Everyone’s pretty well-versed in our extensive retail selection over the winter months, but how do we keep it steezy over the summer season in Japan?
From apparel to hardware, all three of our summer stores offer up a specially curated selection of goods from leading summer mountainwear, skate and bike brands throughout the summer months.
So if you feel you’re in-need of a summer wardrobe revamp, make sure you head into one of our Rhythm Japan summer locations and let us fit you out in your new go-to kit.
If you’re planning on making the trek to Niseko or Hakuba this summer, here’s a sneak preview of what you might find in-store.
Skate Corner
When green season rolls around, it’s time to swap our snowboards out for skateboards and cruise around the region’s quiet countryside paths and boutique homemade skateparks.
If you’re keen to step on the board this summer, here’s a small selection of the skate goods you’ll find in-store:
Bones X97
An expansion of the Dragon Formula released by Powell Peralta, the Bones X97 wheels see Bones finally releasing the new urethane compound that’s been 10 years in the works. Offering skaters a faster and smoother wheel that grips with ease, the X97 slides like a hard wheel while maintaining the smoothness and absorption of a soft wheel, making them the perfect all-rounder for any style of skater (particularly street).
April Skateboards
A newcomer with a reputable name, April Skateboards is the brainchild of Australian skateboarder Shane O’Neil, and features a stacked team including Rayasa Leal, DaShawn Jordan, and Japanese Olympic gold medallist Yuto Horigome. Now stocked for the first time at Rhythm Japan.
Powell Peralta Apparel
One of the most iconic skateboarding companies of all time, Powell Peralta is one of the only brands whose logo looks good on young skate-rats – and even better on the old heads. For the first time ever, Rhythm Japan will be stocking a limited amount of retail goods featuring the timeless skate punk designs of V.C. Johnson. Get ‘em while you can!
36Boards - 9.0" Cruiser
If you want to leave your summer vacation with a one-of-a-kind souvenir you can enjoy back home (or a very unique omiyage for those you love), look no further than a 36Boards cruiser. Handmade in Niseko, these cruisers are the perfect midpoint between a standard longboard and a traditional skateboard, allowing you to shred around with the ease of a longboard, while also giving you the pop and mobility of a standard skateboard.
Bike Retail
Hired a bike and realised how fun mountain biking is? Come browse our collection of Specialized e-bikes, hybrid bikes and full-suspension mountain bikes in-store.
Here’s two of our favourites:
Specialized Diverge E5 Comp
Perfect for exploring off the beaten path in Niseko and Hakuba, the Specialized Diverge E5 is one of the most capable, versatile and fun bikes on the market. Holding no limitations to its riding, the Diverge will have you riding with confidence whether you’re riding off-road trails, steep downhill terrain or competing in any of the upcoming bike racing events around the region.
Specialized – Levo SL Comp Alloy
For trail riders looking for an eco-friendly option to get around town and up trails, the Levo SL offers the handling, capability and manoeuvrability of a normal mountain bike, while also giving you the power to ride more trails with the ‘2 X You’ amplification and SL 1.2 motor system.
Bike Accessories For Japan’s Summertime
Hiring a bike for your stay? Check out these essential cycling accessories and make sure you’re kitted up with everything you need for scenic cruises around town and high-energy downhill trails.
Shotgun Pro Combo
A booster seat with the best views in the house, the Shotgun Pro makes family rides even easier by offering young ones a detachable seat and handlebar combo that attaches neatly to their parents bike, allowing them to cruise the scenic Niseko countryside on the same bike as you!
Specialized - Torch 1.0 Road Shoes
Never worry about your laces getting caught up in the bike chain again. The Torch 1.0 Road shoes feature a lightweight design equipped with tool-free snap replacement capabilities and a single Boa L6 Dial. With an injection-moulded nylon composite sole and a synthetic upper sole, the Torch 1.0 will feel so light on your feet that you’ll forget you’re wearing them, while their reflective heel elements will make it impossible for motorists not to notice you in low-light conditions.
Specialized - Trail Wind Jacket
No one wants to be sippin’ on Sapporo Classic’s while wearing lycra. So if you're planning on finishing off your bike ride with a couple of knock offs at Rhythm and Beans, make Specialized's Trail Wind jacket your go-to fashion item this season. Providing light water resistance, this polyester shell windbreaker is the perfect choice for those looking for wind protection, without getting too hot and sweaty. Lightweight, sleek, and equal parts practical and fashionable, the Trail Wind anorak should be a staple in every rider's closet.
Smith - Engage 2
Don’t leave Niseko worrying about paperwork and travel insurance all because you fell and hurt your noggin’. Make the smart move this trip. The Smith Engage 2 helmet offers riders 21 ventilation holes, a reinforced rear and a three-position visor, making it a sun smart, practical and stylish accessory that will ensure you a safe and comfortable ride around Niseko.
Activity Hub
For those visiting Japan over the summer months, Rhythm Hirafu operates as much more than just a summer retail and rental store, with Rhythm Hirafu’s Activity Hub offering a wide range of activities for visitors, including indoor bouldering complete with kilter board, indoor skate mini ramp, outdoor skate park, pump track, trampoline and slackline.
The year-round location features various onsite facilities including happy-hour at Rhythm & Beans Coffee, a communal workspace and Tunes workshop.
HUGE WINTER SALES
Not ready to switch into summer mode just yet? Prep for next winter with our extensive range of last season’s outerwear, skis and boards all on sale for up to 50% off at Rhythm Hirafu.
Browse our collection of Volcom, Spyder and Oyuki outerwear or pick up a brand new K2 board or Black Crow skis for a fraction of their regular price.
If you’re planning on visiting Japan this summer, be sure to check out our huge range of summer retail goods and rental bikes at Rhythm Hirafu, Rhythm Summit (Hakuba) and Rhythm Furano.
For more information on our stores and where you can find them, head here!
