Tokyo Cycling Tour: Learn the History and Craftsmanship of the City

【OUTLINE】

Explore the Sumida Ward of Tokyo, where traditional craftsmanship has been passed down over generations. Learn the history and charm of ukiyo-e, the secret skills used to build the Tokyo Skytree, and visit a small factory with your friendly guide. You will discover the charming traditional parts of the city all from your bicycle. 

【HILIGHTS】 

• Adventure through narrow alleys of the traditional, historic areas of Tokyo on a bicycle with a friendly guide. 
• Visit locations painted in the ukiyo-e style by Katsushika Hokusai, a world-famous Ukiyo-e artist.
• Take pictures of the Tokyo Skytree, built mobilizing Japanese architectural technologies, at the guide's recommended spots. 
• Learn charming stories behind the Tokyo Skytree. 
• Your guide will select a spot among the small factories where the skills of craftsmen have been handed down. 

【SCHEDULE】

Meet up at JR Ryogoku Station → Self-introduction, rent a bike →Go cycling around Sumida Ward (the route may vary according to the guest's interest) → The tour ends at JR Ryogoku Station

【DETAILS】

Travel around Sumida Ward of Tokyo, where the skills of craftsmen remain vibrant today. The recommended spots are as follows:

 【Katsushika Hokusai, the most famous Japanese ukiyo-e artist】
Sumida Ward is related to Katsushika Hokusai, the genius ukiyo-e artist. (Ukiyo-e is a traditional Japanese art the consists of woodblock prints and paintings.) There are lots of spots on the way that Hokusai described in his ukiyo-e. A piece of ukiyo-e is completed by mobilizing the sophisticated skills of various craftsmen. While discovering the attractions of ukiyo-e, you will find the difference in sceneries between the Edo period and the present. 

 【Tokyo Skytree, one of the world's tallest structure】
The height of the famous Tokyo Skytree was achieved with the splendid architectural technologies of Japan. You know what? The tower looks different depending on the looking angle. The skills of making Japanese swords were introduced into the construction of the state-of-the-art tower. The guide will tell you special stories about the construction at secret photo spots.

  【Craftsmanship inherited from generation to generation】
Sumida Ward of Tokyo is an old town since the Edo Period (1603-1868), and it houses small factories where the skills of craftsmen have been handed down over generations. Witness the spots where Japanese culture and history can be seen beautifully. 

 You will go down paths that traditional tours don't utilize. Rest assured, as the local guide will lead you safely. You can travel comfortably by bicycle while visiting hidden gems. Enjoy this 3-hour premium bike tour.

【THINGS TO NOTE】 

• Time： 3 hours/person
  

• Meeting point： At the ticket gate of JR Ryogoku Station West Exit [MAP]
  1-5, Yokoami, Sumida-ku, Tokyo
  

• Access：  
  Within a 1-minute walk from JR Ryogoku Station
  A 7-minute walk from Ryogoku Station on Toei Oedo Line
  

• Language support： English

• Included：
  ・Guide fee
  ・bicycle rental
  ・bicycle insurance

• Excluded：
  ・Food and drink
  ・shopping
  ・entrance fee

• Things to bring：None

• Participation requirements ： 153 cm tall and over
• Free Wi-Fi：X
• Toilet：Available while on the journey

• Other things to note ：
  ・No alcohol drinking.
  ・Pregnant women and those with poor health conditions cannot join the tour.
  ・In case of rain, the tour will be canceled.
  ・Please come by 9:55.
  ・If you like to drop in places (for lunch, etc.), the duration of the tour may be extended.
  

【CANCELLATION POLICY】

7 to 4 days before the tour date 40% of the tour price
3 to 2 days before the tour date 60% of the tour price
The day before the tour date, on the day of the tour 100% of the tour price