Bike Rental: Alohaloco

Happy New Year, everyone!

Our first article in 2018 starts from an unique bike rental service in a hip area of Tokyo, Kiyosumi-Shirakawa.

Why So Popular?

If you're constantly updating yourself, probably you know the name of this area and what has made it so unique over the last couple of years. Yes, it's coffee and roasters.

 In that Tokyo's old neighborhood, where you can easily feel an nostalgic vibe, those hip coffee rosters and fashionable shops are dispersed, forcing us to walk to connect those dots.

Hawaiian Bike Rental

Then what we can rely on to efficiently tour around those various spots is Alohaloco, the Hawaiian bike brand based in the area, specifically at the riverside of Sumida.

While the location functions as their office and a showroom, they offer a super reasonable rental service (¥500 / a day)!

And as you can see, their bikes are really handsome and concepts are well-represented on their products. That's all because of the passion of Mr. Shikano, the founder of the brand. 

Not only does he have a very down-to-earth vision for his own business, but also he is quite knowledgeable about the area and its locality. 

My conversation with him and how he treats locals and customers easily revealed what has brought the brand to where they are today.

Wonderful Ride

After receiving an easy 1-min instruction, the only thing you've got to do is to bike safely following traffic lights and manners.

Oh, and don't forget to get this map, which shows you major spots to visit in the neighborhood and makes your trip more time efficient.

Though I've tried just one type of bike out of some they're offering, but the ride itself was utterly comfortable. It runs smoothly and no trouble with gears and brake, of course!

Kiyosumi Park

When you get tired, just get off a bike and relax at a spacious park of the hood, Kiyosumi Park. It's a nice gathering place for locals and at the same time, a perfect spot for visitors to do people watching.

Personally I recommend you taking a pic in front of a symbolic clock tower at the east entrance. 

The combination of a modern design behind and very Japanese wooden clock tower looks great, doesn't it? Actually, it's a junior high school building!

We'll introduce some recommendable spots in the next article!

Stay tuned.

Access 

-Kiyosumi Shirakawa Sta.-

Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line

Toei Subway Oedo Line

-Alohaloco-

location

website

Posted & produced by

3e-Tokyo Project