Nakashima MTB Park:
Building Trails With a Purpose

In the Nakashima district of Yamato Town, Kumamoto, Nakashima MTB Park grew from a straightforward idea: create somewhere to ride while bringing new activity into the local community.

The project began when the park’s founder was looking for a place where his son could practise mountain biking. At the same time, there was a wider ambition to use MTB as a way of helping revitalise the area. Those two ideas came together in the hills around Nakashima, where existing routes through the mountain provided a starting point.

Rather than forcing trails onto the landscape, the park works with the terrain already there. The mountain is relatively low, with sections following old paths once used by local residents. As the network develops, new lines are planned around the natural characteristics of the hillside.

The trail-building philosophy is equally straightforward: fun, thrills and safety. More challenging sections are given alternative lines, allowing riders to choose an option that better suits their ability and confidence.

Built and Maintained by Riders

Expansion of Nakashima MTB Park has involved MTB enthusiasts helping develop new sections of trail, while regular maintenance is largely handled by the park’s founder.

It gives Nakashima a distinctly grassroots character. Development is happening progressively, shaped by the terrain, the riders using the park and the people willing to contribute.

The park also holds an MTB race once a year, bringing riders together and creating another connection between mountain biking and the surrounding community.

Looking Ahead

Future expansion will largely depend on demand. If more riders come to Nakashima, there are plans to consider adding further trails, while the park is also looking for more people interested in getting involved with its activities.

The bigger goal, however, goes beyond building more trail. Through mountain biking, the team hopes to bring more activity into the local area and introduce Yamato Town’s children to the enjoyment of riding.

What started as a father looking for somewhere his son could practise has become something broader: old paths are being given a new purpose, riders have somewhere to come together, and MTB is creating another connection with the local community.

For Nakashima, the formula remains simple — build good trails, get more people riding, and give the mountain a new purpose.