Top 5 bicyclist shops & spots

In July 2009, Yukiya Arashiro and Fumiyuki Beppu became the first Japanese athletes to complete the Tour de France— visiting six different European countries and covering almost 3,500km. While Tokyo’s cycling environment can’t compare to that of Europe, Yukiya and Fumiyuki’s efforts have certainly given cycling a local popularity boost. The two athletes were guest riders in Tokyo Earth Ride 2009, an event that saw over one thousand cycle enthusiasts riding around the city.

So popular is Tokyo’s current cycling boom that those who ride to work are now known as jitensha-tsukinisuto— a newly-coined Japanese word that appears to be a blend of jitensha-tsukin (meaning to commute to work by bicycle) and the English ‘ist’ found at the end of words such as ‘cyclist’. Shops selling bicycles and related goods have opened all over the city, to the delight of cyclists old and new alike. However: with better models somewhat expensive, and regular bike maintenance essential, it’s important to find trustworthy suppliers to both help you choose the right bicycle and provide the required level of aftercare.

Runners Station Plus Bike KOJIMACHI

Runners Station Plus Bike provides amenities, lockers, supplements, drinks and space for both runners and cyclists to mingle and hang out in; they also sell various emergency bicycle maintenance supplies. It builds on the success of the original Runners Station in Jinbocho, which opened primarily to meet the needs of runners training in and around the Imperial Palace Grounds. A monthly fee of ¥23,000 gets you a bicycle parking space, your own personal locker and use of the showers.

Address: Kojimachi Crystal City 1F, 4-8-1 Kojimachi, Chiyoda, Tokyo
Telephone: (03)5275 0089
Open: Mon-Fri 7am–10.30pm, Sat 8am–8pm, Sun 8am–6pm
Note: Closed one day a month for maintenance
Website: www.runstabike.jp/

Cycle Square Kitasando

(closed in 2010 )
Opened by the Bicycling Popularization Association of Japan, this bicycle themed café is a place for cyclists to share bicycle related news and information. A wide variety of healthy foods for hungry cyclists is offered, including ‘Cycle Udon’ — a cold udon-based pork and vegetables dish, said to improve sustenance after a long ride. If instant energy replenishment is more your speed, ‘Banana Bread’ is the way to go. Cycle Square also offer a bicycle rental service (four hours for ¥1,000) where you can choose from up to twelve bicycles from six different makers, including Bridgestone and Jamis.

Address: 4-23-5 Sendagaya, Shibuya, Tokyo
Telephone: (03)6890 0100
Open: Mon-Fri 11am–9pm, Sat-Sun & nat. holidays 11am–9pm
Website: www.cyclesquare.com/

Pandani

Pandani produce a range of specialist cycle apparel— clothing that incorporates vivid colors and graphics and has amassed a respectable fan base in the cycling world. The store also houses Japan’s first ever bicycle café, with drinks such as tea, coffee and beer available to quench the thirst of cyclists and shoppers alike. Interestingly, the name Pandani comes from a play on the surname of Italian road racing cyclist, Tour de France winner and legendary hill climber, Marco Pantani, and the brand’s ‘flying panda’ motif.

Address: Luminoso Yotsuya 1F, 3 Funamachi, Shinjuku, Tokyo
Telephone: (03)6426 7662
Open: Mon-Fri 2–9pm, Sat 1–7pm, Sun 12noon-6pm
Closed: Tue-Wed
Website: pandani.jp/

Bike Forum Aoyama

A showroom opened and operated by Bridgestone, Bike Forum Aoyama, is more than just a place for Bridgestone to exhibit their latest models. They regularly host bicycle related events, provide various publications for guests to read freely, bicycle parking and even shower rooms.

Address: 3-1-26 Jingumae, Shibuya, Tokyo
Telephone: (03)6438 1971
Open: 11am–7pm
Closed: Sun & nat. holidays
Website: www.bikeforum-aoyama.jp/

Nicole EuroCycle, Aoyama

Nicole EuroCycle primarily stocks high-end European-made road bikes. The staff– some of whom speak English – are friendly and always happy to assist with expert advice. The shop also runs occasional workshops on health care and dieting topics for female clientele.

Address: 7-1-15 Akasaka, Minato, Tokyo
Telephone: (03)3478 3511
Open: Mon-Fri 12noon–9pm, Sat, Sun & nat. holidays 10.30am–7pm
Closed: Tue, Wed
Website: www.nicole-eurocycle.co.jp/main.html

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