The cycling culture in Tokyo is big, and whizzing along pretty paths on two wheels is one of the best ways of orienting yourself while taking in the sights. While navigating your way around can be hard without GPS, following the rivers means less map-checking and more sight-soaking. The Suginami Ward in West Tokyo is home to both the Zenpukuji and Kanda rivers which, joined at one end can be enjoyed on a loop around the area passing by the popular Inokashira Park en route.
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![Cycle Loop Along Tokyo West Canals]()
Cycle Loop Along Tokyo West Canals
Suginami is a predominantly residential area that, in spite of its proximity to central Tokyo, has the benefit of quiet streets and undiscovered spots. Bicycles can be hired from a few places around the area such as Rental Minamoto, where you can hire a bike for 1,050 yen for the day just a short walk from Ogikubo Station. Starting along the Zenpukuji River, take to the small paths that line the river laiden with trees and neighbouring parks. Like much of Tokyo, cherry blossoms pop up intermittently around Suginami as well as impressive displays of multi-coloured leaves in fall.
![Cycle Loop Along Tokyo West Canals]()
Cycle Loop Along Tokyo West Canals
All that cycling is sure to have you working up an appetite so make sure to plan in food stops along the way. The Zermatt bakery prepares deliciously fresh bread that include filling sandwiches and sweet pastries. Lunch can be enjoyed somewhere along the river or at the nearby Wadabori Park which the Zenpukuji River winds all the way through.
![Cycle Loop Along Tokyo West Canals]()
Cycle Loop Along Tokyo West Canals
Heading west along the meandering Zenpukuji River will eventually bring you to the Zenpukuji Park, the smallest and calmest of the parks along our route. Temporarily veering off the river path, take the little streets in the direction of southwest and in just 15 minutes you’ll make it to one of Tokyo’s most celebrated parks, Inokashira Koen, which makes another good spot for a snack break with a whole host of eateries just north of the park.
![Cycle Loop Along Tokyo West Canals]()
Cycle Loop Along Tokyo West Canals
The lake at Inokashira Park transforms into the Kanda River which runs back to central Tokyo which after around 15 kilometres joins up with the Zenpukuji River near Nakano Fujimicho in Nakano Ward. From Inokashira, the river weaves up and down running alongside the Inokashira train line for much of the stretch. Although the majority of the buildings that back off the river are typical low-rise Japanese apartments, which make for interesting architecture to eye up along the way, keep an eye out for local shops and cafes along the way. While the popular parks are most certainly a good reward for cyclists, the freedom of taking your own path by bike means you’re sure to find some hidden gems along the way.
![Cycle Loop Along Tokyo West Canals]()
Cycle Loop Along Tokyo West Canals
Kichijoji Tokyu REI Hotel
1-6-3 Kichijoji Minami, Musashino Tokyo
Anshin Oyado Tokyo Ogikubo - Male Only
1-11-2 Kamiogi, Suginami-ku Musashino Tokyo
- Zenpukuji Temple Kawa Green Park no Sakura
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