Escaping to the Edge of Tokyo on the Tamako Cycling Road
The Tamako Cycling Road takes you to a place that will make the winding, narrow streets of west Tokyo a distant memory
Living on the west side of Tokyo is affordable and convenient, especially if you live near Shinjuku. However, I often lament the lack of cycling infrastructure in this part of the city. Additionally, the dense urban sprawl between central Tokyo and the mountains to the west leaves few opportunities for cycling in nature.
Fortunately, if you’re up for a 40- to 60-kilometer round-trip ride, the Tamako Cycling Road (Tamako Jitensha-dori) will take you to a place that will make the winding, narrow streets of west Tokyo a distant memory.
Come Along for the Ride
Expats and long-term residents will probably get the most out of this article. However, if you are a short-term visitor who loves cycling, you’re welcome to come along for the ride. No bike? No problem. There are plenty of places in Tokyo to rent one.
Read on for a step-by-step guide to a west-side cycling course that will take you to the Tama and Sayama lakes that straddle the border of Tokyo and Saitama prefectures.
