Did you know that getting to the cycle-friendly city of Musashino only takes 20 minutes from Shinjuku Station? This suburb is also home to the Ghibli Museum-making it a popular destination for many Ghibli fans. What’s more, the landscapes surrounding the museum are a mix of modern and natural, offering scenery that looks like it’s been plucked straight from an anime film. We recommend renting a bike nearby the station to enjoy Musashino’s various seasonal views!
For this article, we rented a bike nearby Musashi-Sakai Station on JR’s Chuo Line. This was done by using Hello Cycling-a bicycle sharing service that has bike stations mainly in Tokyo but also in various regions throughout Japan. Renting the bikes are easy once you download the official app and register as a member. The app even comes with an easy-to-use English guide!
After downloading the app, the next step is to make an account. Using a prepaid IC card such as Suica makes registering much easier. From here, you can check the app’s map to find the closest bike station from your desired starting point. Then, all you have to do is select a bike station and follow an easy guide to make a reservation. Once you’ve gotten your bike from the pick-up point, you’re ready to start exploring!
| Address | 3 Chome, Kyonan-cho, Musashino City, Tokyo 180-0023 |
| URL | https://www.hellocycling.jp/ |
Tamagawajosui Scenic Road is a 24-kilometer trail that connects the eastern and western ends of the Musashino area. The trail runs through a naturally abundant park where you can enjoy flowers and verdant trees throughout the year. Taking a bike ride through this area is highly recommended for enjoying views of the season! Once renting a bike near the station and biking north on the Tamagawajosui Scenic Road, you’ll come across Sakurabashi Bridge (Cherry Blossom Bridge). As its name suggests, this is a famous spot for cherry blossom viewing-offering breathtaking scenery of cherry blossom trees that stretch approximately two kilometers. Visit in the spring to enjoy biking through a pink petal-covered wonderland!
Furthermore, if you head south on the Tamagawajosui Scenic Road, you’ll find yourself at Hotarubashi Bridge. Here you can relax with the sounds of lapping water while surrounded by trees in Inokashira Park. In the fall, many fall and Ginkgo leaves color the grounds-leaving a carpet of foliage on the greenway. This area is also very close to the Ghibli Museum.
| Address | 6-4-1 Osawa, Mitaka City |
| Telephone number | 0422316457 |
At Funaki Grapes Orchards, grapes said to be one of the sweetest ones in the world are produced. Although it can change year to year, these special grapes can be found growing on vines around August 10—enabling you to enjoy fruit picking.
| Address | 2 Chome-28-4 Kyonan-cho, Musashino City |
| Telephone number | 422322886 |
| Business hours | 10:00 a.m.—5:00 p.m. (cancelled in the case of rain) |
Furthermore, at Purple Farm Musashino, you can enjoy blueberry picking from mid-July to mid-August. Blueberries don’t ripen after they’ve been picked, so their true deliciousness can only be tasted straight from the farm.
| Address | 2 Chome, Sekimae, Musashino City |
| Telephone number | 0422521440 |
| Business hours | 9:00 a.m. —5:00 p.m. (cancelled in the case of rain) |
Once returning your bike after half a day of exploring, unwind with some local craft beer before heading back to your hotel in the city. Right next to the bike station is Ond craft food+. Here you can enjoy unique, slow-brewed craft beer made using Musashino’s waters as well as aromatic, home-roasted coffee.
| Address | 3 Chome-2-13, Kyonan-cho Musashino City, Tokyo |
| Telephone number | 0422385500 |
| Business hours | 10:00 a.m. —9:00 p.m. |
| Regular holiday | Wednesday |
| URL | https://ond-craftfood.com/ |
