Little Adventure with Cycling in Tokyo No. 1 Crystal Clear River

Overview

Available languages

English

6 hours

Mobile ticket

This tour offers a unique day trip from central Tokyo, revealing a side of the city unknown to many foreign tourists. In the upper reaches of the Tama and Akigawa Rivers, you'll discover Tokyo's historical connection to Edo, fueled by charcoal burning and forestry. This tour promises a deeper insight into Tokyo, combining fun, culinary delights, and relaxation into an unforgettable experience. Starting just an hour by train from the city, your adventure begins with an electric bike ride from Tokyo Urayama Base, the gateway to the Akigawa Valley. You'll cycle along the river, explore ancient temples, sample local foods, and enjoy lunch by a secluded riverside. The highlight is a walk through the river in waterproof gear to a hidden waterfall, followed by a soothing footbath in a hot spring. This tour is a comprehensive way to experience Tokyo's natural beauty, rural landscapes, and hot springs in just one day.

Additional Info

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What To Expect

Kotokuji Temple

You can pass through the splendid thatched gate, see the giant ginkgo tree, and listen to explanations about the temple's history.

30 minutes • Admission Not Applicable

After preparing for departure, we will ride electric bicycles with a guide for the first half of the tour. We will stop at scenic bridges, old temples, Japanese gardens, and cafes with terraces overlooking the valley.

1 hour • Admission Not Applicable

What‘s Included

Guide fee

Waterproof wear rental

Chair rental

Lunch (Cuba sandwich lunchbox) on chairs placed by the riverside

Use of bicycle

Local sweets (oyaki)

Options

Little Adventure with Cycling in Tokyo No. 1 Crystal Clear River

Reviews

5.00

6 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

A bike ride out of time. A magical and friendly moment, a communion with Nature thanks to Kenji, an extraordinarily guide
KillBill59,,Nov 4, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
The conditions were optimal. It rained all afternoon but Kenji was able to change its activity without suffering from bad weather conditions. In the morning, bike in the AKIGAWA Valley, cross small roads lined with rice fields, visit a temple and a shrine that tourists do not know about. Spaces unsullied by mass tourism, revealing ancestral customs so well narrated by Kenji! The morning ended with such a well-cooled lunch: a delicious pork sandwich cut into thin strips, simmering gently for 3 hours: a delight after 3 hours of cycling. Everything was planned: 2 barnums, folding seats. What a wonderful organization! In the afternoon, Kenji offered us a ride in his van: itinerary in the river, arrival at the foot of a waterfall, take the time to observe Nature: the biodiversity so rich and so preserved enchanted us. To walk in the river, we were equipped with waders, water shoes and poncho. Kenji accompanied us to the very small bakery in Urayama and specialized in making Japanese donuts. Thank you Kenji for everything you gave us! I recommend, this activity is priceless. It is rich in emotions and sensations. I forgot to mention the presence of a young Japanese couple who chose this activity as a wedding gift. They were so adorable!
Best trip
saL6937ZJ,,Mar 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
My highlight of my Tokyo trip. Kenji has curated a beautiful tour where you get a mix of culture and nature. Kenji is an excellent guide. So knowledgeable! I will be back Akigawa valley!
A lovely day
Makayla O,,Dec 1, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00
This tour is a lovely way to spend a day in the Japanese countryside. The e-bikes are easy to use and you cover a lot of ground and see a lot of beautiful scenery. The places you visit feel very much like authentic Japan and not like they cater to tourists. The train ride from Tokyo is not far, but it was a relief to feel far away from the city and escape the crowds for a day
Amazing experience
Frida K,,Nov 30, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00
Incredible views of the mountains and forest, the water trekking was so fun! The tour guide was the sweetest person. Lunch was also really good. This is not your everyday Tokyo-adventure. Do this If you want to experience something more authentic and different.
An amazing time and fantastic way to experience the quiet natural beauty of a village just on the outskirts of Tokyo
smosq3,,Nov 2, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
I booked this trip to see a different side of Tokyo that was also less crowded by other tourists. It was a lot more than I had expected! Communication with the tour guide, Kenji, is easy and he is so kind and accommodating. Unfortunately, the day of our trip was raining so most of what I expected this trip to be (cycling and river walking) did not happen, but instead Kenji made the best of it for us! He drove us to all the different sights on our planned itinerary and we were still able to hike into the forest areas to see the beautiful waterfalls, nature, and far off traditional buildings. Without Kenji as our guide, we wouldn't be able to experience the quiet beauty found here in Hinohara village. We don't know any Japanese, but Kenji was able to help us interact with the locals and see a glimpse of the life here. In my opinion, the rain and gloom made the forests and nature feel more alive! We enjoyed the trip so much! I recommend this to anyone who wants to experience a quieter side to Tokyo's beautiful nature. Kenji was full of knowledge and always eager to help us get the most out of our trip. This experience is one of the ones I'll remember the most from my first trip to Japan. Thank you, Kenji!
Amazing experience to see a different and amazing side of Tokyo
S M,,Nov 2, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00
I booked this trip to see a different side of Tokyo that was also less crowded by other tourists. It was a lot more than I had expected! Communication with the tour guide, Kenji, is easy and he is so kind and accommodating. Unfortunately, the day of our trip was raining so most of what I expected this trip to be (cycling and river walking) did not happen, but instead Kenji made the best of it for us! He drove us to all the different sights on our planned itinerary and we were still able to hike into the forest areas to see the beautiful waterfalls, nature, and far off traditional buildings. Without Kenji as our guide, we wouldn't be able to experience the quiet beauty found here in Hinohara village. We don't know any Japanese, but Kenji was able to help us interact with the locals and see a glimpse of the life here. In my opinion, the rain and gloom made the forests and nature feel more alive! We enjoyed the trip so much! I recommend this to anyone who wants to experience a quieter side to Tokyo's beautiful nature. Kenji was full of knowledge and always eager to help us get the most out of our trip. This experience is one of the ones I'll remember the most from my first trip to Japan. Thank you, Kenji!