When we imagine exploring Tokyo, one of two visions comes to mind: the sometimes exhilarating crush of commuters being shuttled between Shibuya, Yurakucho and Shinjuku stations, or the quiet reserve of a cab, helmed by a suited, gloved and masked driver.
But there's another mode of transportation to consider, one that takes you back to the streets and allows you to explore the city at your own pace. Tokyo's tolerant cycling culture means that once you have your bearings, biking might be the most enjoyable way to get from point A to B—and it leaves you open to discovering something unplanned along the way.
Since Covid-19 hit, bicycle demand has increased all over the world, and tokyobike, an independent bicycle company founded in 2002 in the quiet suburb of Yanaka that has since become a global brand, has felt the new interest in every country where it has a presence. In the United States, the company surpassed its total 2019 sales in only 12 weeks.
Their bikes are known for a classic, restrained style and fashionable color palette and have built quite a cult following amongst aesthetes, so PRIOR tapped the team at tokyobike to share some of their favorite design shops in Tokyo. Below, find the 11 best places to purchase homewares, traditional crafts and art—all of which can be reached on two wheels, of course.
tokyobike Rentals Yanaka
Located on the former site of the 300-year-old sake purveyor Isego, the tokyobike concept shop serves a selection of their sakes and serves as a gateway to the east side of Tokyo. Start the day there with coffee and choose from a colorful range of bicycles. (Our favorites are saffron and moss green.)
4-2-39 Yanaka Taito-ku Tokyo
Matsunoya
Perched at the top of Yuyake Dandan, the staircase leading to the famous Yanaka Ginza arcade, Matsunoya is run by a third-generation wholesaler of the same name. Woven baskets, kitchen utensils and brooms can be found either stacked and bundled or hanging from every corner of the tightly packed interior.
3-14-14 Nishi-Nippori, Arakawa-ku, Tokyo
