If you’re gearing up for summer cycling adventures in Japan, there’s no better spot to visit than Furano. Haven’t heard of it? That’s because it’s Hokkaido’s best-kept secret, boasting a vast countryside and various mountain ranges (including the surrounding Daisetsuzan Mountains), without the crowds that you’d normally find in Niseko or Hakuba.
Having become an up-and-coming destination for snow sports enthusiasts worldwide due to its nine metres of annual snowfall and extensive access to off-piste backcountry riding, Furano has also established an emerging reputation amongst cyclists and families looking to explore the Japanese countryside without the hassle of busy crowds and difficult to navigate mountain bike trails.
And for the first time ever, Rhythm Furano, will now be offering bike rentals over the summer months. With a central location directly opposite the Kinanomori Gondola, Rhythm Furano will serve as a hub for mountain biking enthusiasts looking to explore Furano’s expansive terrain, while also offering an easily accessible starting point for newcomers wanting to experience the natural wonders of Furano on two-wheels.
In celebration, we thought it would be a great time to highlight the essential trails, gear, and off-mountain activities that Furano has to offer – and there’s no better person to provide that insight than Rhythm Furano’s store manager, Taka.
Read Taka’s take on the essential bike riding trails and destinations that visitors of should check out:
Routes
Route 1: Rhythm Furano – Farm Hokusei – Farm Tomita – Farm Tomita East area – Torinuma Park – Rhythm Furano
Distance: 33km
Time: 2.5 hours.
“This course is easy for beginners as there are almost no uphills, but you can visit three very famous farms in the Furano area. The first point of interest is Hokuseiyama, where you can take a single chairlift up to the top of the hill and enjoy the panoramic view of the Furano area and the Daisetsuzan mountains behind it.”
Route 2: Rhythm Furano – Ningle Terrace – Kaze No Garden – Furano Cheese Factory – Rhythm Furano
Distance: 12km
Time: 1h
“This course is even easier than the first course and can be completed in a 3-hour rental period. There is an uphill section, but you can easily get up it without getting tired if you use an E-hybrid bike, which is available in our rental lineup.”
Attractions
If riding uphill and through off-road trails isn’t your style, Furano offers a range of attractions that you and your family can easily access via a short bike ride, a few of which are:
Farm Tomita: Ride to the breathtaking fields of Farm Tomita to view vast flower fields, gardens, greenhouses, and one of the most picturesque lavender fields Japan has to offer.
Furano Cheese Factory: Take Taka’s second route to enjoy ice creams and pizzas made with house-made dairy products from the Furano Cheese Factory.
Hinode Park: One of the region’s most scenic destinations, Hinode Park boasts extensive lavender gardens, observation decks and relaxing family-friendly campgrounds.
Ningle Terrace: A series of 15 unique craft stores located in Furano’s natural forest landscape.
Gear
If you’re looking to explore Furano but don’t want to pay exorbitant fees to ship your bike over, our Rhythm Furano store offers a collection of summer retail accessories from Patagonia and Oakley, as well as an extensive rental range of top-of-the-line E-hybrid bikes, premium hybrid bikes, and kids mountain bikes.
Although, navigating the selection and finding the right bike to suit your travels can be a complex process, so we’ve broken down Rhythm Furano’s top selections and their intended purposes to make your Furano trip as convenient as can be.
E-Hybrid: Vado SL 4.0
The electric version of the Sirrus 2.0, the Vado SL makes long journeys with uphill sections easier. Suitable for on-road riding and scenic path trails, the Vado will take you all over Furano without making your legs feel like jelly.
Hybrid: Specialized Sirrus 2.0
A standard adult cross bike that’s equally as suited for cruising around town as it is for uphill mountainous trails.
Kids MTB: Specialized Jett
A lightweight bike suitable for young ones looking to ride comfortably alongside their parents.
If you’re visiting Furano over the summer season, Rhythm Furano will be open from the 1st of June and will remain operational until the 23rd of September.
