In bici da Wako a Tokyo

Roll out from Wako in Saitama—home to RIKEN’s main research campus—and head south into Tokyo on a mellow, city-friendly ride. It’s about 18.7 km with a gentle 118 m of total climbing, topping out under 50 m, so nothing too punchy.

The route sticks mostly to quiet local streets (with a short busy stretch as you approach the center). From Wako, weave through Itabashi and Nerima; where you can, dip onto riverside/greenway sections like the Shakujii River path to keep it relaxed. Closer in, thread past residential lanes toward Shinjuku.

Finish near central Tokyo/Shinjuku—think soaring towers and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building (free observatory views on clear days). Plenty of cafes and convenience stores for a snack stop en route and at the finish.

Tips:

• Expect mixed urban surfaces and frequent lights; a bell and good lights help.
• Watch for pedestrians on greenways and narrow backstreets.
• If you want extra scenery, a short detour to the Arakawa Cycle Road offers wide-open riverside cruising before you cut back toward the city.