Trail Hunter - Japan

Matt Hunter, professional mountain biker and adventure seeker, finds inspiration traveling the world, exploring new trails and having unique experiences that could only happen on a bike.
Matt’s latest adventure brought him, along with photographer Sterling Lorence and videographer Matt Miles, to one of the most culturally rich and largely underrated riding spots in the world—Japan.

Music:
"Only for You," By Heartless Bastards

Featuring:
Matt Hunter
Jinya Nishiwaki
Sterling Lorence
Stumpjumper FSR
2FO Shoes
Swat Bibs

Special Thanks:
Jinya Nishiwaki
Paul Chetwynd

Connect with us:

Production:
Directed by: Matt Hunter & Matt Miles
Filmed/edited: Matt Miles
Audio: Grind Music & Sound Inc.

[Oblivion]

7 years later, and this video never gets old. In fact, this very video got me mountain biking. I now own a Rockhopper 2019 that I bring out for when I'm in the mood for XC.

[norcoshorenfs]

Still one of my all time favourite videos.

[neilgooders]

Who in their right mind would dislike this video.

[whitehall]

Those trails are amazing. Such smooth flow and great aesthetics. Japan rocks

[thomasdiaz]

Thank you for sharing these wonderful people and trails! My family lived in Aomori Prefecture (Norhern Japan) for 4 years and I fell in love with both as I pedaled my then-new Rans V-Rex, my road bike and my Schwann S-15 Carbon dual-suspension machine around the roads and trails. I returned this Spring after 11 years away and the love is as strong as ever. Please keep these videos coming! - Tom in Alaska

[christianhuber]

Still watching in 2022!! Used to work at a bike shop and we’d play these videos on our TVs. Rad!!

[isaacmarquez]

That drop at 2:08...holy wow...they make it look effortless!

[ORSALfpv]

i keep watching this everytime i go online.. can't move on without seeing this video

[loftme]

Rich, loamy soil. Tires at the perfect pressure, biting in and holding on like a Pit Bull. Trees like spectators holding out their arms, rooting for you (but nary a root in sight to upend you).  Ideal conditions, epic ride. Those memories, man.

[Mauricio]

The guy setting up the soundtrack for this vid and the whole "Trail hunter" & "Destination Trail" series is spot on... what MTB is all about. Nothing worse than a good vid with an overly high paced soundtrack.

[mattmatthew]

so good to see mtb videos in normal, realtime speed, rather than 90% of it being slo-mo. really gives you a sense of how much of a badass jinya is on that hardtail.

[TheJakesBlake]

Fantastic video. There's really nothing better in this world than bringing your bike to a new trail and get surprised by how good it is to ride.

[The-FunkyPhantom]

Holy crap, I was just watching random videos I had used to watch, this is where I learned about Heartless Bastards. Such a great song.

[MrJviner]

Man...where do I begin?  To be accepted and respected by locals, immersed in nature and place where the culture remains virtually uncompromised sharing old friends, making new ones all bound by a passion mtb biking then coupled with the love for finding and shredding amazing trails.  What an experience (of a lifetime).  One would find it very difficult to top.  Great video!  Thank you for sharing.

[HardwareAddiction]

4 years later, I'm rocking that exact Stumpjumper Evo. :)

[MdDidaronnobiNobi]

Japan has lots of awesome riding places

[ConstantineSfyris]

Great What an experience.. beautiful Japan!!

[SAFC]

I got into cycling through mountain biking, I then switched to road bikes and never looked back. 
However, I'm now going to give the mountain bike a service as soon as I hit "POST".
Inspirational video!

[flakeyjay]

As soon I as I heard the music of Heartless Bastards I knew I was going to like this video.  I can't even imagine riding my hardtail down these trails.

[athanatha]

That's an epic trail. What is the actual length of it. The people of japan are, so great, so polite, so welcoming, there is no words can describe this...