Summer '26 Staff Gear Picks: Essentials For Summer In Hokkaido

It's officially summertime in Japan, you know what that means right?!

Summer bbqs, matsuris, mountain biking in Hirafu and Iwatake, getting outside and skating – summer is an epic time to get out and explore the Japanese mountain ranges.

It's also a pretty good time to start thinking about your 'yearly change of style,' with all the new 26-27 items and outlet sales with left over stock from winter 25-26 all lining the shelves. But sometimes, it's not as easy as just ducking in store and finding an item you like, sometimes a bit of pre-reading is needed to make sure you're brushed up on each items sneaky features ahea of arriving in store.  

So we tracked down Sakura to help fill you in on the items she thinks will be hot picks this summer. 

If the winter months saw you keeping up with our social media channels like they were the newest Netflix hit series, you'll be fairly up with Sakura. A Rhythm ambassador with effortless steeze both on and off the slopes, she's hard not to miss – especially when she's donning her iconic vibrant purple OYUKI fit.

For those of you who aren't as familiar, here's a little bio straight from the source:

"Hey! My name is Sakura, and I work as a mountain bike guide during the summer and a ski instructor during the winter here at Rhythm Hirafu. I spend a lot of time outdoors throughout the year, so having reliable an appropriate gear is crucial. Here are a few of my favourite items currently in store for making the most of Hokkaido's incredible summer season!"

SMITH - Session

Sakura's Take:

"When it comes to any action sport, protection is the most important piece of gear you can have, so a quality helmet is absolutely essential for mountain biking. This helmet, featuring advanced MIPS and Koroyd protection technologies, is designed to help absorb impacts, providing added confidence on the trail. It also offers excellent ventilation to keep your head cool during warm summer rides. Fun fact this helmet features a three-position visor, one of which includes integrated eyewear storage."

Available at Rhythm Hirafu:  ¥32,450

evo - Bike Pants

Sakura's Take:

"These bike pants are one of my favourite pieces of riding gear. They're comfortable, breathable, and durable. They're especially well suited to Hokkaido riding conditions, offering extra protection from overgrown trail vegetation and helping greatly reduce the number of bug bites you'll collect throughout the day."

Available at Rhythm Hirafu: ¥21,910

SMITH - Wildcat

Sakura's Take:

"As summer arrives in Hokkaido, the trails become dusty and the forests come alive with all kinds of insects. These sunglasses help keep dust, bugs, and UV rays out of your eyes so you can focus purely on the ride. They include two interchangeable lenses, allowing you to adapt to changing weather and light conditions. They also have adjustable nose pads for both Asian and Western fit, making them comfortable for all riders. They look great off the bike as well!"

Available at Rhythm Hirafu: ¥37,400

OYUKI - Genki Tube (Outlet Sale)

Sakura's Take:

"This Oyuki tube is a simple piece of gear to throw on when you're heading out for any summer adventure. Whether you're cycling, hiking, camping, or even gardening, it's an easy way to stay comfortable and protected from the sun during long days outside. The breathable fabric is so light you'll barely notice you're wearing it. Even better, it's currently available at 50% off!"

Available at Rhythm Hirafu: Was ¥2900, Now ¥1450

Oyuki Toya NetPlus Insulator Vest (Outlet Sale)

Sakura's Take:

"Summer days in Hokkaido can be warm, but evenings can cool down quickly. The Toya NetPlus Insulator Vest is the perfect layer to throw on when the temperature starts to drop. It's lightweight, highly packable, and easy to stash in a backpack while hiking, biking, camping, or travelling. With the current 50% discount, it's an excellent addition to any summer kit and and a great piece to have ready when the next winter comes around."

Available at Rhythm Hirafu: Was ¥29,900, Now ¥14,950

Patagonia - Refugio

Sakura's Take:

"This Patagonia backpack is a versatile companion for both Hokkaido's summer adventures and everyday life.Whether you're a student, traveller, or working professional, it has plenty of room for all the essentials - laptop, tablet, notebooks, extra layers, and more. It's incredibly durable, comfortable, and versatile enough for both daily use and weekend adventures." 

Available at Rhythm Hirafu: ¥21,450

Before you ask, those OYUKi items aren't the only winter goods currently on clearance. We have outlet sales at both Rhythm Hirafu and Rhythm Furano, as well as an entire OUTLET STORE at Hakuba's Rhythm Summit this summer. And YES, that includes boards and skis (if you get in quick)...