There’s a version of Japan most travelers never see. This 8-day MTB and cultural tour is built around it—challenging riding and deep cultural immersion, back to back, every day. Hakuba is the base: a village in the Northern Alps that comes into its own every October, with trails ranging from legendary bike parks to ancient forestry singletrack only locals ride. Golden ginkgo trees, foraging macaques, bamboo glades, steaming bowls of soba, and onsens that have been running for over a thousand years. Evenings end with the smell of hinoki wood, sake poured at a low table, and a long soak in steaming onsen.
This is the beating heart of the Hakuba MTB experience—six guided days of riding across Nagano Prefecture, based out of either a private chalet or a cozy mountain lodge depending on group size. Every day looks a little different: some days you're charging lift-accessed bike parks with sweeping alpine views, others you're threading ancient forestry singletrack through cedar forests and bamboo glades. Cultural visits, hand-picked restaurants, and an onsen at the end of every evening are woven into the week from the start. Trails are tailored to the group each day, two guides are always on hand, and all the logistics are taken care of.
Included:
Add-ons:
Not included:
This trip is built for mountain bikers who want more than just great trails. If you’re as curious about the culture, food, and history around you as you are about the next descent, you’re in the right place.
This trip requires excellent fitness. You need to be comfortable riding for full days on varied and demanding terrain, generally 4–6 hours in the saddle per day. Trails range mostly from blue to black difficulty, with technical descents, steep and loose sections, and big-mountain enduro lines with over 1 km (0.6 mi) of vertical drop on some routes.
Challenging sections can always be walked, and with two guides on hand, the group can split when needed so everyone rides at their own level and pace.
Some routes follow historic forestry trails originally carved by horses hauling timber, offering fast, bermy descents with huge natural berms and occasional steep pitches. Others are technical singletrack with big-mountain enduro character. We also ride lift-accessed bike parks with trails ranging from green to double black diamond—thoughtfully built and never overcrowded.
Compared to terrain in places like Squamish or the Pacific Northwest, Japanese trails typically have fewer embedded rocks and roots, meaning smoother lines and more consistent traction across most zones—reassuring for riders who haven’t ridden Japan before.
Skill development is built into every ride day. Your guides offer tips, discuss features, and help you ride with greater confidence on technical terrain throughout the week.
Want to see what else is there in the area? Discover more Japan cycling tours here!
Liability waivers are a standard part of all guided outdoor adventures. Recently, the requirements have become a bit more rigorous for ACMG guides—meaning that you’ll need to agree to the signing of the waiver at the time of booking.
Prior to booking, we ask you to review the waiver. During the checkout process, you’ll have to acknowledge the risks and agree to the signing of the waiver. You are required to bring a printed copy on the trip.
Please note that signing and agreeing to the terms of the waiver is required in order to join this adventure. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to us prior to booking.
MTB-specific:
General gear:
Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.
Got everything you need? Grab your gear through Active Junky and earn cash back on top outdoor brands — plus a $10 bonus on your first $25+ purchase. Shop now at Active Junky!
Your guides offer a selection of high-performance full-suspension enduro and e-mountain bikes, available at approximately $300 USD for 7 days.
Helmet and basic protective gear are included with the rental. Mix and match depending on the day—enduro bike for the big descents, e-bike for days when you’d rather save your legs for the way down. Let us know at checkout if interested to reserve your preferred setup.
Group sizes and pricing
Japan MTB tour can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.
Min. age requirements
If your group has participants under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
The starting point of your Japan MTB tour is Hakuba, Nagano. Most international travelers arrive via Tokyo’s Narita or Haneda airports, both roughly 4–5 hours from Hakuba. Flights from North America typically arrive around 4 pm, making an overnight stay in Tokyo a practical and enjoyable way to start the journey.
Your guides recommend using a luggage delivery service to send your bike and large bags ahead to Hakuba so you can travel light. The fastest way to Hakuba is by Shinkansen (bullet train) from Tokyo to Nagano, then a local bus through the foothills of the Northern Alps. A direct highway bus or private airport transfer can also be arranged through your guides.
You will meet your guide at the Hakuba Bus Station on Day 1. Before your trip, you’ll receive a detailed arrival guide and the chance to coordinate travel logistics directly with your guides.
We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with insurance. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, you’ll be offered to simply insure your trip with Redpoint at checkout.
Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner—tailors protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations! Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.
Deposits
Secure your spot with a 30% deposit upon booking! The remaining 70% of the trip price must be paid 90 days prior to departure at the latest. If booking within 90 days of departure, the full amount is required at the time of booking.
Cancellations
Booking fees are non-refundable after a 48-hour grace period. During checkout, however, you can choose one of 57hours’ flexibility options—Basic, Flexible, or Super Flexible. Depending on which one you choose, a different cancellation policy will apply to your booking.
Basic
Flexible
Super Flexible
Check your inbox.
Schedule a call with our adventure experts and let us help planning your dream adventure.