Asia Business concept for real estate and corporate construction - looking up night view in road intersection of shinjuku, the silhouettes of skyscrapers reflect twilight sky in Tokyo, Japan

We asked Tokyo cycling experts Chad Feyen and Brad Bennett for their favorite cycling routes across Tokyo, from leisurely park runs for easygoing newbies to thigh-burning, X-Game-level slaloms for adrenaline junkies.

In this post, follow Bennett’s intense “Shinjuku Sprint.” “This route is not fun,” Bennett says, “but you will get to Shinjuku quick. A helmet will make you feel somewhat safer on this one – adrenaline junkies will love it.” Follow either via Google Maps on your phone as you ride or on our site before you head out.

Route length 4.1km
From Sasazuka
To Shinjuku Gyoen

1. LUG

Meet up with other cyclists here at the start of your journey. It’s the perfect place for a quick snack, cup of joe or a full sit-down meal. Chill with your friends, have coffee dates or dinner outings, LUG brings everyone together. Baby strollers and cute canine friends are welcome.

2. Shinjuku Gyoen

Once owned by the feudal lord Naito’s family in the Edo period, Shinjuku Gyoen is the perfect place for the end goal of this route. Completed in 1906 as an imperial garden, it was re-designated as a national garden after the Second World War and opened to the public. With 58.3 ha (144 acres) in size and a circumference of 3.5 km, it blends three distinct styles, Formal Garden, Landscape Garden and Japanese Traditional Garden, and is considered to be one of the most important gardens from the Meiji era. Whenever you visit the garden throughout the year, there is no doubt that you will be able to witness entirely new and different colors of the garden. 

More bike ride routes in Tokyo

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• “Riverside Ride”

  Packed with shrines, parks and hanami gems, this route traces the Kanda River from Sasazuka all the way to the western suburb of Kichijoji.

• “Yoyo-Go”

  Beginners and families who just want a pleasant, relaxing Saturday afternoon cycle through the city should check out this route, starting from trendy Shimokitazawa and ending at Yoyogi Park. 

• “Tokyo Tower Tour”

  Start from Harajuku and cruise all the way to Tokyo Tower, catching some beautiful views of cherry blossoms along the way and soaking up some culture, history and sightseeing. This route really has everything.

• “The Way To The Bay”

  Need some open skies in your life? Then this is the route for you, taking you all the way to Tokyo Bay.