Moving time: 6:45:07 – Distance: 155.7km – Climbing: 361m
This big loop around Chiba prefecture is one of my favorite routes east of Tokyo. About two-thirds of the ride is on dedicated cycling paths. All of it is on flat grounds.
Starting in Tokyo, the route heads north along the Arakawa and the Edo rivers (more information here). At Nagareyama, the GPX trail turns east, crossing Kashiwa city and following a cycling path alongside the Daihori river toward Teganuma lake.
The cycling path continues along the south side of Teganuma lake, where there are three excellent resting areas where to make a pit stop. The first is the Shonan Yasai farmer’s market, the second is the Shonan Vegetable Restaurant, and the third is Numa Cafe. For a healthy lunch break, I recommend the Shonan Vegetable Restaurant with its all-you-can-eat salad bar. For savory food, I recommend Numa Cafe with its delicious rice curry and unique parfait made with local strawberries and spinach.
From Teganuma lake, the cycling path continues east alongside the Tega and Tone rivers. Before entering Narita city, the route heads south toward Inba-numa lake – a popular bird-watching destination in Chiba prefecture. Near the lake you will also find Ramen Suzuki, an excellent noodle shop, and Futago park. The park is known for having a vandalized Bansky graffiti and a 1:1 statue of Mammoths.
From Inba-numa, the cycling path continues following the Hanami river, crossing Ciba city and then arriving at the shore of Tokyo bay. From here, the route follows the coast as described in the “Tokyo to Boso” post.
