Japan Mountain Biking evoTrip

Japan Mountain Biking evoTrip

From the Japanese Alps to the Mount Fuji region and beyond, explore this gem of a lesser-known riding destination and meet the locals behind Japan’s emerging MTB scene.

Hakuba, Japan
Group Trip
Ability level: Intermediate, Advanced
Select Your Trip Package:

Questions? Let us help! Call us at 1-866-386-1590

Join evo and an incredible cast of guides & local hosts on a one-of-a-kind, 8-day mountain biking adventure across the island of Honshu.

In Hakuba, we’ll explore Iwatake Bike Park, with the newly renovated evo Hotel Hakuba as our home base. From there, we’ll head south to a hidden gem in the Minami Alps, where we’ll ride with a local legend who has been quietly building and stewarding the region’s trails. Next, we’ll ride at Fujimi Panorama, the largest bike park in Japan, before heading back for shuttle laps in Yamanashi on the eastern side of the Alps. To finish, we’ll cap off the trip at Fujiten Bike Park, set in the jaw-droppingly beautiful Mount Fuji region.

On this journey, we’ll stay in well-appointed hotels and local ryokans, with access to incredible local food and rich, authentic culture. Some of these regions will be more remote and offer a peek into a side of Japan few get to see. 

Expect a mix of bike park and trail riding. The bike parks have something for everyone, including lots of flow as well as (optional) technical and jump trails. The trail riding days consist of mainly flowy singletrack with long loamy descents. Most of the trail riding involves shuttles up into the mountains, so it will be 95% downhill with some pedaling to link up trails.  

Jess the Maker joins our May trip—bringing her signature storytelling and fun, creative energy along for the ride as you explore Japan’s best trails together.

*Please note this trip is recommended for intermediate and above mountain bikers. Many of the trails in the Japanese Alps have long descents, requiring a good base level of fitness.

Plans may evolve with weather & guides' judgement, we strive to find the best conditions each day

ITINERARY

Pre Trip Arrival

Due to schedules for flights arriving from the US, you will likely need to arrive 1 day before the trip starts. We will meet the next day and transfer to Hakuba. We recommend Hotel Nikko Narita for your pre-trip accommodation as this is where the group will meet on Day 1.

Arrival and transfer to Hakuba

Meet your guides and the rest of your group at 11:00am at Hotel Nikko Narita hotel. We’ll take a private transfer to Hakuba (5 hours), with stops along the way to pick up snacks and refreshments. Arrive and check in to evo Hotel Hakuba, located in the very heart of Happo. We’ll take a short walk to Rhythm Happo to get set up with any rental bikes needed for the week. Once our bike gear is organized, we'll head out for a welcome dinner in town and get a good night’s sleep before our first day of riding.

Overnight: evo Hotel Hakuba

Iwatake Bike Park

Rise and shine – you’re heading out for a riding adventure in the Japanese Alps! Today we’ll head to Iwatake Bike Park for some high speed fun, while soaking in the spectacular views. Cap off your day with some après, followed by a soak in the Hotel’s rooftop onsen (hot springs). We’ll pack up our gear to prepare for an early departure the next day, before going to dinner.

Overnight: evo Hotel Hakuba

Secret Stash Trail Riding in Nagano

Today will be an early morning as we transfer to a hidden gem in the middle of nowhere, to a place where private local trails are pridefully built & guided by local Japanese stewards. We’re intentionally keeping the exact location vague... but trust us that the experience will not disappoint! We will access this large trail network via shuttle, there will be a little bit of pedaling involved, but the tracks are mainly gravity fed. After a full day of riding, we’ll stay at a local ryokan in the area.

Fujimi Panorama Bike Park

Today, we’re heading to Fujimi Panorama Bike Park — Japan’s largest lift-accessed bike park and home to the biggest vertical drop in the country. Whether you’re carving berms on Skyline or tackling the technical Downhill Course, today is all about finding the trails that match your style. After a full day of riding, we’ll make our way to the Kawaguchi Lake area and check into our new accommodations. With stunning views of Mt. Fuji, this will be our home base for the next three nights. We’ll head out for dinner and get some well-earned rest before another big day of riding ahead.

MTB Yamanashi

Wake up in the peaceful mountain setting of Shimobe Onsen and fuel up for a day of riding in the Yamanashi region.

Today’s ride takes you through the eastern side of the Japanese Alps, with long, flowy descents winding through dense forest, opening up at times to views across the valley. It’s a day that blends great riding with the calm, scenic atmosphere that makes this part of Japan so special.

Fujiten Bike Park & Fuji Lakes

Today we’ll have the option to do a half or full-day of riding at Fujiten Bike Park. The park offers trails that cater to all types of riding, from smooth blue flow trails to tougher black tech and jump lines. The terrain isn’t extremely steep, but it’s packed with a variety of fun options.

Expect a mix of volcanic rock and technical roots that will test your skills on challenging sections, while natural gulley features create fast, flowy berms that are pure fun to rip through. And for those craving airtime, the jump run “Little Whistler” is sure to deliver big smiles and satisfy your need to send it.

For those opting to ride a half-day, we’ll explore the stunning Fuji Lakes and Mt. Fuji area in the afternoon.

Mount Fuji & Transfer to Tokyo

Enjoy our final morning in the Five Fuji Lakes region and explore the Mount Fuji region. After lunch, we’ll transfer to Tokyo (1.5 hours) and check into our hotel in the vibrant, central ward of Shinjuku. Your guides will show you some city highlights before heading out for a final dinner & (optional) neon night out on the town.

Departure

Enjoy your last morning in Japan, perhaps with a walk through Shibuya and Harajuku, where Japanese fashion will be on full display. Reserve your space on the airport limousine (which you can catch near the hotel) and prepare for your flight out of Narita or Haneda airport.

What’s Included

  • 7 nights lodging in hotels & ryokans based on double, shared occupancy 
  • 6 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 1 welcome dinner 
  • Support throughout from an evo lead guide & tail guide/driver for the week 
  • Local trail guides x 2-3 days  
  • Private ground transportation 
  • Bike park tickets 
  • Shuttle/trail use fees 
  • Specialized demo mountain bike for the week 

Not Included

  • Airfare 
  • Transfer from Tokyo hotel to airport 
  • Single supplement (see FAQ) 
  • 1 breakfast, most lunches, and most dinners 
  • Travel insurance (we recommend World Nomads) 
  • Personal equipment (packing list will be provided) 
  • Guide gratuity 

Questions? Call or email us!

What’s Included

  • 7 nights lodging in hotels & ryokans based on double, shared occupancy 
  • 6 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 1 welcome dinner 
  • Support throughout from an evo lead guide & tail guide/driver for the week 
  • Local trail guides x 2-3 days  
  • Private ground transportation 
  • Bike park tickets 
  • Shuttle/trail use fees 
  • Specialized demo mountain bike for the week 

Not Included

  • Airfare 
  • Transfer from Tokyo hotel to airport 
  • Single supplement (see FAQ) 
  • 1 breakfast, most lunches, and most dinners 
  • Travel insurance (we recommend World Nomads) 
  • Personal equipment (packing list will be provided) 
  • Guide gratuity 

Questions? Call or email us!

Location Details

Our adventure begins in the North of Japan, in Hakuba, with Iwatake Bike Park – one of Japan’s largest MTB parks, offering long descents and stunning views. As we make our way through the Central Alps and on to the Yamanashi region, we enter the Southern Alps, which offer epic singletrack in a peaceful setting – enjoy having the place to yourselves. Fujiten Bike Park offers everything from tech to flowy berms as we continue through the southern range.

evo Hotel Hakuba is a 22 room onsen hotel in a great Happo location; a very easy walk to shops, restaurants, bars, and bike trails. The updated rooms all feature an ensuite, and a variety of room layout updates will include a variety of Western-style options and flexible bunk rooms for groups or family. Take time to rest your legs and rejuvenate in the onsite onsen!

Located in central Honshu, Japan’s main island, the Japanese Alps were named after the European Alps due to their similar glacier-carved slopes and summits over 10,000 feet. This range stretches from Toyama Bay in the north to Hamamatsu and the Pacific Ocean in the south, and includes the three ranges of the Northern Alps, the Central Alps, and the Southern Alps. Collectively, these ranges offer a sampling of the best MTB trails in the country. 

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FAQs

Is my trip guaranteed to run?

This trip requires a minimum number of guests to operate. Once that threshold is met and confirmed by evoTrip, you’ll receive a confirmation email. We recommend holding off on finalizing travel plans until your trip is confirmed.

May 24-31 - Guaranteed to run
October 4-11 - Guaranteed to run
October 11-18 - Awaiting minimum threshold

I’m ready to book. What next?

To secure your spot, you can either pay the full amount now online or contact Customer Care at 1.866.386.1590 if you prefer to only pay your $1,000 per person deposit. Note that regardless of paying full payment or deposit at time of booking, we will consider $1,000 to be a non-refundable deposit in accordance with our terms and conditions. Full payment is due 60 days prior to departure.

What skill/experience level is required for this trip?

This trip is recommended for intermediate (and above) mountain bikers. An intermediate mountain biker has been riding regularly for 2 years or more, is comfortable tackling moderately steep singletrack with loose rocks or roots, can climb and descend with control, and feels confident on trails with some technical features like small drops and berms. While most of the riding will be downhill, good stamina & solid physical fitness will also be necessary due to the long descents in the Japanese Alps.

What are the accommodations and cuisine like?

On this adventure we spend two nights at evo Hotel Hakuba, one night in Komagane (Yamanashi area), three nights in the Fuji Lakes area, and a final night in Tokyo. Accommodations will be well-appointed, located ideally for area riding & exploration, and include hotels & ryokan. The cuisine on this trip will include a variety of Japanese fare, including yakiniku (grilled meat & veggies), sushi, hearty ramen & hoto (a flat, wheat-based noodle in miso broth -- a speciality of the Yamanashi region), and dumplings. You will eat well!

Can my dietary restrictions be accommodated?

Yes! Please let us know any dietary restrictions or allergies ahead of your trip and we will do our best to support. We can provide you with a card that will alert restaurants/grocers to your needs and most locations will be accommodating. For all dietary restrictions, we recommend that you bring some snacks just in case.

Can I choose my roommate?

Yes. If you have a roommate request, please let us know. By default, we will place two people of the same gender in a room with two beds.

What if I’m a solo traveler? Can I get my own room?

Yes, single rooms are available on a first come, first served basis for an additional fee of $550 USD. Please check in with Customer Care before booking if this will determine your participation.

What if I'm a solo traveler that would like a roommate but none are available?

If you are a solo traveler that would like a roommate, we do our best to pair you with another solo traveler of the same gender. However, if no roommate option is available and you must be assigned your own room, you will be asked to pay 50% of the single supplement to cover the cost of your room. In this case, as the single supplement is $550, you would be liable for $275 extra. Please note roommates are paired on a first come, first served basis, so the earlier you book the less likely you will be "forced" into a single room.

What is included in this trip?

This trip includes: Transportation by private coach from the airport to evo Hotel Hakuba. Seven nights hotel, including 2 nights stay at evo Hotel Hakuba, 1 night in a Komagane ryokan, 3 nights in a Kawaguchi lodge, and 1 night stay at a hotel in Shinjuku, Tokyo. Support from a MTB guide and tail guide/driver. Six breakfasts and one group dinner. Daily ground transport and bike shuttles. Bike park tickets and local guiding fees. Specialized demo bike for the week.

What is NOT included in this trip?

Airfare – please note you must arrive at Narita Airport by 12pm (noon) on Day 1 of your trip start. Most lunches and dinners – we will make group dinner reservations as a courtesy, as needed. Transportation from Tokyo to Narita (options include bus, train or taxi and cost approximately $35). Taxi rides or any transportation in Tokyo. We recommend that you purchase travel insurance to protect your flight and belongings as well as cover medical expenses if needed. We recommend planning to spend $400-$600 on meals, drinks, entertainment and gifts.

What gear should I bring?

You will be sent a recommended packing list after booking.

Should I tip my guides?

Yes, guide gratuity is not included in your trip package and is recommended if you enjoyed your experience.

Should I purchase travel insurance?

YES! While it is not required, we always recommend purchasing travel insurance for all trips. Travel insurance allows you to seek reimbursement if you are forced to cancel your trip for unforeseeable reasons, or if you need to cover medical help, emergency transport, theft and/or accidental damage while traveling. We recommend World Nomads.

What if I need to change or cancel my trip?

If you cannot or no longer wish to join your scheduled trip, we are offering the option to forward your deposit to a future evoTrip (at no cost) up to 60 days prior to departure date. However, if you need to cancel, the deposit for the trip is non-refundable and cancellations will be subject to a cancellation fee (see policy below). For this reason, we recommend purchasing travellers insurance, which will cover the cost of your trip in extenuating circumstances. All cancellations must be submitted to evo in writing, are effective as of the date we receive them according to our internal records, and will be subject to a cancellation fee as follows (amounts are per person and only apply to amount paid after the $1,000 non-refundable deposit amount): Cancellation 60 days or more prior to trip departure - Non-Refundable $1,000 Deposit charged. Cancellation between 30 and 59 days prior to trip departure - 50% of total booking cost charged. Cancellation less than 30 days prior to departure - 100% of total booking cost charged. Cancellation policy for custom trips may differ from these terms and will be communicated prior to booking. No refunds will be made if you voluntarily leave a trip for any reason after the trip has begun. The same applies if you leave a trip or cannot fully participate in a trip due to injury or illness. Refunds will be at the discretion of the Company if you are involuntarily forced to leave a trip for any reason. No refunds will be made for any accommodation, transport, sightseeing, meals or services not utilized.

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