What Is Tokyo All About? A 3-Hour Private E-Bike Tour from Ginza
July 24, 2026
What is Tokyo all about? This may be a question you want to find your own answer to during your stay in Tokyo. Let's cover the must-see spots in Tokyo, and you will hit on your own answer throughout this 3-hour private bike tour.
Get the Highlights
- Tokyo Tower, a symbol of Tokyo's redevelopment
- Imperial Palace, the center of modern and traditional Tokyo
- Tsukuda, a non-touristy side of this city
Tokyo Tower, a symbol of Tokyo's redevelopment
Tokyo Tower was built in 1958. In those days, Japan was not so urbanized yet after the war, and there were no skyscrapers around the tower. It stood out. Six years after the tower was built, the first Tokyo Olympics were held, and before the Olympics, a lot of infrastructure such as the Tokyo expressways and the bullet train aka Shinkansen started operating. They are still used in the city even now. The period around the 1960s, when Tokyo Tower was built, was the so-called era of Japan's redevelopment, and Tokyo Tower became the symbol of the time. It is not the tallest any more, but it is still the 'tallest' in the local mind.
Imperial Palace, the center of modern and traditional Tokyo
During the samurai era, what is now the Imperial Palace used to be Edo Castle, the castle of the shogun. So, looking at parts of the Imperial Palace, you will find some of the topography and techniques of the samurai era, which affect the current design of the Tokyo cityscape. Why don't you see the palace and learn more about the history of Tokyo? Of course, the scenery of the palace is simply magnificent.
Tsukuda, a non-touristy side of this city
Aren't you interested in areas that you can't reach on your own? If so, Tsukuda is one of the most interesting spots on this tour. This is not touristy at all, but you will find an authentic side of Tokyo. You may encounter moms biking with kids heading for a supermarket. Or, you may see students running in the schoolyard. Or you may even see elderly people enjoying fishing in the canal. Such everyday life still goes on in the vicinity of central Tokyo.
Highlights Along the Route
Everything is subjective, but here are some examples that you can expect as highlights on this route.
Rainbow Bridge
Enjoy the breeze at Tokyo Bay, looking at Rainbow Bridge, and learn how Tokyo has expanded its land into the sea.
Shiba Park
A green park where the view suddenly opens up. Tokyo Tower rises gracefully over the trees.
Zojo-ji Temple
A magnificent temple with lots of jizo statues. Learn a bit about Buddhism in Japan.
Tokyo Tower
The 333-meter red-and-white symbol of Tokyo since 1958. Learn the story about why it is symbolic.
Azabudai Hills
One of Tokyo's newest landmarks, opened in 2023. A modern skyscraper district with luxurious shops and condos.
FAMIMA
A super modern convenience store from FamilyMart. Experience a futuristic store!
Atago Shrine
A hilltop shrine in Toranomon, at the top of the 86-step “stairway of success.”
Hibiya Park
Japan's first Western-style park, with Japanese gardens too. A calm oasis between the commercial and government districts.
Imperial Palace
An amazingly open space with stone walls, moats, and beautiful pine trees, right next to the skyscrapers.
Tokyo Station
The red-brick station building, opened in 1914. Enjoy the scenery of modern Tokyo.
Hatchobori Backstreets
Narrow, quiet backstreets just a mile from the Imperial Palace. See how diverse Tokyo really is.
Chuo Ohashi Bridge
A bridge over the Sumida River with a sweeping view. Enjoy the breeze, looking at Tokyo Skytree in the distance.
Tsukuda
An old island that shows us an authentic Tokyo residential area. Narrow lanes and wooden houses survive among high-rises.
Tsukishima Monja Street
Tsukishima’s famous street of monja restaurants. Find a mom-and-pop shop in the backstreets, too.
Recommended Starting Places
This route ideally starts from:
- Ginza
- Tsukiji
- Shiodome
- Yaesu
- Nihonbashi
- Kyobashi
- Shimbashi
- Hibiya
Let’s Cycle Under the Summer Sky!
One sunny day, one family chose this route as their first full-day activity in Tokyo. They always gave us great smiles.
Epilogue
Several days later, I received a lovely message from them, and it said:
De bike tour was super leuk en leerzaam en kazuma is de perfecte gids voor iedereen die de stad snel wilt verkennen. Hij spreekt goed Engels en weet veel over de stad! Ook de elektrische fietsen zijn top! Dus mocht je op zoek zijn naar een fijne gids, boek Kazuma!!
(Translated by Google in English) The bike tour was super fun and informative, and Kazuma is the perfect guide for anyone who wants to explore the city quickly. He speaks great English and knows a lot about the city! The electric bikes are also awesome! So if you're looking for a great guide, book Kazuma!!
