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Those electronic MATE "bicycles" with massive scooter tyres - wtf?
What the hell are these things? I saw a guy fly up a pavement hill full of school children without peddling this afternoon. Is this witchcraft or just the most dangerous thing to hit the roads of Tokyo since the Mario carts?
When does a bicycle become a motorcycle? Surely the uphill propulsion without pedaling with tyres that look more suitable for farm equipment than a bicycle are over that line.
These things can't be legal... and if they are - Mrs. Watanabe's new 2024 mamachari is going to flyyyyy on the new years school run. God help us all.
the thing that bugs me most is these things arent even jdm - like a proper japanese e-bike from bridgestone or panasonic costs like 15-20万 and actually follows the rules. these mate bikes are all chinese imports that get slapped with a "certification" nobody checks. i saw one at a recycle shop in takadanobaba for 8万 and the guy was upfront it was over spec
the real wtf is that they're classified as "特殊原付" in some prefectures now but theres no enforcement mechanism for individual buyers. you could technically get a yellow plate for them and ride on the road legally but nobody does that because then you need insurance and a helmet. the pavement riders know theyre in a gray zone and exploit it
fwiw i live near aoba-dai and the local convenience store delivery guys use them. theyre fast as hell but honestly the delivery companies should be held responsible for letting their staff ride unregistered vehicles. if you see one with a company logo thats actually easier to report than a random rider
i think the real problem is these things just aren't built for tokyo streets. the frame geometry is all wrong for weaving through narrow residential alleys in shitamachi, and the fat tires barely fit in standard bike parking racks. i've seen them get stuck in the slots at the shinagawa station parking lot more than once
they're legally classified as "motorized bicycles" under road traffic law if they hit those specs but nobody bothers to register them. the loophole is that mate sells them as "e-bikes" with a sticker saying 250w but the actual controller lets them pull way more. i know a guy who tested one with a watt meter and it was pushing 800w under load
the pavement thing is the real danger though. in minato ward they actually started ticketing riders for "dangerous bicycle operation" under the revised road traffic law in 2023 but it barely makes a dent. if you see the same guy doing it daily near a school the local PTA can file a formal complaint with the ward office and they'll send a traffic safety officer to stake out the spot for a week or two
also those tires aren't even good for pavement. they're designed for sand or snow but on dry asphalt they have less contact patch than a normal tire. seen more than one guy eat shit on a sharp turn in harajuku because the sidewall gave out under the weight
Things to Do in Tokyo (2026)
Start your Tokyo journey at the Tokyo Tower (4-2-8 Shibakoen, Minato), which offers panoramic views from its 150-meter observation deck for 1,200 yen. For a more modern perspec… 🗼 Iconic Landmarks
Start your Tokyo journey at the Tokyo Tower (4-2-8 Shibakoen, Minato), which offers panoramic views from its 150-meter observation deck for 1,200 yen. For a more modern perspective, head to the Shibuya Sky observation deck (2-24-12 Shibuya, Shibuya) for 2,000 yen, open until 10 PM. Both spots are less crowded on weekday mornings.
⛩️ Cultural Temples and Shrines
Visit Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa (2-18-9 Kaminarimon, Taito), Tokyo's oldest temple, open daily from 6 AM to 5 PM. For a quieter experience, explore the Meiji Jingu Shrine (1-1 Yoyogikamizonocho, Shibuya), set in a large forested area and free to enter. Arrive early to avoid crowds, especially on weekends.
🍜 Must-Try Food Experiences
Sample authentic ramen at Ichiran Shibuya (1-22-7 Jinnan, Shibuya), where individual booths let you focus on the tonkotsu broth, starting at 1,290 yen. For a unique twist, try conveyor-belt sushi at Uobei Shibuya (1-19-3 Jinnan, Shibuya), with plates from 100 yen. Reservations are not needed, but expect short queues.
🏯 Hidden Neighborhoods
Explore Yanaka, a district that survived WWII bombings, with narrow lanes and traditional shops like Yanaka Ginza shopping street (3-11-1 Yanaka, Taito). For a bohemian vibe, wander Shimokitazawa (Kitazawa, Setagaya), known for vintage stores and indie cafes. Both areas are best explored on foot in the afternoon.
🚇 Getting Around
Use the Tokyo Metro and Toei Subway networks, with a 24-hour pass costing 800 yen for unlimited rides on most lines. The Suica or Pasmo IC cards are rechargeable and work on trains, buses, and even vending machines. Avoid rush hour (7:30-9 AM and 5-7 PM) to travel comfortably.
🌃 Best Evening Spots
Watch the sunset from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building (2-8-1 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku), where the free observation deck is open until 10 PM. For nightlife, head to Golden Gai in Shinjuku (1-1-6 Kabukicho, Shinjuku), a maze of tiny bars with a cover charge of around 500 yen. Reservations are recommended for popular bars.
🌸 Seasonal Highlights
Cherry blossom season in late March to early April draws crowds to Ueno Park (5-20 Uenokoen, Taito), with over 1,000 cherry trees. For autumn foliage, visit Rikugien Garden (6-16-3 Honkomagome, Bunkyo) in November, lit up at night for 1,000 yen. Check the Japan Meteorological Corporation's forecast for peak dates.
🎁 Unique Souvenirs
Buy traditional crafts at Kappabashi Kitchen Town (3-18-2 Nishiasakusa, Taito), famous for realistic plastic food samples and kitchenware. For quirky gifts, explore Don Quijote stores, like the one in Shibuya (1-16-5 Udagawacho, Shibuya), open 24 hours and offering everything from electronics to snacks. Prices are reasonable, and tax-free shopping is available for tourists.
honestly this is a solid list, you've hit the major spots. one thing i'd add is that the Tsukiji Outer Market is worth a morning even if the inner market moved to Toyosu. the stalls there for tamagoyaki and fresh uni on skewers are unbeatable, and it gets packed by 9am so go early.
for a cheap meal that slaps, try CoCo Ichibanya for curry rice. there's one near basically every station and you can customize the spice level and toppings. it's not fancy but it's a real Tokyo staple that tourists often overlook.
also if you're into temples, the walk from Senso-ji down Nakamise-dori is fun but the side streets in Asakusa have smaller shrines and old-school snack shops that are way less crowded. i stumbled on a tiny place selling matcha soft serve for 350 yen last time and it was better than the touristy ones.