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Mountain Biking in Japan
Rusutsu Mountain Bike Park (Hokkaido)
This famous ski resort features jumps, banks and more than two kilometers of downhill trails. You can also enjoy the Ginto Village Trail in Niseko, a flow trail free to the public.
When: July to mid-Oct.
Takamineyama MTB World (Ibaraki)
From the original take off at the top, catch a view of Mt. Kaba, Mt. Tsukuba and the first wave of peaks overlooking the Kanto Plain. Each year Takamine adds new courses and features to the bike park and is popular with expert riders. Mountain bikers can also enjoy a ladder section near the bottom.
When: Year round
Enjoy five major trails including the Kamikaze Downhill, with an elevation of 1,272 meters, and the Cross Country Course through Iwatake Forest.
When: Apr. 29 to Nov. 14
Nozawa Onsen Sports Park (Nagano)
The new Nagasaka Gondola gets you to the top in just nine minutes, from where you can enjoy ten kilometers of downhill trails for various levels to the Hikage Station, Kids Park and Summer Skiing area.
When: July – Nov.
The seven-kilometer course will take you on old forest roads and through pastures exceptional in full bloom. Yatsugatake Cycling offers rentals, tours and self-guided tours in the area.
When: Apr. to Nov.
Chichibu Takizawa Cycle Park (Saitama)
This park is primarily for BMX riders and racers, but there’s also a slalom and training course (total 1,000 meters) for mountain bikers.
When: Apr. 1 to Nov. 30
Gozenyama (Ibaraki)
Ride cross country in Ibaraki. The eight kilometers loop is especially popular. A bright red bridge serves as a local landmark where trails begin and end.
When: Year round
The Dark Volcano Course is unique to this location as it is at the foot of Mt. Fuji and utilizes the region’s lava soil for more advanced technical rides.
When: May 1 to Nov. 3
Fujimi Panorama MTB Park (Yamanashi)
This is one Japan’s largest mountain bike parks. Take the gondola up to the summit at 1,780 meters for up to eight kilometers of downhill riding.
When: Apr. 29 to Nov. 14
DK Freeride Mountain Bike Logic (Shizuoka)
This park is designed specifically to improve MTB skills and features turns, jumps, pumps and drops. It’s also the only MTB park in Japan where you can practice jumping using airbags.
When: Year round
Yamabushi Trail Tour (Shizuoka)
This trail follows an unused ancient trail on the Izu Peninsula. Ride 40 kilometers down from the mountains to the sea. Yamabushi Trail Tour offers tours and rentals.
When: Year round
Atera MTB Park (Aichi)
This course is maintained by riders for riders and designed for both beginners and advanced riders. Registration is based on a trust system as the park is unmanned.
When: All year
Phone: 0532-41-8882
The Asagiri Trail is a beginner/intermediate path with ups and downs. The Kuragari Trail has steep gradients and narrow, tight lines.
When: Mar. 1 to Dec. 15
Trail Adventure (Kanagawa, Yamanashi, Saga)
This fun flow trail is great for kids and beginners wanting to get a feel for mountain biking. It’s located near major cities and easy to access.
When: All year
Tokusagamine Wood Park (Yamaguchi)
This small ski resort offers a beginner course in summer that is nearly two kilometers long with 50 meters elevation gain.
When: Mid-Apr. – Mid-Nov.
Mountain Biking in Japan