Hakuba · Niseko · Furano · Myoko · Mt Fuji · Tateyama
Certified backcountry guiding and full-trip concierge, led by a fluent-Japanese local. 12+ years in Japan, all over the country.
Plan your tripAST 1 & 2 · Wilderness First Responder · 5+ years guiding · 12+ years in Japan
A certified backcountry guide and fluent-Japanese local who's called Japan home for 12+ years. AST 1 & 2, Wilderness First Responder. I handle the logistics, the language, and the safety calls, so all you have to do is show up and enjoy the mountains.
More about me →Most guides in Japan are either certified pros or culturally fluent locals, rarely both. That combination is the whole point.
AST 1 & 2 avalanche certification and Wilderness First Responder, with five seasons guiding this terrain. Your safety is the non-negotiable.
12+ years in Japan, fluent Japanese, based in Hakuba and guiding across Niseko, Furano and Myoko. The hotels, the food, the onsen, the off-the-map spots. I've found the best, and I'll share them with you.
Airport transfers, lodging, itineraries, translation, daily logistics. You soak it all in. I'll handle the rest.
Mid-winter powder through spring alpine trophies. Whatever you came for, there's a line for it. Deep snow, big views, or both.
Everyone knows the powder. Far fewer know the spring, when the snowpack settles, the skies open, and the alpine reveals views you can't get any other time of year.
December–March
April–July
When the powder crowds go home, the big lines open up. Ski Mt Fuji, the Tateyama snow walls, and more, as a guided day or a fully handled trip.
Guided day from $700/pp (¥105k) · all-inclusive 2-day from $2,500/pp (¥375k)
Volcanic descent, by quote
Multi-day, by quote
Home-turf spring alpine, by quote
The "Fuji of Hokkaido," near Niseko · by quote
Ski into July, long after everyone's gone home · by quote
Skiers, splitboarders, and snowshoers all welcome.
Join a small scheduled group on sidecountry and mellow backcountry, matched to your level. Transport from a Hakuba meeting point included; lift ticket, gear, and lunch on you.
Best for: solo travelers, pairs, and an easy first day off the resort.
Your own day, built around you: your group, your date, terrain matched to your ability, and hotel pickup at your door. Up to 10 with a tail guide.
Best for: your own crew, or anyone chasing real terrain on their own schedule.
The whole trip, handled end to end by a local insider: backcountry days, lodging, transfers, and the food, onsen, and corners of Japan most visitors never reach. You show up and live it. Or fully bespoke, built around you.
Best for: travelers who want the real Japan handled door to door.
Serious, high-consequence objectives for genuine experts. Demonstrated skill, waiver, and screening required. I reserve the right to decline.
Best for: experts chasing serious, no-fall objectives.
I live and breathe the backcountry. 2 to 3 big tours every week, from mellow corn to 3,000-meter, 16-hour days. Before I based myself in Hakuba and Niseko, I spent years exploring the mountains from Hokkaido down through Honshu. I'll take anyone with the right attitude and the right skill for the objective, and I'll match the day to exactly what you're after: powder, views, relaxation, or full send.
Real shots from real tours. Powder, alpine, and the views in between.
He is the best backcountry guide I've ever had.
His route planning and descent line selection are extremely professional, and he carefully adjusts the pace based on the fitness level of the entire group, which makes everyone feel comfortable and confident throughout the tour.
I've joined other backcountry tours where the guides tended to be overly conservative, but Rick strikes the perfect balance. His tours are challenging enough to be exciting while still being approachable, and he consistently takes us to amazing runs and hidden gems. That's what I enjoyed the most.
Most importantly, he always puts the safety of every participant first. He is an incredibly trustworthy and reliable guide. I can't recommend him highly enough!
Jo, TaiwanEven after snowboarding for several years, I never tried backcountry since it seemed so intimidating and required so much equipment. But Rick's tour was the perfect introduction: he prepared absolutely everything, chose a route that matched my level, and guided me all the way til the end. It was a wonderful adventure and all I had to do was ride and enjoy. Thanks, Rick!
Alex, USARick is one of the most passionate, experienced, and super friendly guides you'll ever meet. He makes sure not only that the day's mountain conditions are met, but also that each client is doing well, working with everyone individually to reach the goal of the day's backcountry hike.
He knows the mountains inside and out and always puts the safety of his clients first. On top of that, he ensures everyone is having a great time, whether you're going after a peak hunt, the pure joy of a powder ride, or just a mellow, friendly backcountry hike.
I've done multiple hikes with Rick, including a peak hike up Mt. Yōtei in Hokkaido, and without him, my accomplishment would not have been the same. I highly recommend Rick for any guided backcountry mountain tour.
Yuki, JapanA few details and I'll get back to you personally, usually within a day. No deposit to start a conversation.
Prefer to message directly? hello@northboundjapan.com · WhatsApp