From Minor Mountains to the Northern Alps, Support in Making Pleasant Memories for All Regardless of Age or Gender by Miki Nagashima

Certified in 2022 as an Azumino City Local Interpreter Guide and a Nagano Prefecture-certified Nagano Mountain Climbing Guide, I now work as a guide primarily in the Northern Alps area. Since I was born and raised in Azumino City in Nagano, my work is in a place that I love and have known since childhood.

Planning that Delivers Thrills and Enjoyment Through Long Years of Experience and a Wealth of Knowledge by Tomoyuki Ishihara

I started working as a guide in 2007. Beginning my career as a guide and tour conductor at a travel agency, I gained experience on a variety of mountains, from the “100 Famous Japanese Mountains”, “200 Famous Japanese Mountains”, and low-mountain hiking here in Japan to Nepal, South America, and Kilimanjaro overseas. In 2012, I struck out on my own to work as a freelance guide, and in addition to being certified as a Stage III Mountain Climbing Guide by Japan Mountain Guides Association, I have a number of other qualifications such as being certified by UIMLA (Union of International Mountain Leader Associations) as an International Mountain Leader. I guide clients not only in the Koshin-etsu region consisting of the prefectures of Nagano, Yamanashi, and Niigata, where a number of mountain ranges are concentrated, but also in various locations elsewhere.

Tying Together Various Activities as a Guide in Shinanomachi, Where I Fell in Love with the Stunning Scenery Every Day by Satoki Yoshida

I moved about three years ago, and now live in Shinanomachi in the northern part of Nagano Prefecture. When I traveled in Alaska some time ago, I saw people there building log houses and hunting, providing themselves with all the necessities of life, and I became enamored of that robust lifestyle. The charms of Shinanomachi are the beautiful scenery you can see looking out over Lake Nojiri, and living close to the mountains. I love setting out mountain climbing with the summit as a goal, but since moving here, I’ve been picking edible wild plants and mushrooms, getting a hunting license, and expanding the ways I can enjoy the mountains.

Offering My Wide Variety of Knowledge on Many Topics, Such as Food and Music, for Your Enjoyment by Kazyhiko Onuma

I work as a local interpreter guide in Azumino City. I am mostly focused on individual travelers, helping them to navigate both the city and the hiking courses. My personal recommended route is from Mt. Hikarujo to Mt. Nagamine, as it is quite easy to try. I love this course because of how fun it is to talk and see the very typical and superb Azumino view of the Northern Alps.

Promoting Japan's Charm as a Guide Through "Travel Like a Local" While Planning and Selling Tours

I obtained my national licensed guide-interpreter (English) certification in 2007 and began guiding activities as a side job, mainly on weekends, while working as a company employee. In 2017, I started guiding inbound FIT tourists on city tours, walking tours, and cycling tours in Kansai, Okayama, and Hiroshima. In December 2022, I moved to Myoko City and expanded my activities to the Hokushinano and Myoko areas.

Practicing Local Guiding in the Beloved Togakushi Area by Leveraging Local Connections

I began working as a guide through the Togakushi Guide Association in 2023, and the following year, I also started guiding snowshoe tours. I guide Japanese and foreign visitors, ranging in their 30s to 70s. The frequency of guiding varies with the seasons, but on average, I guide about three or four times a month. I love the desolate Mirror Pond and the approach to the Okusha Shrine of Togakushi in the dead of winter. Still, I prefer the Togakushi Shrine and the botanical garden if I'm going with guests. My favorite route is from the Okusha Shrine of Togakushi, incorporating stories of history, culture, and the natural environment as we go.

Inbound Guide Offering Tours from the Historic Satoyama to the Dynamic Mountain Routes

With 11 years of guiding experience, I lead tours primarily in the Kōshin'etsu region and throughout Japan. I spend over 200 days a year in the mountains, and my strength lies in guiding guests across various terrains, from satoyama walking tour to 3000m peaks in the Alps. In Nagano Prefecture, I mainly operate in the Kamikochi area and Northern Alps. My favorite and personal best routes are the Tsubakuro-dake to Yarigatake traverse on the Omote-Ginza trail and, for advanced hikers, the Nishi-Hotaka to Oku-Hotaka traverse via the Jandarme route. The breathtaking views of the majestic mountains are simply irresistible.

Sharing my Passion as a Tour Guide - Showing Off Local Spots Where Nature and Humans Come Together

I began working as a local interpreter tour guide for Azumino City in 2023. I usually give tours in Azumino City, where I reside, as well as Matsumoto City, Kamikochi, and recently, the Kiso region. I organize plans and guide individual guests from Europe, America, and Australia several times a month. My personal favorite route involves forest bathing in the woods that serve as Azumino City's water source, followed by a walk through the area where spring water emerges. I enjoy nature interpretation and forest bathing, which I consider my areas of expertise.

All-Weather Outdoor Guide: Sharing a Safe and Fulfilling Time

I have been working as a guide for about four years, mainly in Nagano Prefecture and in other areas such as Gifu, Toyama, Mie, and Aichi Prefectures. My specialties include guiding tours of historical sites, city walks, and satoyama (rural) hikes, such as walking along the Nakasendo, or guiding visitors to popular spots like Jigokudani Monkey Park and Kamikochi. I propose itineraries and guide foreign visitors who want to experience nature walks, famous tourist spots, and Japanese cultural experiences.