Tokyo, the capital of Japan, is the largest city in the world. It's great to enjoy sightseeing in Tokyo, but if you're interested in nature and culture, I recommend taking a little trip out and cycling.
This time, as a Japanese cyclist, I will introduce some great cycling routes that you can do from Tokyo as a day trip.
However, if you have the time, I recommend cycling over two days or more, as it will be ten times more fun.
1. Fuji & Hakone
Mount Fuji is the highest mountain in Japan at 3,776m above sea level, and is the soul of the Japanese people. The bicycle race up to the 2,300m point of Mount Fuji is the most popular race in Japan. And the road race for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics was also held here.
If you're interested in history and culture, explore the shrines of Fujiyoshida or the hot springs of Hakone.
Mount Fuji has been worshipped by the Japanese for over 2000 years, and as an important road hazard, Japan's largest post town was built around it.
2. Kamakura & Shonan Beach
Kamakura was the political center of Japan in the 12th century when the samurai (warrior class) took control of the country. You can enjoy the temples, Great Buddha, bamboo forests, and old towns that represent samurai culture.
Furthermore, the neighboring Shonan beach is Japan's most famous beach for leisure, and is enveloped in a vibrant atmosphere all year round. There are bicycle paths along the coast, making it a great area to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and easily cycle while enjoying Japanese culture and nature.
3. Yokosuka & Oshima Island
Yokosuka is a city that flourished as a military port since Westernization 150 years ago, and the Miura Peninsula to the south is flat and easy to ride on, attracting many cyclists from Tokyo.
Our recommendation is to take a ferry from there to Oshima and cycle there. This volcanic island with a long history offers beautiful seas, unique scenery, a slow pace of life, and tranquil townscapes.
4. Tokyo Bay & Yokohama
Tokyo is also the largest port city in Asia, and you can enjoy cycling through the city, visiting skyscrapers, restaurants, and historical sites of modernization.
Yokohama was the first port that Japan opened to foreign trade and was the starting point of Japan's modernization. Its old red brick warehouses have been renovated into fashionable shopping areas.
