They are from various countries and study in Japan, and we organized a private tour for them as one of the activities of students.
We started walking through the central Asakusa, then eventually went into inside of the town.
It was so chilly day, but it gradually became to be warmer.
Some of them bought amulets and drew a fortune telling.
When we visited the Usijima shrine (牛嶋神社), we saw a group of police station nearby. They prayed the safety of their mission through 2021 not only for policemen but also police vehicles.
We hope they enjoyed our walking tour, and have a happy new year 2021.
You may know “Okonomiyaki” , a kind of pancakes, contains various ingredients such as meat, fish, vegetables. You can eat it at almost all areas in Japan, but this is something special. Enjoy the video!
If you are a ramen lover, joining a guided tour might be a good option. Brian, an American guy living in Tokyo, has organized ramen tours for a long time and has a good reputation. After I met him in Shinjuku, I visited a ramen restaurant which he recommended. “Nagi” serves fine ramen with niboshi, a kind of dried sardine. It was fantastic!
We Tokyo Backstreets Bike Tour have bike tours in the north part of Tokyo, including Asakusa, Yanaka, but if you wish to see rather the west, you can join the DIG TOKYO TOURS. This tour is operated by Andy, Australian guy. He has been in Japan so long time so that he knows the backstreets of this area as well as streetfoods. His base is located near the Koenji railway station, where young people love to live because there are a lot of lovely second-hand clothes shops, Izakaya bars, restaurants and so on.
I had a hamburger stake for lunch after I visited Andy in Koenji. It cost only 680 JPY, less than 7 USD!
This area is sometimes called “City of rock music”, because there are a few live houses. If you dream to be a Japanese rock star, it might be ideal place to live!
This Tokyo Backstreets Bike Tour is to cycle another route in old Tokyo.
This tour is our main bike tour including not only popular touristic places but also local backstreests where tourists rarely visit.
Departing our tour base, we cycle to Yanaka Ginza shopping mall after cycling through the Yanaka cemetery. This mall is one of the oldest malls in Tokyo, where you can find fine Japanese streetfoods.
We continue cycling to Nezu area where has a lot of narrow backstreets. We visit the Nezu shrine, then have a break at a cafe.
Backstreets in Nezu
Next, we go down to more center of Tokyo and visit the Kanda shrine. This shrine is so famous for its wonderful annual festival.
Then, we cycle around the Shinobazu pond and inside the Ueno park. You can see plenty of natures even in the central Tokyo.
Finally, we pedal for 15 minutes to back to our base.
●Place to visit
・Yanaka Ginza shopping mall（谷中ぎんざ）
Yanaka is known as one of the old-town district. Shopping mall in Yanaka is a low-key commercial area where a lot of local people live, and old shops and buildings gather.
Yanaka Ginza shopping mall
・Nezu（根津）
Next to Yanaka Ginza, Nezu is also one of the old fashioned town in Tokyo. You can find a few authentic Japanese style houses which are difficult to see nowadays. We visit the Nezu shrine which has over 300 years history. In Nezu, there are many good cafes. We have a break at one of them.
Nezu shrine
・Kanda shrine（神田明神）
Located in the central Tokyo, the Kanda shrine is one of the most famous shrines. During Edo era, the Shogun (General) Tokugwa respected, it because he worshiped it and he beaten the enemy. Afterthat, he organized a big festival annually in this shrine, which is still lasting now.
Kanda Myojin shirne
・Shinobazu pond（不忍池）
A huge pond with 2km around, it is a popular place for walkers and joggers. Although it is located in the Central Tokyo, you can find a lot of rich ecosystems such as wild birds, lotus leaves.
Shinobazu pond
・Ueno park（上野公園）
Ueno park has very wide area which has many cultural facilities, such as art and science museums, concert halls. The Ueno zoo inside this park is also popular which has about 350 species. In spring time, you can enjoy a lot of Sakura, cherry blossoms (usually bloomed from the end of March to the beginning of April).
Ueno park
●Price – Ask
●Duration – Approx. 4 hours.
●Inclusions – bike rental, 1 bottle of water and 1 sweet at a cafe.
●Exclusions – transportation to/form the meeting point. Additional orders food and drinks.
We enjoyed neighborhoods, cemetery and shopping malls. The explanation of tour guide was nice perspective from real local, not typical explanation for tourists. Alex, Sandy and Liam Australia (Jan. 2020)
A guide provided information I didn’t know. For example, beer building gold for beer top for bubbles. I also loved peaceful streets with lots of information.
Justine Canada (Apr., 2019)
Takeshi, a guide, understands Japanese culture and so is able to provide internal insights.
Gaga United Kingdom (July, 2019)
A bike is just right height, easy to peddle. All flat road.
Olga Australia (July, 2019)
Thank you Takeshi. You are knowledgeable and speaks very good English. I love to see local people and eat Dango (Japanese sweets).
Linda USA (July, 2019)
We really enjoyed the temples and little shops. Thank you very much!
Claudia & Julia U.S.A. (Oct. 2019)
Great way to enjoy Tokyo and see unique places most tourists don’t see. It’s relax to bike around the backstreets compared to the crowded places such as Sensoji, Our guide was great and spoke English and Japanese.
Chris & Hisako Canada & Japan (Oct. 2019)
We enjoyed visiting the Fukagawa Edo museum as well as Fukagawa bawls for lunch.
Morio & Shigeru Japan (Oct. 2019)
Great bike tour in an interesting part of Tokyo. Highly recommended.
Michael USA (Feb. 2020)
Познакомился с гидом в Toden Cafe and Cycle Gym Minova. Разговорились. Я не любитель гидов и туров, но большой любитель велосипедов. Поехали. То, на что бы у меня ушло не меньше нескольких дней уложили в 4 часа. Тут и храмы, и сувенирные магазины и узкие улочки и классные недорогие традиционные чайные и ресторанчики. Гид говорит по английски, проблем не будет. Рассказывает историю мест и дружелюбно ведёт в неторопливом темпе. Велосипед маленький и юркий, легко подстраивается под разных людей. Тур подойдёт даже тем, кто не катается. Тем ненапряжный, а эмоции железно. Рекомендую!
