"Bicycle=Bike" has been one of my important transportation when it comes to traveling. That is why I chose a bike when I traveled in Australia and New Zealand four decades ago. When you pedal abroad, you can see more landscape, feel places and keep everything in your memory. Moreover, you have much more chance of meeting local people and this is the secret of traveling by bike to me. In this newsletter I will write about benefits and some of the important points when you hang around in the big city of Tokyo by bike.
So, what makes you decide to use a bike for sightseeing in Tokyo?
*Saving time
*Saving money
*Feeling the beat of the city
You can name a lot for the purpose of using a bike. This time I will list tips for arranging a bike and using it for sightseeing including some of the points you should be aware
Suitable type of sightseeing by bike in Tokyo
If you are going to use a bike as a transportation to move around in Tokyo, the biggest advantages are saving time and learning the geography quickly. But it will take at least several days to get used to it. I personally don't really recommend it for a short stay. But it is going to be very interesting to use it for a cycling day, such as pedaling along the waterfront or going around Emperor's Palace. You will be able to see the city from a different angle.
Arranging a bike
There are thousands of bicycle shops in Tokyo, but it is not realistic to buy one. The best will be using "share cycle". There are two major operating companies in Tokyo. One is called Bike Share Service operated by Docomo Group, which I call it "red bikes" and another one is Hello Cycling operated by Softbank Group, which I call it "white bikes". Strangely, both of them are mobile phone operators.
<Red Bike>Bike Share Service
It covers 13 wards out of 23 wards, and you can pick up and return any bike stations. There are three different prices (one off/monthly/one day) and you must have a prepaid transportation card of SUICA issued by East Japan Railway Company. If you stick to the central part of Tokyo, this is your choice.
<White Bike>Hello Cycling
The covering area is much larger than the red bike. If you want to use outside of Yamanote Line (Circular Line), this one has more stations. You download the app on your smartphone and can pay by credit card. Booking and other things are done on your smartphone. Stations are located not only in Tokyo, but also in Kanagawa, Saitama and Chiba Prefectures. Unfortunately on the website there is only Japanese available, but download the app and you can choose English or Chinese.
Important points on the road
Unfortunately, it is very difficult to find bike lanes in Tokyo. Bikes are advised to cycle on the road and avoid sidewalks if it is possible. On the road keep left side as the same direction of cars. You will find lots of people riding bikes on sidewalks, but pedestrians have the right of way. Sidewalks are very narrow in lots of places, and you end up cycling on busy roads. At first you may be scared to cycle. Please refer to the details of rules here. Be aware that you will be responsible for compensation for any accidents caused by your bike.
It will take a bit of preparation and time before you start cycling in Tokyo, but I am sure you will see more and feel a different face of Tokyo. Please try if you have interest and a bit of spare time.