Cycling from Abiko to Tokyo Skytree and Senso-ji | 74 km Round Trip

I rode a cross bike from Abiko to Tokyo Skytree and Senso-ji Temple.

The bicycle I used was a KhodaaBloom RAIL LIGHT (400 mm) cross bike.

The distance for this ride was approximately 37 km one way and approximately 74 km round trip.
It took about 2 hours and 30 minutes from Abiko to Tokyo Skytree, and there were no extremely steep hills.
On the other hand, National Route 6 has heavy traffic, and there are some sections where cyclists need to be particularly careful.

In addition, there are more traffic lights as you get closer to Tokyo,
so the closer you get to central Tokyo, the more difficult it becomes to cover as much distance as you might expect.

In this article, I will introduce the route I actually rode, road conditions, hills, rest areas,
bicycle parking, and the ride from Tokyo Skytree to Senso-ji Temple.

Distance and Travel Time

On the route I took, the distance from Abiko to Tokyo Skytree was approximately 37 km.
It took about 2 hours and 30 minutes.

I also returned to Abiko by bicycle, so
the total round-trip distance was approximately 74 km.

Looking only at the distance, it may seem that the ride should not take very long,
but there are more traffic lights as you head toward Tokyo, requiring you to stop repeatedly at red lights.
In particular, the closer you get to central Tokyo, the more sections there are where you cannot cover as much distance as expected.

If you estimate the travel time based only on your average speed in the same way you would when riding on a cycling path,
there may be a significant difference between your estimate and your actual arrival time.
It is better to allow plenty of extra time when planning the ride,
taking traffic lights, road conditions, and rest breaks into account.

The Route I Took

The general route I took was as follows.

Abiko City → Cycling path on the south side of Lake Teganuma → National Route 6 →
Tokyo Skytree → Senso-ji Temple

The road environment is quite different between the cycling path around Lake Teganuma in the first part of the ride
and National Route 6 afterward.

Cycling Path on the South Side of Lake Teganuma

The cycling path on the south side of Lake Teganuma is relatively easy to ride,
and compared with the sections on the national highway, you can ride without having to worry as much about motor vehicles.

There are also benches along the way, so you can stop and take a break if you get tired.

On this route from Abiko toward Tokyo,
this is one of the easier sections to ride.

Road Conditions on National Route 6

Once you enter National Route 6, the amount of motor vehicle traffic increases considerably.

Many sections do not have dedicated bicycle lanes,
so you need to ride carefully while paying attention to cars, large vehicles, and other surrounding traffic.

There are also overpasses along the way.
It is best to carefully check the surrounding traffic conditions and prioritize safety rather than forcing yourself to continue riding.

The number of traffic lights also increases as you head toward Tokyo.
Because you have to stop more frequently at traffic lights,
your average speed drops as you approach central Tokyo, and you cannot cover as much distance as you might expect.

For this reason, rather than calculating your travel time based on the average speed you normally maintain on cycling paths,
it is better to plan your ride with plenty of extra time, including time spent waiting at traffic lights.

On the other hand, there are convenience stores along National Route 6,
so it is relatively easy to replenish drinks and food.

There are also bicycle shops such as Cycle Base Asahi at various points along the route.
Being able to easily find a bicycle shop in the event of a flat tire or a problem with bicycle parts
provides some reassurance when riding a long distance.

Are There Any Hills?

There were no extremely steep hills on the route I took.

Therefore, rather than the hills themselves, the approximately 74 km round-trip distance,
the heavy traffic on National Route 6, and the increasing number of traffic lights as you approach central Tokyo
are the main points to be aware of.

Departing Abiko at Around 6:00 a.m. on a Saturday in July

I made this ride on a Saturday in July
and left Abiko at around 6:00 a.m.

It took approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes from Abiko to Tokyo Skytree.
Because there are more traffic lights as you head toward Tokyo,
the ride takes longer than you might expect based on the distance and your usual average speed.

Even so, leaving at around 6:00 a.m. meant that I arrived early,
and Tokyo Skytree had not yet opened when I arrived.

If your goal is to visit Tokyo Skytree,
it is probably better to decide your departure time after considering both its opening time and your expected riding time.

Leaving early has the advantage of making the roads relatively easier to ride,
but if you arrive too early, the facilities may not yet be open.

Bicycle Parking at Tokyo Skytree

Tokyo Skytree has two bicycle parking areas.

Bicycle parking is free for up to two hours,
so you can park your bicycle and look around the Tokyo Skytree area.

If you plan to use the parking area for a longer period,
it is a good idea to check the usage hours and fees on site before leaving your bicycle there.

Tokyo Skytree to Senso-ji Temple Takes About 10–15 Minutes by Bicycle

It takes about 10–15 minutes by bicycle from Tokyo Skytree to Senso-ji Temple,
as long as you do not get lost.

If you use a map application on your smartphone,
you can make your way to Senso-ji Temple while checking your current location.

There are also street map boards in the surrounding area,
so you can use them to check your route as you travel.

Tokyo Skytree and Senso-ji Temple are relatively close to each other,
so if you have already cycled from Abiko to Tokyo Skytree,
it is quite possible to visit both places on the same trip.

Walking Your Bicycle Is Recommended Around Senso-ji Temple

The area around Senso-ji Temple can be extremely crowded with tourists and other pedestrians.

In particularly crowded areas, rather than riding your bicycle,
it is recommended that you get off and walk your bicycle.

Move carefully while paying attention to pedestrians around you,
and if you plan to go sightseeing, it is better to park your bicycle in a safe place before exploring the area on foot.

Rest Stops and Replenishing Drinks

There are benches along the cycling path on the south side of Lake Teganuma,
so you can stop and take a break.

Once you enter National Route 6, there are convenience stores along the way,
so it is relatively easy to replenish drinks and food.

Especially during the summer, temperatures can become high,
so it is a good idea to carry drinks and replenish them at convenience stores along the way as necessary.

My Impressions of Cycling from Abiko to Tokyo Skytree and Senso-ji Temple

From Abiko to Tokyo Skytree,
the route I took was approximately 37 km one way and took about 2 hours and 30 minutes.

I also returned to Abiko by bicycle,
so the total distance ridden that day was approximately 74 km round trip.

There were no extremely steep hills, and there are benches along the cycling path,
as well as convenience stores and bicycle shops along National Route 6,
so it is relatively easy to find places to rest and replenish supplies.

However, National Route 6 has heavy motor vehicle traffic,
and many sections do not have dedicated bicycle lanes,
so you need to be very careful when riding on the roadway.

In addition, there are more traffic lights as you head toward Tokyo,
and the closer you get to central Tokyo, the more difficult it becomes to cover distance as quickly as expected.
Rather than estimating your travel time based only on your usual average speed,
it is important to allow plenty of time for traffic lights and road conditions.

Tokyo Skytree is only about 10–15 minutes by bicycle from Senso-ji Temple,
so you can also continue on to Senso-ji Temple after cycling to Tokyo Skytree.

Because there are many pedestrians around Senso-ji Temple, it is best to walk your bicycle in crowded areas
and prioritize safety while sightseeing.

If you would like to cycle from Abiko toward Tokyo,
this route can be enjoyed as one possible round-trip cycling course of approximately 74 km.