Tokyo's Quiet Side by E-Bike: A Local Route from Shinjuku
November 13, 2026
What image do you have of Tokyo? You might expect Tokyo to have lots of skyscrapers with neon lights or hustle-and-bustle streets everywhere. But if you join a bike tour and focus on the residential side of the city, you will see more peaceful, quiet backstreets. Let me share a route focusing on the local side of Tokyo on our 3-hour private e-bike tour!
Get the Highlights
- Local Sweets at a Shop over 90 Years Old
- A 1919 House That Survived the Earthquake and the War
- A Coffee Break at Your Own Pace
Local Sweets at a Shop over 90 Years Old
Eating is believing. If you taste some local food, you will remember your trip more vividly. All the more so when you visit a local shop instead of a 7-Eleven. There is an over-90-year-old Japanese sweets shop along the way, so we tried some food while chatting with the owner of the shop. They are so shy that we couldn't take photos together. But we will never forget their smiles!
A 1919 House That Survived the Earthquake and the War
One of the highlights of this route is an old Japanese house called Kyu Asakura House (the Former Asakura Residence). Built in 1919, it survived both the Great Kanto Earthquake and the air raids of World War II, so it is very rare to see such a house in Tokyo. Yet, it has been nicely maintained and preserved by the government. You can enjoy walking through the beautiful garden and the traditional house with a guide.
A Coffee Break at Your Own Pace
Private tours are ones where you can go at your own pace. This time, one of the guests was very keen on coffee, so we paid a visit to a special coffee shop on the way. We enjoyed chatting a lot about life in Japan and their country, education, our children, politics, and much more over coffee. Of course, the quality of the coffee was amazing!
Highlights Along the Route
Everything is subjective, but here are some examples that you can expect as highlights on this route.
Shinjuku West
Tokyo's skyscraper district. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building has a free observation deck on its 45th floor.
Kabukicho and Godzilla
Tokyo's biggest entertainment district. A giant Godzilla head looks down from a hotel rooftop.
Shinjuku East
The lively side of Shinjuku Station, full of shops and neon signs. A giant 3D cat waves from a billboard above the street.
Hatonomori Hachiman Shrine
A peaceful local shrine. Its mini-Mt. Fuji shows how much people have admired Mt. Fuji since the samurai era.
National Stadium
The main stadium newly built for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. Learn how much the event was affected by Covid-19.
Ginkgo Tree Avenue
A street lined with rows of ginkgo trees. Cycle in the tunnel of the trees!
Aoyama Cemetery
One of Tokyo's largest cemeteries in central Tokyo. In spring, its main street turns into a tunnel of cherry blossoms.
A Local Cafe
A short break over a cup of coffee or tea
Kyu Asakura House
A wooden Japanese house built in 1919 with a Japanese garden. Learn about the design of a Japanese house with your mind relaxed.
Shoto
A quiet residential area with elegant houses, only minutes from Shibuya. Feel a slower rhythm of Tokyo life.
Tomigaya
A relaxed neighborhood near Shibuya. Its streets are dotted with small cafes.
Sangubashi Backstreets
Narrow roads and steep hills in a residential area near Yoyogi Park. See the everyday side of Tokyo that many visitors miss.
Recommended Starting Places
This route ideally starts from:
- Shinjuku
- Shibuya
Let’s Cycle Under the Autumn Sky!
It was a bit chilly in the beginning. We wore gloves, and once we started, we were excited and felt warm!
