In the latest edition of Otona no jitensha tabi大人の自転車旅 a few points about Tokyo bay area cycling were highlighted that I think could brighten any cyclists day. Sundays 10am-3pm, extending from Iwaida bashi祝田橋 intersection to Takebashi竹橋前、cyclists can ride on Uchibori Dori内堀通り. So-called “Paris Cycling”, takes you along the imperial grounds unencumbered by any stifling car exhaust or noisy delivery trucks. The nearest subway stop is Nijubashimae二重橋前. Take exit 2 where you will surface by the imperial palace police patrol. Bicycle rentals are available. Paris Cycling is part of a larger recommended route starting at Tokyo station and winding down into Odaiba. Which takes us to our next fun fact: from Odaiba beach, it is possible to ride the water bus to Takeshiba station with a bicycle. If properly stored in a bicycle bag, no extra fees apply, otherwise half the fee for an adult ticket will be added. This bike service is restricted to the Odaiba-Takeshiba route.
In another segment, various parks in and around Tokyo with cycling routes are showcased. Many of the parks have rather short loops, such as Yoyogi Koen’s 1.8km traverse, however a few outside of Tokyo take in a more substantial ride. The longest of these is the 17 km route through the woods and open spaces of Shinrin Koen, located in Higashi Matsuyama, Saitama Prefecture on the Tobu Tojo line about 40 minutes from Tokyo. The entrance fee is 400 yen and adult bike rentals are 410 yen for the first 3 hours 70 yen for each additional 30 minutes. Shinrin koen is a huge park with a variety of natural spaces and great vistas to enjoy. There’s also a wading pool for kids and Ponpoku mountain, Japan’s largest trampoline. If you are cycling road savvy, access to the park is not so far from the Arakawa cycling road.
Filed under: Guides and magazines, Tokyo area cycling, Transportation, Uncategorized | Tagged: bicycle, Odaiba, Shinrin Koen, Tokyo, water bus
