8D Biking Tokyo & Environs
Sushi • Karaoke • Sumo wrestling • ancient palaces • Shinto shrines • world’s largest fish market • neon lights • electronics • ryokans • tepanyaki • noodles • J-pop culture • capsule hotels • Japanese gardens
Tokyo is without doubt one of the most amazing cities in the world. There is no better way to explore the fusion of ancient and modern worlds in this surprising metropolis than by bike, and even locals will be surprised at the array of different bike paths on offer.
From a sleepy coastal town in the early 16th century, Tokyo became one of the largest cities in the world within a century, and it is amongst these old delightful streets and important waterways we find great and interesting cycling paths. This fun, comprehensive and little-bit-different itinerary will help you take in all this great city has to offer – Sumo stables, character filled markets, Shogunate gardens, J-Pop culture, Ginza shopping, cherry tree lined boulevards, neon lit nightlife centers – all by bike.
The week-long tour includes guided rides and walks of some of the many unique and different areas which are scattered around Tokyo and that help tell her story, as well as some free time to do any extra activities based on your interests and preferences.
Highlights include Sake houses, Kabuki Theatre, Sony technology, the world’s largest fish market, tea ceremony, stunning Japanese gardens, Ginza shopping, Sumo training, cooking your own dinner and Neon jungles. Tokyo is a fusion of both ancient and modern worlds… and the best way to see it is on a bike!
Itinerary
Day 01 / Sat / Arrive Tokyo
This is arrival day and you are free to explore the many areas of Tokyo before our scheduled group meeting. There will be information at the ryokan (local inn) to let you know where to go for the group meeting and after we’ll head out for some dinner with a local flavour and a chance to wander an eclectic market or let go of your desire to be a rock star and visit a karaoke box – Tokyo style.
Day 02 / Sun / Tokyo - Harajuku, Shinjuku optional cycling 10 km
After a local breakfast at our ryokan and an introduction to the Japanese language, we spend the day exploring the Sunday youth culture of Harajuku and Shibuya as many fringe groups assemble near Yoyogi Park to meet and have fun. There is the chance to rent a bike for free and ride around the nearby Meiji Shrine, the most visited Shinto Monument in Tokyo. We then head for a night tour of the seedy side of Shinjuku – the infamous Kabuki cho and its many interesting nooks and crannies.
Day 03 / Mon / Tokyo - Ryogoku, Ginza, Odaiba cycling 35 km
Visit a Sumo stable to watch the tough morning training session and visit the Sumo Museum (seasonal event). A ‘best of old Edo’ urban landscape bike tour taking in the 16th century moat-surrounded Palace Gardens, the famous Ginza district (home of the Sony Building and National Kabuki Theatre), checking out Tokyo Bay and a former Shogunate Garden.
Day 04 / Tue / Tokyo - Tsukiji, Akihabara
We have an early morning planned at the world’s largest (by weight and turnover) fish market – Tsukiji. A city within a city. We are treated to a great sushi breakfast by a family who have been serving great fresh seafood to the markets workers and clients for over 300 years. We then move into the old downtown area of Akihabara which is now home to ‘electronics town’ district of new Tokyo. Home of the new wave of Japanese ‘otaku’ or geek!
Day 05 / Wed / Tokyo - Meguro, Hamamatsucho cycling 50 km
Another great day on the bike learning some secret spots that show Tokyo transforming from a small village in late 15th century to be the biggest city in the world 100 years later. We have a nice city ride of around 50 kms that takes in the wonderful Museum of Photography and finishes with some sake tasting. Tonight we partake in the wonderfully unique experience of a night in a capsule hotel.
Day 06 / Thu / Tokyo - free day cycling 50 km
Another great day on the bike learning some secret spots that show Tokyo transforming from a small village in late 15th century to be the biggest city in the world 100 years later. We have a nice city ride of around 50 km that takes in the wonderful Museum of Photography and finishes with some sake tasting. Another night in the unique capsule hotel.
Day 07 / Fri / Tokyo - Oshiage, Iriya
Today we spend a day in Japanese history and culture by studying the ancient art of calligraphy, making our own lunch of soba noodles at a 300-year old restaurant from which some of the country’s best noodle makers graduate, and trying our hand at a tea ceremony. We will finish with some fine food in one of the more happening parts of town and see where the night takes us – bright lights, good food and – of course – karaoke.
Day 08 / Sat / Tokyo - Oshiage, Iriya
After breakfast you are free to leave at any time on this day.
Tour Cost
Prices are per person, seasonal variations apply
- Group of 02 riders SGD $2,711 Twin
- Group of 04 riders SGD $2,192 Twin
- Group of 06 riders SGD $1,958 Twin
- Single supplement SGD $TBA
Tour Cost Includes
- 06 nights twin-share accomodation in traditional ryokan with breakfast
- 01 night accommodation in capsule hotel
- English-speaking guide
- Bike hire, and tours as indicated (2 days)
- 05 Breakfasts, 02 Lunches, 03 Dinners
- Visit to Tsukiji market
- Calligraphy Lesson
- Tea ceremony
- Visit to Sumo stable
- 02-day city subway pass
Tour Cost Excludes
- All airfare & airport taxes
- Other meals other those indicated
- Personal expenditure including drinks, telephone/internet, laundry and tips
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Responsible Travel
An integral part of travelling is to have a positive impact on the country that you are visiting. On this trip there are a number of things you can do to have a positive impact on the communities that we visit.
Dress
Parts of Japan are still quite conservative. In rural areas and temples overly revealing clothing is considered offensive. You should make an effort to dress more conservatively in these situations. Walking around a village in bike shorts is not appropriate so if you wish to cycle in just bike shorts you should have something with you on the bike to put on over the top (eg long, loose shorts or a skirt/sarong). When visiting temples shorts are acceptable providing they cover the knee. Singlet tops are not acceptable in temples.
Phrase Book
A highly memorable part of your travels will be the local people you meet. In the tourist areas some people will speak English but away from these areas you should learn a few words of Japanese. We will teach you some of the basics but if you want to really interact we recommend bringing a phrase book.
Group Size
Accommodation
The sleeping arrangements are for twin-share so if you are a single traveller you will be paired up with someone of the same sex. This ensures that whether you are travelling solo or with friends, everyone is paying the same rate. We will be staying in a mixture of local style accommodation. We choose hotels/inns that are comfortable, conveniently located places which are chosen for their character and ambience.
Bikes
Bikes are included in the trip cost. We use good quality mountain bikes that are more than adequate.
You are of course welcome to bring your own bike. Keep in mind though, that you’ll need to be able to maintain it. If you are unsure we recommend that you speak to your local bike shop about what parts to bring. Travelling on public transport in Japan with a bicycle can pose difficulties as some trains are restricted and the bike must be in a bike bag.
Food
Food is a very important part of any travel experience and Japan is no exception. Most of the meals on this trip are included in the trip cost, with a few exceptions like free days. To see which meals are included, read the inclusions list or the itinerary. Vegetarians and vegans are well catered for and should you have any other dietary restrictions, you just need to inform us. Many of our meals will be local food and at local eateries: noodles, pickled vegetables and fruit for breakfast, noodles, pancakes filled with vegetables, seafood or fish cooked on a hot plate in front of you for lunch and an assortment of sushi, California rolls, tofu, soup, vegetables (deep fried in a light batter and served with a dressing) for dinner. Snack food like fruit, biscuits, cakes and nuts will be available for our break stops on cycling days with coffee, tea and hot chocolate. There are always convenience stores where you can buy chocolate, sandwiches and lollies if you need a sugar fix.
Money
You will need to bring money on the trip to pay for the following; some meals, drinks, activities in the free time, departure tax and of course shopping. We suggest you utilise a variety of methods for payment. There are
The amount you bring is going to depend on how much you plan to spend. The Japanese currency is the Japanese Yen (JPY).
To give you an indication of prices
We also recommend that you bring USD $100 in emergency funds, to be used when circumstances necessitate a change in itinerary.
Insurance
Obtaining your own travel insurance is required in order to participate on our bike tour. It will need to include a minimum coverage of medical expenses with emergency evacuation, personal liability and accident insurance. Your group leader will need to see a copy of your insurance at the group meeting on the first day.
Joining Instructions
You will need to arrive at the starting point hotel in time for the group meeting, which will be held on the evening of Day 01. The hotel is located in the centre of the city, with twin-share rooms, private bathrooms, hot water and television and 24 hour reception. Make sure you print the trip notes (given to you) before you depart. The hotel address is in Japanese. They will be useful for asking directions or taking taxis. A taxi from the airport to the hotel would cost in the region of $300 USD so we suggest you take the train! The simplest and cheapest option is to take the train then subway.
