[manhattanprjkt83]

Yo RM friends...A buddy and I are planning to spend some time traveling in Japan this fall. The plan is to do a few days of riding over the 10 days we will be there. We are in the research phase of where to ride and figured I would put up a post to see if anyone has experience doing so? There are some decent google search results but wanted some first hand experience if possible.

My initial thought was find stuff in Hokkaido, but it really doesn't look like there is a ton of content from that area available online. I find that funny though because it's such a hotbed of winter mountain activity. That said areas south and east of Tokyo look to have some good riding.

Any info would be great. Thanks in advance.

 

[jonKranked]

where was it they had the DH world cup back in the early 2000's? that might be a good place to start.

 

[canadmos]

The bcpov guy on YouTube did a big trip there last year I think. He has a bunch of videos. Can probably reach out to him for contacts and info.

 

[xy9ine]

no idea what's going on in terms of bike scene, but i *really* want to snowboard hokkaido one of these years.

and just check out japan in general. rad place. should be a fun trip.

 

[velocipedist]

You can checkout my old videos from the Nikko area (approx 80ish miles north of Tokyo) Kirifuri Freeride on youtube.

https://youtube.com/user/KirifuriFreeride


Bikes that have wheels removed and are covered in what the Japanese call a rinkoubukuro can be taken on trains.

Fujimi Panorama is the one resort with a lift and 4 trails. I would recommend grabbing your International Driving Licences and renting a vehicle.

I can provide better info/help with logistics if you narrow down a timeframe and location.

 

[slyfink]

where was it they had the DH world cup back in the early 2000's? that might be a good place to start.

Arai Mountain? And because this showed up in the search results when I looked it up, I'll post it here:

 

[jonKranked]

Arai Mountain? And because this showed up in the search results when I looked it up, I'll post it here:

yea! that's the one. i think there was some footage in the first (maybe second?) Earthed?

 

[manhattanprjkt83]

no idea what's going on in terms of bike scene, but i *really* want to snowboard hokkaido one of these years.

and just check out japan in general. rad place. should be a fun trip.

Yeah I contacted our old man photo friend guy...He said go straight to Hokkaido, then realized I was talking about summer. Can't wait regardless.

 

[manhattanprjkt83]

You can checkout my old videos from the Nikko area (approx 80ish miles north of Tokyo) Kirifuri Freeride on youtube.

https://youtube.com/user/KirifuriFreeride


Bikes that have wheels removed and are covered in what the Japanese call a rinkoubukuro can be taken on trains.

Fujimi Panorama is the one resort with a lift and 4 trails. I would recommend grabbing your International Driving Licences and renting a vehicle.

I can provide better info/help with logistics if you narrow down a timeframe and location.

Thanks man, this will be one of the first times I've ever been looking to rent a bike. Normally can't stand it but I just can't deal w/ lugging a bike around Japan. Packing light for this one.

 

[velocipedist]

Thanks man, this will be one of the first times I've ever been looking to rent a bike. Normally can't stand it but I just can't deal w/ lugging a bike around Japan. Packing light for this one.

Renting will limit your options.

The name escapes me but there is a Specialized store in Gunma prefecture that rents and guides with a decidingly xc lean to it.

Fujimi Panorama ( where the WC was held I believe ) in Nagano Southwestish of Tokyo is where you will want to go for more gravity.

Technically speaking hiking trails are not off limits to bikes, of course it often times end up being Bike Portage with awesome yet minimal riding distance. And it is wise to stay off popular trails to reduce potential hiker ire. Hard to recommend for your first trip there.

I leave for Japan next week for a month, and the new jorb looks to send me there minimum of twice a year, so I am happy to bridge the language barrier should you need assistance.

Good luck.

 

[toodles]

If you're near Nagano, in Chino village there's an American ex-pat dude called Paul who used to work for SRAM for years. Buddy of mine hired him as a guide and reckons it was a great time, particularly if you like after ride beers.

Place was called Yatsugatake Cycling.

 

[hmcleay]

I spent a day DHing at Fujimi Panorama (different from Mt Fuji) around 2010.
http://www.fujimipanorama.com/mtb/en/
It's lift accessed, with 3 or 4 runs (only one proper DH run). It has probably improved since I was there.
It was pretty wet when I was there, so not super enjoyable, but still fun.
I hired a bike and gear from the rental 'Backyard Garage House'.
It took approx 2 hours to get there from Tokyo, and from memory, they didn't have credit card facilities out there.

 

[fubuki]

I live in Japan. I've only ridden Fujimi Panorama and Fujiten bike park. Both are fun, but pretty lacking compared to bigger North American spots. Hope to get out to Hakuba soon for some riding.

 

[johnbryanpeters]

@valve bouncer

 

[slyfink]

Was just watching a vid of Cathro riding the Legoland course after it was closed, and saw this off on the side of the YT recommendations:

I haven't watched it yet, so can't comment on quality, but it seemed relevant (i.e. white boy riding in Japan!)

 

[jstuhlman]

didn't matt hunter post a vid from japan a few years ago...LMGT...
here it is

 

[captainspauldin]

Was just watching a vid of Cathro riding the Legoland course after it was closed, and saw this off on the side of the YT recommendations:

I haven't watched it yet, so can't comment on quality, but it seemed relevant (i.e. white boy riding in Japan!)

I watched that one, dirt looks awesome, but he mentions there's only like 2-3 trails.

 

[slyfink]

I watched that one, dirt looks awesome, but he mentions there's only like 2-3 trails.

agreed. I wouldn't fly there just for that. But... I'd stop there for sure if I was going on a ride trip there! He mentioned that was the first day of a 5-day riding trip... I'll watch for more updates for sure. I'm not a super big fan of his channel, but I'm kinda of a Japan fanboi, so I'll be watching for the next edit to drop.

 

[canadmos]

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLja0SavkyLhNtjmtWcgHqtgAYN6O6BR0L