A Guide to Your First Cycling Experience in Japan.
Heading to the Tama River During Your Tokyo Business Trip.
If you're a serious cyclist, the idea of not riding for more than a week—even during a business trip—might seem torturous. However, venturing out for a bike ride in a foreign country can be daunting, requiring more preparation than other sports, such as route planning, understanding local traffic laws, and figuring out rest and resupply points.
But there’s no need to worry. Tokyo is perfectly equipped to support your cycling debut abroad. By the end of this article, you'll be ready to pack your cycling gear for your next business trip.
Why Japan is Ideal for Your First International Cycling Experience
Road Environment
The road conditions in Japan are exceptionally good, with well-maintained surfaces and very few potholes or cracks. Additionally, the standard of driving is quite high; drivers generally give priority to cyclists. As long as you follow the traffic rules and ride respectfully, you're unlikely to be honked at unnecessarily.
Toilet Facilities
You may have already heard about the excellence of Japanese toilets. Public toilets are widely available in parks, stations, and most public areas, and are well-maintained and user-friendly. The availability of toilets in convenience stores is also a significant plus. These facilities are cleaned frequently, ensuring they remain sanitary even during long rides.
Resupply Points
Convenience stores and vending machines in Japan are extremely useful for cyclists. Known as the "vending machine capital," Japan offers easy access to water and sports drinks, so you don't have to worry about bonking while riding around Tokyo's outskirts.
In winter, the value of these amenities continues, as both vending machines and convenience stores offer warm drinks! Convenience stores also offer hot snacks and have seating areas where you can warm up frozen fingers.
If you have visited Japan before, you may be familiar with prepaid transportation cards like Suica or PASMO, which can also be used in many convenience stores and are increasingly accepted by vending machines. This means all you need to carry with you while cycling is one of these cards in your jersey's back pocket.
Basic Traffic Rules in Japan
Ride on the Left
Start by getting used to riding on the left side! In Japan, bicycles generally ride on the road, and you will often find a bicycle lane marker on the left edge of the road.
Signals and Intersections
Always keep to the left at intersections. Bicycles are not allowed in the right-turn lanes. If you want to turn right, cross the intersection first and wait for the signal to change. If the left side has a left-turn lane, bicycles can still proceed straight.
The meanings of the three-color traffic lights are the same as in your country. The combination of a red light and a green arrow means you can proceed in the direction of the green arrow. However, as mentioned, bicycles are not allowed in the right-turn lanes, so do not proceed on a green right-turn arrow.
No Bicycles Allowed Signs
Always keep to the left at intersections. Bicycles are not allowed in the right-turn lanes. If you want to turn right, cross the intersection first and wait for the signal to change. If the left side has a left-turn lane, bicycles can still proceed straight.
Try Out the Tama River Cycling Road!
If you're making your cycling debut in Tokyo, the Tama River Cycling Road is highly recommended. This path runs along the Tama River on the southwestern boundary of Tokyo, offering a 50-kilometer route that stretches from the bustling cityscape to the lush outskirts, suitable for both beginners and experienced cyclists. It's a favorite among Tokyo cyclists and always bustling, which can help ease the tension of your first ride. There are several branches and points where you exit the cycling road, but as long as you follow the cyclist ahead, you won't get lost.
Rest stops are frequent along the route, equipped with toilets and vending machines. Convenience stores are easily accessible if you venture slightly off the path. There are also several cyclist-friendly cafes, which we'll detail more below.
However, there are a few points to note:
First, it's a shared path with pedestrians. Be mindful of your speed to avoid accidents. Additionally, watch out for speed bumps, especially if it's your first time on the road. The area near the river mouth is densely populated, so for a more comfortable ride, it might be better to avoid this section.
Recommended Cafes for Cyclists
CROSS COFFEE
Operated by the cycling apparel maker Champion System, CROSS COFFEE is a cyclist-friendly cafe located just a few minutes from the Tama River Cycling Road. It offers not only great coffee but also energy-boosting meals like baguette sandwiches and pasta, as well as protein drinks—a true cyclist's cafe. The almost entirely cyclist-filled cafe will allow you to enjoy the camaraderie of the Japanese cycling community.
FUGLEN COFFEE ROASTERS
Started in Oslo in 1963, FUGLEN COFFEE offers specialty coffee and has several branches in Tokyo, drawing a significant crowd. Its roastery and cafe, located right by the Tama River Cycling Road, is the perfect roadside cafe for cyclists craving a meticulous brew.
ZEBRA Coffee & Croissant
For a solid meal with your coffee, ZEBRA Coffee & Croissant is the place to go. This cafe, with an attached bakery, offers everything from savory sandwiches and paninis to sweet treats like Pain aux Pommes and banana bread. The spacious interior is ideal for breaks, and while it attracts a non-cyclist crowd, its ample bike racks and expansive terrace make it popular among cyclists.
This cafe is a bit off the Tama River Cycling Road but is located along the popular cycling route of the South Tama Ridge Line Road ("One-Kan"). This route, following the ridge, offers pleasant ups and downs, making it a favorite among Tokyo cyclists once they've warmed up on the flat roads of the Tama River Cycling Road.
Where to Rent a Road Bike in Tokyo?
RIDEAWAY BIKE RENTAL
Located along the Tama River Cycling Road, RIDEAWAY makes it easy to start cycling as soon as you rent a bike. From pure road bikes to gravel bikes (yes, there are gravel routes along the Tama River Cycling Road!), they offer a wide selection. The knowledgeable staff, well-versed in the Tama River Cycling Road, will strongly support your cycling debut.
Official Website: RIDEAWAY
CycleTrip
Once you get the hang of cycling in Tokyo, you might want to ride freely around the city, not just on cycling roads. For such occasions, CycleTrip is recommended. This service delivers road bikes to any location in Tokyo's 23 wards, allowing you to start and end your ride at your convenience. Being able to cycle door-to-door without worrying about changing or carrying belongings can significantly upgrade your experience in Tokyo, making it feel just like cycling back home.
Official Website: CycleTrip
What do you think? If you're a regular cyclist, you already know the thrilling sensation of riding in new places. And if it's abroad, the excitement is even greater. Enjoy the thrill safely and comfortably in Tokyo!