our destination at the Bell for Peace monument in front of Shibuya City Hall!
Along the way, participants were thrilled to enjoy rare experiences even locals seldom get to enjoy—such as viewing the Hachiko monument next to the grave of Dr. Hidesaburo Ueno, Hachiko’s owner, at Aoyama Cemetery, and cycling through Shibuya’s famous Scramble Crossing.
Participants who’ve experienced the tour unanimously agree on the immense value of the guides. Not only are they fluent in English, but their insider knowledge of the city is a huge plus, since most are born and raised in Tokyo. Participants asked about Tokyo’s recommended spots and restaurants, while some even inquired about Japan’s economic and political landscape. One of the draws is hearing authentic information that’s hard to find online—things that guides can share precisely because they live in Tokyo.
TRB Bike Tour by Tokyo Rental Bicycle also offers other popular courses, such as a riverside tour (Tokyo RIVER Bike Tour) and a nighttime city tour (Tokyo NIGHT Bike Tour). Each tour lasts about 2 to 3 hours and visits around 10 spots. These guided cycling tours through Tokyo’s streets, led by knowledgeable, humorous guides who provide detailed explanations, are sure to offer new discoveries for not only first-time visitors, but repeat travelers and even Tokyo residents alike.
(As of publication on , 2026)
Feel the Breeze as You Cycle through Tokyo on This Sightseeing Tour
TRB Bike Tour by Tokyo Rental Bicycle
WEB SITEArea: Central Tokyo Address: 4-16-2 Shiba, Minato Ward, Tokyo Experience: TRB Bike Tour by Tokyo Rental Bicycle
