Exploring Japan's Best Mountain Bike Trails

Niseko

They are some of the most famous mountain ranges worldwide... of course, Niseko also doubles up as a mecca for downhill mountain biking! From NAMBA’s Twin Peaks spanning multiple kilometres across Niseko United to Niseko Tokyu’s Grand Hirafu giving you the option to cut berms over the top of your pow tracks from winter, Niseko is an epic hub for mountain biking enthusiasts to check out this green season.

Niseko's Best MTB Trails:

Twin Peaks 

Open from 31st

If you’ve ever looked up ‘Niseko MTB’ on Google, you’ve undoubtedly stumbled across Twin Peaks. 

Niseko’s best and most extensive downhill mountain biking trails, Twin Peaks serves up kilometres of trails, offering options for all skillsets and styles of rider, from climbing trails, jump trails to a number of options for downhill enthusiasts.

And this year, don’t be expecting the same old runs, with NAMBA (Niseko Area Mountain Bike Association) working tirelessly over the springtime months, adding in a huge collection of jump and tech features and extending the Santa Cruz sponsored, ‘Cruise Control’ to extend all the way from top-to-bottom. 

On top of that, NAMBA will also proudly be unveiling a new blue trail, Chonmage, giving even more options for riders this summer.

Grand Hirafu

Open from 31st

Having had a successful return to the Niseko mountain biking scene last year, Niseko Tokyu Grand Hirafu will again be spinning their gondolas over the summer months, giving riders even more opportunity to access high-altitude mountain biking trails and explore the area’s scenic mountainside views this green season. 

Although, if you rode their main green run last year, you’ll know that it wasn’t actually as beginner friendly as you may expect – which is why NAMBA also got to work rebuilding the trail and ensuring it’s in tip-top shape for all the first timers out there this season. 

And if riding downhill isn’t your flavour but you’re still keen to get an adrenaline rush, Niseko Tokyu Grand Hirafu will also be opening up a brand new mountain carting course from this July!

Annupuri 

Open from: July 13

It may be slightly less maintained than the trails you’ll find at Twin Peaks or Grand Hirafu, but Annupuri also offers up an epic base for mountain bike riders looking to push themselves. Offering gentler slopes for beginners and some fairly gnarly ‘un-groomed’ terrain for the more advanced, Annupuri is an epic spot to check out on your 'Tour de Niseko'.

Rusutsu

Open from: July

While not a mountain biking resort per say, there’s still some epic riding to be done out towards Rusutsu. In particular, the Dynamic Course, which provides up to 25-km of challenging terrain between the Rusutsu Resort to Lake Toya. This route offers a mix of uphill, off-road and downhill.

Hakuba

10 different resorts, brand new infrastructure and close proximity to the newly announced Rhythm MTB, was there ever any doubt about Hakuba having an incredible mountain biking scene?

Hakuba's Best Mountain Biking Trails:

Iwatake MTB 

Open from: 31st May

If you’re a mountain biker who frequently visits Hakuba during the green season, you’ll know there’s no better spot to shred than Iwatake’s green park. 

Only a ten minute ride from our brand new Rhythm MTB store in Hakuba’s Happo-One, Iwatake provides the goods, with panoramic views of the valley from 1,289 metres up, courses suitable for varying skill sets and multiple trails running perfectly parallel to each other. An awesome spot to go and shred (or race) a few buddies, especially with its spanky new ¥2.1 billion yen gondola system getting you up the mountain even faster.

Hakuba 47 Mountain Sports Park

Open from: July 12th

Offering some of the region's steepest and more expansive terrain park setups, it’s really no surprise that Hakuba’s 47 also doubles up as a mountain sports park over Japan’s green season. Pump tracks, winding zones, rollers zones, really, no matter what kind of riding you’re chasing, 47 is the spot for you.

And for those coming over on a family holiday, Hakuba 47’s Mountain Sports park also offers camping, climbing walls, rock climbing,  bungee trampolines and even a riverfront splash area!

KIKORINOMICHI

Open from: Mid-June

Looking to really immerse yourself in nature? Kikorinochi’s satoyama promenade is a great option. 10km of well maintained trails suitable for mountain bikers and joggers alike, Kikorinomichi is one of Hakuba’s best ‘pinch-me’ moments, with its picturesque mountainous scenery and active wildlife (including bears, foxes and deer) acting as an instant reminder of why Japan’s outdoors really stand apart from the rest of the world.

Norikura Bike Park

Open from: TBD

A more relaxed cycling experience, Hakuba’s Norikura Bike Park hosts a variety of trails, each offering their own unique experiences and obstacles. From pump tracks and freestyle bike parks, to forest runs and rock obstacles, Norikura’s bike park offers riders a little piece of everything – including a large selection of family-friendly trails leading to various waterfalls around the highlands such as the Sanbondaki, a set of three waterfalls that flow adjacently into the same stream. 

Furano

If you’ve ever visited Furano in the summer months, you’ll know that it’s not as mountain bike centric as both Hakuba and Niseko – who has time to hit berms when you’re in awe of all the picturesque lavender fields. That being said, there are some truly epic courses around for those looking to explore the Furano region, check out the local farms, and, of course, hit up a few of the region’s famous onsen.

Furano Biei Cycling Course

80 km of winding roads spanning through Furano, Nakafurano, Kamifurano and Biei town, now that’s the proper way to check out Furano. Scared about the distance? Take the easy option with an e-bike rental.

Looking for more road cycling options? Check out Rhythm Furano’s Taka’s picks for the best road cycling routes in the Furano region: