It’s all happening for mountain bikers in Hakuba this summer. New trails, freshly revamped gondolas, the biggest MTB and gravel bike comps the region has ever seen, a brand new dedicated MTB store in Happo, it seems the entire town has spent the last few months putting a lot of effort into transforming the Hakuba valley as much as much possible.
And what better way to celebrate and check out the new sights and sounds than cycling your way through the region this summer! Time to soak in some sun, check out the huge collection of events, tear up some world class mountain bike trails, and of course, spend some time with the ones you love.
So if you’re heading to Hakuba this green season and checking out our newest offering, Rhythm MTB, here’s a few cycling spots that we recommend slotting into your itinerary:
Boosting Berms and Shredding Turns At Iwatake
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. Offering 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, Iwatake is an awesome spot to go and shred (or race) a few buddies.
Which will be now made all the more easier by the installation of a brand spanking new ¥2.1 billion yen gondola currently being installed immediately next to its existing 35-year old gondola.
The best part? It's only a crisp 5 - 10 minute ride from Rhythm MTB (even less if you're cranking a brand new Specialized e-bike), meaning you can get from shop to the trails in no time.
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.
E-Bike Ride to Lake Aoki
Cycling doesn’t have to be huge back-drops, gnarly downhill descents and 15 ft kickers, it can also involve scenic cruises through the countryside, relaxed picnics, and exploring new sights with the family.
In saying that, it can sometimes be hard actually wrangling the family into said bike ride. As we all know, nothing quite gets the young ones excited like, ‘hey kids, who wants to go ride 20km?’…
20 km on an e-bike, however, is a much easier sell – “it’s got a motor, it’s pretty much a motorbike!”
So if you’re planning on going for a scenic cruise around the valley, e-bikes are an eco-friendly, cost effective transport solution that also a great source of exercise.
And if you’re exploring Hakuba on an e-bike this long weekend, you absolutely can’t go wrong with a visit to THE Lake Aoki.
Only 10 km south of central Hakuba locations like the evo Hotel, and Rhythm MTB, the heart-shaped Lake Aoki sits as one of the cleanest lakes in all of Japan, with its clear blue water receiving its source from natural springs, rain and snow-melt from Japan’s northern alps.
For families, Lake Aoki boasts an unforgettably picturesque ride, along which you’ll most likely spot a bunch of local wildlife and have access to free camping stoves, where you and the family can sit down and enjoy a mid-ride barbecue.
Community Rides
If you follow our social media channels, you would have most likely seen the huge success that our community bike rides have been happening around Hakuba! And they just levelled the heck up, as from today our Community Rides will now be 2-hours each Friday, spanning from 12 - 2 pm, followed by some kick-ons at Rhythm MTB's outdoor chill zone, situated right next door to the evo Hotel Hakuba, where you'll be able to pick up some post ride Happy Hour specials!
For our Hakuba legends, we will be hosting e-bike rides every Friday at 12 pm. As with Niseko, we will be offering 50% off bike rentals for these sessions and all are welcome.
Please note: BYO Iwatake pass for Hakuba mountain bike community rides.
If you’re reading this from Furano and feeling a bit left out, fear not, we will also be offering e-bike community rides each Saturday between 12 – 1 pm!
Rhythm MTB, Hakuba, is open from 8:00 am – 6:00 pm, 7 days a week. Come in and browse our huge rental and summer retail range!