Asakusa: Explore Temples, Backstreets, and Riverside by E-Bike
September 17, 2025

Have you ever heard of the word, Shitamachi? It is the nostalgic side of Tokyo, where traditions and local life remain. On a Tokyo e-bike tour, you can explore these streets at your own pace, connect with locals, and enjoy riverside cycling. If you are looking for private bike tours and authentic things to do in Tokyo, this is one of the best ways to experience the city.
Get the Highlights
- See Everyday Life on a Private Ride
- Connect with Locals over Japanese Treats
- Cycle Freely along the River
See Everyday Life on a Private Ride

On this Tokyo bike tour, you cycle through local streets where cars rarely pass. If you spot something interesting, you can stop anytime and ask your guide about it. This flexible pace is what makes private tours so rewarding—you can truly experience the shitamachi lifestyle up close.
Connect with Locals over Japanese Treats

Along the way, you might stop to try some Japanese sweets or snacks. These casual moments let you interact with locals and add depth to your ride. Of course, you can also continue cycling if you prefer. That’s the charm of Tokyo e-bike tours—the day unfolds in your style.
Cycle Freely along the River

Yes, you can find a wide-open riverside road right in this modern city. Riding along the water is refreshing and relaxing, and it will surely be one of your favorite memories from your tour in Tokyo.
Highlights Along the Route
Everything is subjective, but here are some examples that you can expect as highlights on this route.
Asakusa Sensoji Temple

Sensoji Temple is one of Tokyo’s most iconic sights, and visiting it by e-bike gives you a unique perspective. Whether you snap a photo by the giant red lantern, collect a temple stamp, or just enjoy the lively atmosphere, it’s a highlight you can experience your way.
Matsuchiyama Shoden

Located on a small hill, Matsuchiyama Shoden offers peace and quiet away from the busy Sensoji area. This temple has long been known as a special place for couples, making it a memorable stop for anniversaries or honeymoons in Tokyo.
Imado Shrine

Imado Shrine is famous for its connection to good fortune in love and for being linked to the origin of the maneki-neko (beckoning cat). It’s a charming stop on a Tokyo bike tour, especially for couples and cat lovers alike. If you are lucky, you will see a real cat here!
Backstreets

The narrow lanes of shitamachi are full of character and history. Cars cannot easily pass through, but bikes can. Pedaling here feels like a playful adventure, discovering Tokyo from a ground-level view that few visitors see.
Nakacho No Ie, an Old Japanese House

Finding a over-100-year-old wooden house in Tokyo is rare, yet Nakacho no Ie preserves exactly that. When open, it allows you to step back in time and imagine life in Tokyo decades ago.
Kitasenju

Kitasenju is a lively neighborhood that has kept its nostalgic streets alive despite modern development. Here, you can pause for Japanese sweets, browse small shops, or simply relax at an outdoor café under the shade of wisteria in a shrine.
Arakawa Riverside

Wide and open, the Arakawa riverside is perfect for cycling. The freedom and breeze here feel completely different from central Tokyo, giving balance to your private bike tour.
Shioiri Park

Located by the Sumida River, Shioiri Park combines greenery with city views. Cycling through this park gives you a refreshing contrast and a glimpse of how Tokyo continues to evolve.
Tokyo Skytree

As the final stretch of your Tokyo e-bike tour, you approach the towering Tokyo Skytree. Seeing this landmark rise above the traditional streets around it captures the mix of old and new that defines Tokyo itself.
Recommended Starting Places
This route works best when starting from:
- Asakusa
- Oshiage
- Ueno
- Nippori
Let’s Go Under the Autumn Sky!
One HOT autumn day, we rode through shitamachi streets, enjoyed riverside cycling, and paused for sweets and conversation. The mix of seasonal air and Tokyo’s nostalgic scenery made it unforgettable.






Epilogue

After the ride, I received a heartfelt message from a guest, thanking me for the experience. It was a sweet reminder of why I guide private tours—but it also sadly marked the end of a 3-hour-plus bike tour through Tokyo.
![]()
ABSOLUTELY RECOMMENDED. One of the best experiences I had in Tokyo. Kazuma-san will create a tour based on your requests, sharing precious insights on the sightings and on japanese culture in general. Kazuma-san speaks very good english, is very polite but also very friendly and cheerful. Cycling in Tokyo is surprisingly safe and pleasant. Kazuma-san will neverthless guide you and assure that you do not any risk. An experience we will keep in our hearts. Thanks!!!