A West Tokyo Local Cycling & Food Tour (DIGS Tokyo Tours)

Deciding between the different bike tours in Tokyo? One option that I vetted was DIGS Tokyo Tours.

DIGS is a small food and cycling tour company owned and run by Andy, an Australian who has been transplanted in Japan, having married into the culture and lived in the city for over a decade.

Even though it was my second time in Tokyo, I hadn’t yet explored much of the west side.

Andy’s tour offers exactly that—a glimpse into the underrated neighborhoods and nooks of West Tokyo.

In addition to the biking and guide aspect, you also get snacks and lunch on this tour, although I wouldn’t particularly call it a street food tour.

In short, his West Side Tokyo Tour focuses on exploring the underrated neighborhoods of Kōenji, Asagaya, and Nakano while filling your belly with Japanese snacks and a typical “salaryman” lunch.

It’s somewhat of a hybrid bike-food tour, but one that focuses more on just giving you a better understanding and feel of daily Tokyo life outside of the major tourist hubs of Shibuya and Shinjuku.

I won’t spill all the details and surprises of this tour, but if you’re looking for a quick review to help you decide on whether this tour is a good time and money investment for your Tokyo trip, then read on!

DIGS Tokyo Tours – West Tokyo Bike Tour Review

I thoroughly enjoy exploring new and familiar cities by bike.

It’s such a wonderful way to interact with a local guide or expat with local insight while deepening your understanding of a place and its culture(s).

Tip: As with any bike tour though, the best “seat in the house” is always right behind the guide, where you can be poised to ask all the questions you want!

So, what’s the itinerary on this route? What will you get to do and see? And is it worth the cost and time?

Andy’s West Side Tokyo tour offers the opportunity to ride through three underrated neighborhoods and districts, namely:

• Kōenji
• Asagaya
• Nakano

All three are undoubtedly places you wouldn’t typically discover on your own—not when shiny Shinjuku or ancient Asakusa are constantly raved about.

I understand if you have a very short amount of time to explore Tokyo that you want “the best of the best” but you can find that—and more—by wandering off the beaten path and into the back alleys of these charming and retro neighborhoods.

West Side Tour Details

• Cost: $85–$150 per person, but it varies based on season and day (weekday vs weekend)
• Tour times: Departure times are 9:30 am or 2:00 pm
• Duration: The tour will last a good 3-4 hours
• Food included: A typical snack, a vending machine drink, a quick “salaryman” lunch, and a sweet treat
• Group size: 6 persons maximum
• Conditions: Rain or shine, this tour typically takes place as scheduled!

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Where you’ll ride on the West Tokyo Cycling & Food Tour

Koenji

Koenji is a wildly understated neighborhood that is known for its “hip” eateries, underground punk culture, vintage clothing shops, retro cafes, and more.

While this tour has you riding through Koenji during the morning or afternoon, you should make a return trip to rediscover it after hours and at your own pace.

Asagaya

The same goes for Asagaya—the neighborhood of West Tokyo better known for its jazz and food. A return visit is a must to duck inside its authentic izakaya bars while listening to live music.

Andy will clue you in on where to go and what to do here!

Nakano

At one point, you’ll descend from your bike and alight on the narrow streets winding through Nakano.

You’ll get to see a typical shōtengai (Nakano Sun Mall), tour inside the OG Mandarake store, and finish off the tour with a tasty treat!

Is This Cycling Tour “Better” Than Others in Tokyo?

I cannot speak for ALL of the bike tours in Tokyo, but I had a fabulous day out on Andy’s bike tour.

I got to see so much more of retro and underrated Tokyo than I had previously gotten to know.

You cover a lot of ground in a few hours and walk away more in-tuned to local daily life, thanks to Andy’s insight!

I also loved that this tour didn’t cover Central Tokyo like many others do.

As for the cost aspect, the value felt above fair.

The upkeep of the mamachari bikes, the food, and guide, and the time—all contribute to the price and I felt like myself, and all of the participants, walked away feeling a gain rather than any financial loss.

As for the time cost, if you do have other activities you have to choose between (because you can’t see and do it all!), then just consider what exactly is your ultimate goal or intention with the tour (and your other options).

For me, the West Side cycling tour opened up a whole other side of Tokyo that I hadn’t gotten familiar with as I spent all my time wandering East Side Tokyo!

When I come back to spend a few months in Tokyo, I’ll be sure to revisit Nakano, Asagaya, and Koenji and I’ll certainly take all of Andy’s tips with me!

Overall, if you’re looking for a fun and local tour experience, you won’t regret booking DIGS Tokyo Tour!

Pop your questions in the comments if you have them, and have a safe ride around Tokyo!

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