After a record-breaking winter season for the amount of people hitting our stores and Japan’s slopes, Rhythm Japan is currently gearing up for what we’re hoping will be another record-breaking season – this time for summer crowds. And if our opening weekend parties at Rhythm Hirafu and Rhythm Furano are anything to go by, it’s looking pretty darn likely.
Which is enough to get us well and truly buzzing to begin with, but this time around we are buzzing with anticipation for a few different reasons. The first of which, is our extended range of top-of-the-line e-bikes; e-hybrid, hybrid, and mountain bikes all on offer thanks to our mates at Specialized Bikes.
Plus, with three stores now open over the summer months, we have even more reason to celebrate! Whether you want to explore Niseko’s vast mountain biking terrain, smash your PB on Hakuba’s downhill trails, or take the eco-friendly options and e-bike your way through Furano’s tranquil countryside scenery, there’s something guaranteed to excite you at Rhythm this summer.
What’s New in Niseko This Summer
There’s a lot to look forward to for summer visitors of Niseko this green season. The Rhythm Activity Hub is now operating in full swing, offering an outdoor skatepark, pump track, indoor bouldering complete with kilter boards and an indoor mini-ramp, giving visitors multiple options for high-octane action packed activities.
For those looking to adventure outside of the store, our summer rental range boasts the latest collections of e-bikes, e-hybrid, hybrid and full-suspension mountain bikes, perfect for getting out and exploring the countryside or smashing downhill trails at the newly built NAMBA trails.
Yep, you heard that correctly, after two long of building trails, NAMBA will be opening up their highly anticipated Twin Peaks trails, offering visitors and locals alike multiple world-class mountain biking trails suitable for riders of all skillsets.
For those of you who are unfamiliar with NAMBA (Niseko Area Mountain Biking Association) and everything they have in store for the Twin Peaks trails, we got the inside scoop from NAMBA co-founder Miles Zeorlin, who explained,
“With NAMBA, we are basically doing everything the opposite of anyone else in Japan. We’re building free trials on public lands and trying to focus on developing ridership rather than developing an individual business.”
Expanding on this years newest offering, the Twin Peaks trails, Miles stated,
“Twin Peaks is currently our main riding area and we have a collection of trails within the bike park. We’ve currently got one climbing trail and a number of options for mountain bikers to ride down depending what flavour of the day they’re wanting and the level of comfort they have with their riding. Beyond the current offering of trails, NAMBA has big plans to expand the park, including a new climb and even more beginner and intermediate focused trails.”
“Although Twin Peaks is really only the beginning for what NAMBA has actually got planned for the area.”
And for the first time since 2022, Niseko Tokyu Grand Hirafu will also 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.
Whats New in Hakuba This Summer
While Niseko is only just quickly turning into Japan’s mecca for mountain biking, Hakuba already has quite a prevalent reputation for being a world-class mountain biking destination.
As explained by Rhythm Hakuba employee, Nabe, tourists visiting Hakuba this summer season have a lot of world-class events to look forward to,
“Many mountain resorts reopened for the green season as of last weekend. Hakuba is now turning into ‘Fresh Green Season’, where you can enjoy cruising bike rides around the village.”
“There are also many notable mountain biking events happening around the region over the summer months. The Downhill Series is coming to Iwatake on the 15-th and 16th of June, as well as a downhill race happening at Iwatake this weekend.”
“If you don’t know, Hakuba Iwatake is very famous for MTB. Like a ski course, they have lots of different courses suitable for each skill level, from Green to Double black. They also keep digging up courses and have just opened up the jump section.”
To celebrate the beginning of the mountain biking season in Hakuba, Rhythm Summit’s opening party will be hosting live music, a skate jam, a free BBQ and free bike rentals this weekend! Stop by, browse our extensive range of summer retail goods and enjoy a cruisy ride through the Hakuba Valley this weekend!
And for the first time ever… Whats New In Furano This Summer
In addition to the established presence of both Rhythm Hirafu and Rhythm Summit, Hakuba amongst the summer sporting community, leading winter sports rental store, Rhythm Furano, will now also offer summer bike rentals for the first time.
With its central location directly opposite the Kitanomine Gondola, Rhythm Furano will serve as a hub for families looking to explore Furano’s ‘pinch-me’ picturesque countryside.
The store’s extensive selection will offer a collection of summer retail accessories from leading mountain wear brands such as Patagonia, alongside a rental range of top-of-the-line E-hybrid bikes, premium hybrid bikes, and a collection of kids mountain bikes.
Bike Rentals Japan
Whether you’re looking to ride off the beaten path in Niseko, thrash downhill trails in Hakuba or take the scenic route in Furano, Rhythm Japan’s summer bike rentals will have you sorted.
Prices shown are 1st Day rate. Pictures are indicative only.
If you’re visiting Niseko, Furano or Hakuba over the summer season, all three Rhythm stores will be open from this weekend and will remain operational until the 23rd of September.
