Mountain Bike Tours in Norikura – Northstar
Guided MTB tours and lessons on the Norikura Kogen trails with a PMBIA Level 2 guide
About
Northstar (ノーススター) runs Mountain Bike Tours in Norikura, the high plateau of Norikura Kogen near Kamikochi and Matsumoto in the Japanese Alps. The Norikura community trails can only be ridden with a guide, so a tour is the way to experience this quiet mountain singletrack.
Director Ken Yamaguchi is a PMBIA Level 2 mountain bike guide and instructor.
Tours and lessons
A 90-minute off-road tour costs ¥5,500, and a three-hour beginner lesson and tour costs ¥7,500. Families can book relaxed “omakase” tours, and riders who want more can join skills clinics.
Private tours
Private tours cost ¥11,000 for 90 minutes or ¥16,500 for two and a half to three hours. E-bikes are available for an extra ¥2,000–3,500.
Good to know
The riding season runs from about late April to early November. Northstar is also a lodge and outdoor school. Book by phone or through the website; rentals are also available at Norikura BASE.
Certifications & qualifications
Director Ken Yamaguchi: "PMBIA レベル2 マウンテンバイクガイド/インストラクター" (PMBIA Level 2 MTB guide/instructor, about page)