GRAND CYCLE TOKYO “Rainbow Ride” Set for November 23
One of the largest cycling events in Japan, GRAND CYCLE TOKYO, will return to the streets of the capital this autumn. The date for its flagship ride, Rainbow Ride, has been set for November 23 (Mon, national holiday).
Registration is expected to open around July, so why not mark the date on your calendar and consider adding it to your next cycling trip to Japan?
A Special Day Riding Above Tokyo
Rainbow Ride first launched in 2022 as a unique cycling event that opens two of Tokyo’s most iconic bridges—the Rainbow Bridge and Tokyo Gate Bridge—exclusively for cyclists. Normally reserved for motor vehicles, these massive bridges become a car-free cycling route for one extraordinary day.Now in its fifth edition, the event has grown into one of Tokyo’s signature autumn activities. Each year, around 5,000 cyclists from Japan and overseas gather to experience the thrill of riding across these monumental bridges while enjoying sweeping, unobstructed views of the city skyline.
In 2025, GRAND CYCLE TOKYO also signed a partnership agreement with Bike New York, the organizer of the world-famous TD Five Boro Bike Tour in the United States—one of the largest recreational cycling events in the world.
Three Course Options for Every Rider
The event offers three different routes so that cyclists of all experience levels—from beginners to seasoned riders—can participate comfortably. The following routes are based on the previous edition (note that the 2026 course may change).
- Long Course (Approx. 32 km)
The main route of the event. Riders cross both the Rainbow Bridge and Tokyo Gate Bridge, making it the most rewarding option for those who want to fully experience the scale of Tokyo’s waterfront roads. - Middle Course (Approx. 19 km)
This route includes the Rainbow Bridge and takes riders through the scenic Tokyo Waterfront area, offering beautiful urban coastal views. - Short Course (Approx. 8 km)
A relaxed route with minimal elevation, ideal for families, beginners, or casual riders who want to enjoy the atmosphere without tackling a long distance.
The Unique Appeal of Rainbow Ride
The greatest highlight of the event is its extraordinary sense of riding somewhere normally off-limits. From the top of bridges rising more than 50 meters above the water, cyclists can take in breathtaking panoramic views: the Tokyo skyline, Tokyo Skytree, and on clear days even Mt. Fuji in the distance, with the vast Tokyo Bay stretching out below.With no traffic lights and wide-open road lanes, riders can cruise smoothly while feeling the sea breeze—an exhilarating experience rarely possible in a major metropolis like Tokyo.
Around the finish area, visitors can also enjoy a “multi-sports” festival, where various sports activities are offered in addition to cycling. It’s a great opportunity to spend the entire day being active with friends and family, making GRAND CYCLE TOKYO a truly unique urban sports celebration.
Cycling through Tokyo on November 23 promises an unforgettable autumn experience.Updates about the July registration opening will be shared as soon as they are announced on JAPAN CYCLING INFO.
Event Information (Tentative)
Event Name: GRAND CYCLE TOKYO Rainbow Ride 2026
Date: November 23, 2026 (Monday / National Holiday)
Registration Opens: Around July 2026 (planned)
Official Website: https://grand-cycle-tokyo.jp
