Five best cycling routes in Tokyo and Aomori

Visitor’s guide to Tokyo and Tohoku: the best sights on two wheels

Time Out in association with Tokyo Convention & Visitors BureauTuesday 28 August 2018

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Cycling tours are trending among Tokyoites, and it’s evident with the increasing number of bike rentals in the city. An ideal alternative to the city’s crowded rush-hour trains, the bicycle is perfect for sightseeing, enjoying the outdoors and discovering hidden neighbourhoods.

Aomori, on the other hand, is already known for its cycling tourism since it’s well-promoted by the Aomori Cycle Tourism Association. The best part is, you can even take your two-wheelers onto certain trains in the prefecture. To get you started, here are our favourite cycling routes in Aomori and Tokyo.

Also see: The complete guide to Tokyo and Tohoku

Aomori

Cycle along Oirase Gorge’s crystal clear mountain stream – approximately 14km

The road along the crystal clear mountain river of Oirase Gorge is easily one of Aomori’s most picturesque routes. The approximately 14km-long stretch connects Yakeyama onsen town at the foot of Mt Hakkoda with Nenokuchi, a small town at Lake Towada.

Start at the Oirase Stream Museum, where you can rent a bike (from ¥1,000) and get a map to plot out your journey. From here, it’s a scenic ride through lush green forests (it’s especially beautiful in autumn with the colourful foliage) and stunning waterfalls – make sure to stop at Kumoi Waterfall, which is 25m high, and the huge Choshi Otaki Waterfall that’s 7m wide.

When you’ve reached Nenokuchi, just drop off your rental bike at the tourist information center and take the JR bus back to Aomori city.

Cycle around the Juniko lake and find the cobalt-blue pond of Aoike – approximately 30km

Start your journey by renting a bicycle (from ¥300) at the European-style cottage of Wespa Tsubakiyama, located at the seashore on Aomori’s west coast. Take the National Route 101, which runs along the coast towards Juniko Station.

Make a stop at Shirakami-Sanchi: this majestic mountain range was declared a Unesco World Heritage Site in 1993 and it’s home to a group of 33 ponds and lakes collectively known as Lake Juniko. The name ‘Juniko’, meaning ‘12 lakes’, refers to the fact that you can only see 12 lakes from the summit of Mt Okuzure.

The jewel among them is the cobalt-blue pond of Aoike. It’s a sight to behold; the water is so blue and clear that you’re able to see up nine metres below water. The submerged beech trees give the environs an otherworldly vibe. What’s more, the reason behind Aoike’s mesmerising blue hue remains a scientific mystery. (The rest station Mori no Bussan-kan Kyororo is about a 10-minute walk from the Aoike, where you can also shop for local produce.)

On your way back to the National Route 101, don’t miss the Nihon Canyon observation deck. Many visitors have compared this brown and greyish-white rock formation to a miniature version of the Grand Canyon in America.

F.Yoshikawa

Cycle along the Tsugaru Strait – approximately 63km

You know you’re up to a good start when the tourist information centre Michi no Eki Imabetsu Hanto Plaza Askul (adjacent to the Okutsugaru Imabetsu Station) provides e-bike rentals for free. Get on one and head north-east along the coast towards the Takanosaki lighthouse. Don’t forget to explore the hilly surroundings of the lighthouse as the red-coloured wooden pathways will connect you to several unusual-looking rock formations.

From here, continue northwest along the seashore until you reach Ryubasan Gikei-ji temple, an important cultural heritage of Aomori. The region’s harsh weather has aged the wooden construction beautifully, creating a unique patina on the temple and especially the Nio-guardian statues at the gate.

Further north, you’ll pass by the Osamu Dazai Literature Monument, which is dedicated to one of Japan’s most popular fiction novelists of the 20th century, and the sleepy fishing village of Minmayahyoro, before terminating at the northernmost point on Tsugaru peninsula, Cape Tappi. The final part of the National Route 339, which runs through Cape Tappi, is actually a staircase of 362 steps, making it Japan’s only highway for pedestrians.

To head back, get on the approximately 15km-long Ajisai Road (look out for the beautiful hydrangeas in summer). For the picture perfect photo op, make a quick stop at Seikan Tunnel Entrance Park. For those with nimble fingers, you might just be able to capture a shot of the Tohoku Shinkansen speeding out of the tunnel.

Tokyo

Cycle from Ueno to Asakusa – approximately 4km

Yanaka is one of the last few neighbourhoods in the city which still preserves the nostalgic shitamachi vibe of old-town Tokyo, making it a good place to start your short and easy biking tour. Rent your cool ride from Tokyobike Rentals Yanaka, which is housed in an old sake brewery – but remember to make a reservation on their website beforehand.

Your first stop should be Uenosakuragi Atari, a hidden neighbourhood next to the famous Yanaka Cemetery. Here you’ll find that many of the traditional buildings from the 1930s have been converted into stylish cafés and stores – it’s particularly atmospheric.

You’ll come to Ueno Park next, where you’ll be spoilt for choices. The many museums within the park are tempting, so is the panda cub Xiangxiang at Ueno Zoo, but we recommend the Toshogu Shrine instead. Established in 1627, this shrine is one of the oldest buildings in Tokyo and it’s dedicated to Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa shogunate. You might also want to splurge on a little shopping spree at the nearby Ameya Yokocho (of Ameyoko for short), where you’ll find anything from fashion and beauty products to food and confectioneries.

Continue on east towards Asakusa Station, one of Tokyo’s most traditional districts. Park your bike at the Taito-ku Sumida Park Bicycle Parking Lot (¥100 a day) near the station and head to the Culture Tourist Information Centre. The free observation terrace on the eighth floor provides a good aerial view of the area.

Across the street is the Kaminarimon, the main gate at Senso-ji Temple. Take a stroll along Nakamise-dori, which will take you to the temple, and browse the many food and souvenir shops that line this street – trust us, you won’t leave empty-handed.

For the last leg of your tour, cycle further up Kaminarimon-dori until you reach the Azuma bridge. Take in the spectacular view of the Sumida river, Tokyo Skytree and the iconic Asahi - Super Dry Hall, that building topped with a golden ‘flame’.

Cycling within the Showa Kinen Park – approximately 14km

If you want to escape the busy streets of our concrete jungle, the cycling route within Showa Kinen Park, located in Tachikawa and Akishima, is your respite in nature without leaving the city proper. The approximately 14km-long route stretches across the park, and the ample facilities make it an easy and convenient trip for city folks. There are bicycle rentals on-site, plus lots of bicycle parking available at all the important stops and rest areas.

This family-friendly park with huge playgrounds for young and old is especially famous for its flower fields that provide picturesque views year-round: tulips by the stream in spring, sunflowers in summer, and bright-yellow ginkgo boulevards in autumn. Do come early to make the most of your time as most parks in Tokyo usually close around 5pm.