Tama River Loop: A Scenic and Relaxed 55km Tokyo Ride for Road Cyclists
Sunday, October 13, 2024: Half-Fast Cycling Tama River Loop
This Sunday, I joined the Half-Fast Cycling group for the popular Tama River Loop—a scenic, intermediate-level 55km ride designed for relaxed but fast-paced cycling. The group met at the Grand Hyatt in Roppongi Hills and headed out toward the Futako-Tamagawa Bridge on the Kanagawa side, where I joined them midday. Having once lived nearby, revisiting this route brought back some great memories.
The Tama River Pathway Experience
The ride began with a gentle, 14km downhill section along the Tama River from Futako-Tamagawa to Nakarokugo. With wide footpaths beside the river, this stretch was ideal for a laid-back, scenic ride. The humidity was down to around 64%—a refreshing change from the 80%+ of summer, making midday cycling a lot more enjoyable.
Scenic Stops and a Relaxing Lunch Break
From Nakarokugo, we wove through the quiet backstreets to Omori Furusatono Hamabe Park and Heiwanomori Park before arriving at Jonanjima Seaside Park. We stopped here for a convenient lunch and some plane-spotting at nearby Haneda Airport—always a highlight. After lunch, most riders headed back east to Roppongi, while a few of us retraced our route back to Futako-Tamagawa.
The Return Route
The return ride mirrored the outbound journey with a slight uphill, but still gentle. Half-Fast Cycling routes are typically designed by experienced local riders who know these areas well and craft the routes to avoid climbs, making the journey smooth and enjoyable. These cyclists prioritize scenic and safe paths, relying on personal experience rather than apps or maps, which is a unique and valuable touch.
Total Distance and Final Thoughts
For those starting from Roppongi, the route totals 55km—a great distance for riders seeking a casual but extended outing. With my additional round-trip to and from Futako-Tamagawa, my total distance was 99.66 km—so close to a perfect 100 km! Next time, I'll remember to add a few more meters for a rounded finish.
The Tokyo Gate Bridge was a highlight, and though we didn’t ride over it, its view along the route is iconic. Overall, this ride was the perfect balance of friendly company, scenic views, and manageable distances. I’m already looking forward to the next loop.
Mr Tim
