10 years ago Rhythm snowsports opened it’s door in Japan, bringing it’s renowned high level of customer service, wide range of equipment and experienced staff to the now famous powder fields of Niseko, Hokkaido.
Rhythm Japan has changed exponentially over the years. From its first location in the converted basement bathroom of a lodge to the towering Berg Plaza building on the main street of Hirafu and it’s huge Wadano store in Hakuba, Rhythm has grown to offer the most complete ski and snowboard rental and retail experience possible. By offering only top of the line rental skis and snowboards specifically chosen to suit Niseko’s unique powder conditions, Rhythm Niseko was a ‘game changer’ when it came to rental options in the area.
In 2013 Rhythm took this winning formula to Hakuba where it has quickly become a respected business in the area by offering a quick, easy and comprehensive service. Also in 2013, Beat Niseko was added to the Rhythm family. Beats aims to give customers a boutique retail experience, stocking the latest in high-end, fashionable as well as technical ski and snowboard mountain wear.
Since 2012 Boots Solutions has also come under the Rhythm Snowsports umbrella. Boots Solutions is a highly specialised boot fitting service based in both Niseko and Hakuba. At the helm is Ned Buckley, a qualified podiatrist and master boot fitter who has combined his medical knowledge and passion for skiing in comfort to offer an unrivalled boot fitting experience. Now in a stand alone location next door to Berg Plaza, Boots Solutions has the space to utilize the latest technology, including the Fischer Vaccum Fit, thus offering a more premium service.
Rhythm also runs its Rhythm Tunes workshops in both Niseko and Hakuba. It offers a full range of tuning, mounting and repair services, employing highly trained technicians who specialize in hand tuning skis and snowboards, along with driving the latest in Wintersteiger machinery.
Over the last 4-5 years, Rhythm Japan has also been concentrating on developing its own line of technical mountain apparel, Oyuki. Oyuki is designed and tested in Niseko, Japan and combines innovation with simplicity, offering maximum warmth and comfort at an affordable price. The brand has seen huge success in Rhythm’s own stores and has now been rolled out to other stores across Australia.
In 2015, Rhythm employs over 90 staff during winter. Customer service has always been Rhythm’s primary focus so over the years it has maintained a policy of only hiring passionate people who ski or ride the mountain and take pride in providing customers with the best possible experience.
During the Niseko summer months, or ‘green season’, Rhythm operates as Rhythm Cycles. Not only does Rhythm Cycles stock a wide range of both road and mountain biking gear and apparel, it has also been instrumental in growing Niseko’s mountain biking scene. Rhythm staff along with a core team of locals have worked tirelessly to develop a lift accessed downhill trail along with cross country trails, a skills park and a pump track. This development means there is now riding to suit all types and levels of rider in the Niseko area. The shop also offers guided tours which means visitors can enjoy the region by bike.
After an incredible ten years in Japan, Rhythm Japan is looking to the future. We can’t wait to keep learning, growing and improving so that our customers can benefit. And, of course, we look forward to skiing and riding the endless Japanese powder. Segoi-ne!
