Cycling Tokyo in winter? The idea of braving the city's coolest season on a bike might make you question yourself, but there's nothing more refreshing than cycling under blue skies with that the crisp winter air hitting your face as you pedal the streets. It's that perfect time of year when Tokyo has finally dialled down the humidity and turned up the charm and what better way to experience it than on the Tokyo West-Side Walking & Food Tour.
Tokyo's winter is cool but pleasant and nowhere near bone-chilling. In December, you're looking at daytime temperatures averaging from 8-14°C (46-57°F). January keeps things pretty similar, maybe slightly cooler, while February starts to ease things up a bit with daytime highs of 9-13°C (48-55°F). Don't expect much snow but there is always the possibility of the odd sprinkle here and there. You don't need to dress like you're heading out on an arctic expedition but sensible layers of clothing are definitley the way to go when walking the town or jumping on a bike. Throw on a warm coat, scarf and gloves and you'll be set to ride the neighbourhoods. Indoors and on trains, the Japanese love to crank up the heat, so you might find yourself shedding those layers pretty quickly.
Days get shorter in winter with sunlight disappearing around 4:30pm. But Tokyo in winter has its own vibe, crisp air, cosy izakayas and cool winter illuminations that light up the city to spectacular effect in the evenings.
Embracing the winter chill while cruising down Tokyo's well-maintained roads, bike lanes and riverside bike paths is always exhilarating. And the pit stops for a hot can of coffee, a few local snacks and a warm-comforting bowl of noodles certainly hits the spot along our cycling route.
So, if you're dropping by Tokyo this winter on your way to a ski holiday in Nozawa Onsen, Hakuba or Niseko and contemplating whether to hop on a bike, my advice? Go for it! Bundle up and let the city unveil its winter wonders as you pedal through the charming neighbourhood streets. It's an adventure that promises to leave you with memories as cool as the Tokyo winter breeze!
Limited dates are still available for Christmas and early January bike tours. As always, I still keep a few unpublished spots up my sleeve so please get in touch if a specific cycling tour date or time isn't displayed on the booking calendar.
Enjoy the winter season and as always I look forward to seeing you out on the bikes here in Tokyo,
Andy!
Book your Tokyo winter bike tours here: Tokyo West-Side Cycling & Food Tour