Tokyo: Small Group Bike Tour with Imperial Palace & Temples

Summary

Cycle Tokyo’s heart from shrines to city buzz in a day

You’ll cycle through Tokyo’s neighborhoods with a local guide, pausing at Meiji Shrine’s peaceful grounds and Zojo-ji Temple’s lively paths. Enjoy lunch overlooking Tokyo Bay before gliding around the Imperial Palace moat—all at an easy pace that lets you soak up city life as it unfolds.

What’s the experience like?

I hopped off the train at Shinjuku, still half-awake, and there was our guide—Yusuke—already grinning next to a neat row of bikes. The air had that faint metallic smell you get in big cities after rain, and I remember thinking my legs might not be ready for all this cycling. But once we started pedaling through the early streets, it felt almost meditative. Yusuke kept us together, pointing out tiny bakeries and vending machines humming on corners. We rolled past the first stop—Meiji Shrine—where the gravel crunched under our tires and someone nearby was practicing calligraphy on a wooden plaque. There was this quietness under the trees that I didn’t expect in Tokyo.

After that, we zigzagged through neighborhoods I’d never have found alone. At Zojo-ji Temple, Yusuke explained how it’s both a Buddhist site and somehow the best spot for seeing Tokyo Tower (he was right). A woman in a sunhat offered us incense; I tried to copy her gesture but probably looked awkward. Lunch was up in Shiodome—a weirdly modern spot with glass everywhere—and we could see Tokyo Bay shimmering below. My legs were grateful for the break, honestly.

The last stretch circled around the moat of the Imperial Palace. It’s hard to describe the contrast: skyscrapers behind you, then suddenly all this old stone and water lilies drifting along the edge. We coasted slowly here. Someone joked about feeling like royalty for a minute (not me—I was too busy catching my breath). By then I’d stopped worrying about traffic or getting lost; Yusuke had us covered, always checking if we needed water or just wanted to pause for photos. The whole day felt like seeing Tokyo at street level—with time to actually notice things instead of just rushing past on a train.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Cycling tour of Tokyo landmarks

• Visit Meiji Shrine grounds
• Explore famous cemetery
• Shop and relax in Roppongi
• See Zojo-ji Temple and Tokyo Tower
• Lunch and view Tokyo Bay at Siodome
• Cycle around Tokyo Imperial Palace moat
• Return to Shinjuku

Top questions

How long is the Tokyo bike tour?

The tour covers major central Tokyo spots over several hours with breaks along the way.

Is lunch included on this cycling tour?

You’ll take a lunch break in Shiodome; food costs are not specified as included.

What are some highlights of this small group bike tour?

You’ll visit Meiji Shrine, Zojo-ji Temple (with views of Tokyo Tower), Roppongi, Shiodome for lunch, and circle part of the Imperial Palace moat.

Is this Tokyo cycling tour suitable for beginners?

The tour is suitable for those with moderate fitness but not recommended for people with certain health conditions.

Are bikes provided on this tour?

Yes, use of bicycle is included in your booking.

Does the tour include hotel pickup?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; you meet at a central location in Shinjuku.

How big are the groups on this Tokyo bike tour?

The tour runs in small groups so your guide can pay attention to everyone’s pace and safety.

What’s included

Your day includes use of a bicycle throughout central Tokyo with stops at Meiji Shrine, Zojo-ji Temple, Roppongi’s shops and cafes, plus time for lunch overlooking Tokyo Bay before finishing with a ride along the Imperial Palace moat—all guided by a local who keeps things relaxed and safe from start to finish.