DIFFICULY
★★☆☆☆
[Part 2] Calculation Results of Distance and Travel Time
• Total Distance: Approximately 26km
◦ Basic Route (Fuchu to Hamura): Approximately 24km
◦ Detours (Round trip to Ishikawa Brewery, extension to Aso Shrine): Approximately 2km
• Total Travel Time: 6 hours (09:00 - 15:00)
◦ Driving Time: Approximately 2.5 hours
◦ Sightseeing, Rest, and Lunch Time (Non-moving Time): Approximately 3.5 hours
• Number of participants: 2 to 6
• Minimum number of participants: 2
From
From ¥132,000 (tax included)
E-bike, ウェルネス, サイクリング, 多摩川
OVERVIEW
TOKYO Riverside Story Part 2
~Through the green corridor, to the homeland of water~
[Prologue: The Wind's Path and Memories of Film]
On the morning of the second day, we resume our journey from Fuchu.
The section that starts from here is called "Fuchu Tamagawa Kaze no Michi" (Fuchu Tamagawa Wind Path).
This green corridor, where pedestrians and cyclists coexist, is not a place to race, but a place to feel the breeze.
If you glance across the river, you can see the townscape spread out on the hill and the "Iroha Slope."
This is the same place that served as the setting for the Japanese animated film "Whisper of the Heart." We slowly paddle through the nostalgic scenery, feeling as if we've wandered into the story itself.
[Chapter 1: Spring Water and Meiji-era Storehouses]
As we traveled upstream along the river, the water became clearer and the air took on the scent of the forest. We made a short detour in the Tachikawa area to visit the "Negawa Green Road."
The stream, fed by crystal-clear spring water, is enveloped in a tranquility that makes you forget the hustle and bustle of the city.
Midway through our journey, we were led to Ishikawa Brewery, nestled in the forest.
This place, which has been around since 1863, is more than just a sake brewery.
The "Honzo" (main storehouse) from the Meiji era, a nationally registered tangible cultural property, and the sacred "Meoto Keyaki" (married couple zelkova) trees, over 400 years old, welcome us with an overwhelming sense of history.
[Chapter 2: The Forbidden Taste and the "Water of Life"]
Lunchtime is at "Fussa Beer Hut" on the premises.
As we savor pizzas baked in a stone oven and local sausages, we have a truly special experience.
Since we are cycling, we cannot drink the local craft beer or sake.
However, in exchange, they drink the "brewing water (natural underground water)," which is essential for sake brewing.
The water, drawn from 150 meters underground, is surprisingly soft and a true blessing nurtured by the land of Tokyo.
"I'll take the alcohol as a souvenir, and now I'll savor the mother water."
That's a sophisticated way to enjoy cycling that only cyclists know about.
[Climax: To the source that nourishes Edo]
Returning to the Tamagawa River, the mountains of Okutama loom before you, hinting at the finale of your journey.
And the final destination (or starting point) of this 53km journey is the Hamura Water Intake Weir.
During the Edo period, the Tamagawa Aqueduct, which was built from this location, supported the prosperity of the massive city of Edo.
The traditional "Nagewatashi-zeki" weir, which uses logs to adjust the water flow, is a testament to the wisdom of the Japanese people who have lived in harmony with nature.
Watched over by the statues of the Tamagawa brothers, we stand at the "beginning of the lifeline" of the city of Tokyo.
[Epilogue: The God Who Protects Your Safe Journey]
To conclude our trip, we extended our journey a little further from the water intake weir to visit Aso Shrine.
In the quiet temple grounds, we receive our "bicycle charms."
It's proof that you've completed your two-day journey, and a small lucky charm that promises safety on your future travels.
Starting from the skyscrapers of the city and heading towards the forests that are the source of the river, this journey upstream along the Tama River will be an unforgettable adventure that reveals the diverse and true facets of Tokyo.
Leaving the hustle and bustle of the city behind, we travel through the pristine landscape of Musashino - Part 2.
After passing through Fuchu's "Windy Path," which was also the setting for a movie, our destination is Ishikawa Brewery, a renowned sake brewery in Fussa.
Enjoy a wood-fired pizza lunch and a historical stroll on a site greeted by Meiji-era storehouses and sacred trees.
The final destination of our journey is the Hamura Water Intake Weir, which supplied water to Edo (present-day Tokyo).
Finally, receiving a "bicycle charm" at Aso Shrine should leave you feeling completely satisfied.
Welcome to a nature ride for adults, exploring water, greenery, and history.
HIGHLIGHTS
The "Windy Path" overlooking the setting of a Ghibli film and the pristine landscape of Musashino
The journey begins at the "Fuchu Tamagawa Windy Path" in Fuchu City. From this lush green promenade, which coexists with pedestrians, you can see the townscape of Seiseki-Sakuragaoka on the opposite bank. This area is also known as a model location for the Studio Ghibli film "Whisper of the Heart," and as you pedal slowly, feeling the gentle breeze of Musashino, you can admire the "Iroha Slope" and the scenery of the Tamagawa River that appear in the film.
A Cultural Heritage Walk and Italian Lunch at Ishikawa Brewery, a Meiji-era Sake Brewery
The highlight of the course is a stop at Ishikawa Brewery, a nationally registered tangible cultural property. We'll stroll through the historic grounds, visiting the imposing "Main Brewery" built during the Meiji era and the sacred "Meoto Keyaki" (Married Couple Zelkova) tree, over 400 years old. Lunch will be at "Fussa Beer Hut" on the premises, where we'll enjoy Italian cuisine including wood-fired pizza. Alcohol is strictly prohibited during cycling, but a special experience awaits: quenching our thirst with "brewing water" (natural water) drawn from 150 meters underground—the lifeblood of sake brewing—and purchasing the local craft beer "Tama no Megumi" as a souvenir.
The "Nagewatashi Weir," which protects Edo's water supply, and Aso Shrine, a sacred place for cyclists
At the finish line in the Hamura area, you'll visit the "Hamura Water Intake Weir," a masterpiece of water management technology that has continued since the Edo period. The traditional "Nagewatashi Weir," which adjusts the water volume by combining logs, is still in operation today, and together with the statue of the Tamagawa brothers, you can feel the weight of history. To conclude your journey, head to "Aso Shrine," located near the starting (ending) point of the Tamagawa Cycling Road. Here, you can receive a unique "bicycle charm" adorned with bicycle spokes and wheels, a ritual essential for cyclists to pray for a safe journey and future safety.
ITINERARY
[Part 2]
Tamagawa Nature Ride & Sake Brewery Lunch
Section: Fuchu (Koremasa Bridge) ~ Ishikawa Brewery ~ Hamura (Water Intake Weir)
Distance traveled: Approximately 25km
Theme: A journey through the "wind," "water," and "storehouses" of Musashino
09:00
Start: Fuchu "Kaze no Michi"
• Location: Fuchu Tamagawa Kaze no Michi (around Koremasa Bridge or Fuchu City Hometown Forest)
• Content: Start along the lush green "Windy Path".
Because pedestrians have priority, we will proceed slowly at a speed of approximately 10-15 km/h.
• Highlights: This warm-up run offers views of the Musashino Forest on your left and the townscape of Seiseki-Sakuragaoka on the opposite bank on your right.
10:15
Break: Spring water at Negawa Green Road in Tachikawa
• Location: Around Negawa Kaigarazaka Bridge • Content: Take a short break at a beautiful spring-fed stream, just off the cycling path along the Tama River.
• Experience: Refresh yourself by the clear waters where mallard ducks and carp swim.
11:30 Lunch & Stroll: Ishikawa Brewery (Fussa City)
• Location: Ishikawa Sake Brewery Co., Ltd. (approximately 10 minutes by public road from Tamagawa) • Stay: Approximately 90 minutes (11:30 AM - 1:00 PM)
• [Lunch] Fussa Beer Hut (Opens at 11:30)
◦ We will have lunch at the Italian restaurant on the premises.
◦ Recommendations: Wood-fired pizza, local sausages, etc.
◦ Note: Due to the cycling conditions, tasting or consuming alcohol (sake or beer) is strictly prohibited. Instead, please quench your thirst with the brewing water (natural underground water) or soft drinks.
• [Stroll] Casual Stroll Course (Free, Free Stroll)
◦ After the meal, we'll take a leisurely stroll around the grounds.
◦ Main Storehouse and New Storehouse: You can see storehouses built during the Meiji era that are registered as national tangible cultural properties.
◦ Meoto Keyaki (Married Couple Zelkova Trees): These sacred trees are over 400 years old and are popular as a power spot.
◦ Souvenirs: At the direct sales store "Sakesera," I'll buy some sake and local craft beer (Tama no Megumi, TOKYO BLUES) to enjoy after reaching the finish line and pack them in my backpack.
13:30
Ride resumes: Haijima/Mutsumibashi area
• Route: Leave Ishikawa Brewery and rejoin the Tamagawa Cycling Road (near Mutsumi Bridge).
• Scenery: From here on, the number of buildings decreases, and the mountains of Okutama loom large in the direction of travel. The sound of the river also becomes closer, making this the section where you feel the most like you're on a journey.
14:30 Goal: Hamura Water Intake Weir
• Location: Hamura Water Intake Weir and the statue of the Tamagawa brothers
• Contents: We will arrive at the end of the cycling path and visit the intake of the Tamagawa Aqueduct, which has been in operation since the Edo period.
• Highlights: This is a beautiful area known for its cherry blossoms, and in spring, it also hosts events such as a tulip festival.
15:00 Finale: Aso Shrine (Bicycle protection)
• Location: Aso Shrine (approximately 1.6 km upstream from the water intake weir)
• Experience: Take a short detour to an old shrine along the Tama River.
• Objective: To obtain a "bicycle charm," famous among cyclists, and express gratitude for a safe journey.
15:30 Disbandment: JR Hamura Station
• Travel: The distance from the finish line to the station is approximately 650m. We will pack our bicycles into bike bags near the station and then begin our journey home.
DETAILS
[Haneda/Tamagawa Cycling Tour: Important Notes, Clothing, and Items to Bring]
1. Regarding clothing
Regardless of the season, layering is essential to easily adjust to changes in body temperature caused by wind while riding.
Summer (June to September): Wear clothing made of moisture-wicking, quick-drying material. Since you will sweat a lot while cycling, we strongly recommend bringing a change of clothes for after your ride.
Winter (December to March): Due to the cold winds, adequate cold-weather gear such as windproof jackets, fleece, and gloves are essential.
Footwear: Please wear athletic shoes suitable for cycling. If there are spots along the way where you will dismount and explore, comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
2. Packing List
Backpack (one that leaves both hands free while running), drinks (around 500ml to 1000ml; bring more in the summer), rain gear (separate rain suit), cash (necessary for souvenirs and additional food and drinks), and other items (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, mobile battery).
3. Regarding costs
What's included in the tour price:
The price includes guide fees, bicycle rental, helmet rental, and insurance.
What is not included in the tour price:
Participants are responsible for the cost of souvenirs purchased along the way, as well as any additional personal drinks or snacks.
In some areas, many stores only accept cash, so please be sure to have cash ready.
4. Safety and Driving Precautions
Strict priority given to pedestrians: This route is designed as a "promenade" prioritizing pedestrians, not cyclists. Due to the large number of pedestrians, excessive speed riding and training rides are strictly prohibited.
Unique rules for the Fuchu City section:
Please be aware that in the approximately 10km section of road that runs through Fuchu City (Fuchu Tamagawa Kaze no Michi), there is a special rule of two-way traffic where bicycles travel in the center of the road and pedestrians walk on the far right.
Rules around Haneda Airport:
The road leading from the torii gate of Anamori Inari Shrine to Haneda Airport is closed to bicycles.
You will need to dismount your bicycle and walk it through this section.
Road surface and course conditions: The course includes sections with narrow roads and parts that involve driving on public roads and gravel roads.
Please check the route in advance and follow the guide's instructions.
5. Meeting Place and Access
Meeting place:
9:00 Fuchu Tamagawa Kaze no Michi (near Koremasa Bridge or Fuchu City Hometown Forest)
Organizer/Inquiries:
Tokyo Yamagawa DMC Co., Ltd.
(Email: info@fwness.com)
Get in touch with our team for quotes and advice,
including tour content not included on this site.