Toshiya ,JMGA certified guide, wants to take you on these 1+ day backcountry snowboarding tours in the exotic Japanese island of Rishiri!
+1 Day
Jan - Mar
High
Intermediate
Join me on this adventure and discover the beautiful Rishiri Island, located about 20 kilometers off the northwest coast of Hokkaido!
A volcano known as Mount Rishiri can be find in the center of this exotic Japanese island. While exploring this amazing volcano and several other peaks, we will use snowmobiles to cover the long and flat distances and since there are no lifts, we will use skins when we need to go up.
Every day we will go where snow and weather conditions are best but most importantly, our daily itinerary will depend on the participants wishes and level experience.
I strongly recommend skiers and snowboarders to stay here for at least 4 days to discover the huge variety of ski and snowboard terrain this small and remote island has to offer.
Regarding our accommodation, participants will be able to stay at my own hostel. A perfect place to rest and relax in the hot spring baths called onsens while enjoying some delicious homemade Japanese food.
Keep in mind there are no rental shops on the island so please take all your equipment with you, including your avalanche beacon, shovel, probe, your crampons and ice axe.
So if you are ready to experience the ultimate Japanese winter adventure, request to book this trip and join me on these backcountry snowboarding tours! I’ll be glad to explore this amazing area with you.
More info
You can rent Safty equipment on site.
You will have to arrive on Rishiri island the night before and it is recommended to leave the day after the tour.
As we will be 2 guides running the program, we will split the group by friends or by level.
Price: the price at the time of booking depends on the group size at that time. If the group size changes on the actual day, then the difference will be refunded (if more clients) or will have to be covered by the clients (if fewer clients).
I can help you with the transportation from the ferry terminal or the airport to the lodge. Participants will be able to come by plane which will only take 45 minutes coming from Sapporo or by ferry (1:40 hr) in case you are coming from Wakkanai.
Please note that there will be additional cost as below to be paid directly to me on the spot:
Insurance: please ensure that each member of your group is covered by an appropriate insurance policy that also covers mountain rescue operations
Meeting point
4.8
(22)
Ski Guide
I was born on the island of Rishiri in 1969. I still live here today! Since my childhood, I have spent most of my time in the sea, going fishing, and in the mountain going skiing. I’m a ski guide (level 2) from the Japanese Mountain Guide Association. I’m the only one on the island. I have reached the summit of Rishiri more than 500 times… It’s my great pleasure to guide here and let people from all around the world discover this beautiful island all year round. Please feel free to get in touch with me if you are looking for a local expert to guide you in Rishiri. Besides mountain guiding, I'm managing a family hostel here so I can help you with the accommodation as well.
Languages
Japanese | English
Certificates
JMGA
We had an amazing experience on Rishiri, perfect snow, good weather and a guide who knows the island like his pocket. The very steep slopes and the overwhelming nature satisfied every wish we had. We have been looking for a guided tour avoiding the normal tracks on Hokkaido and then saw the pictures of the floating mountain. And definitively the adventure included. We went to the southern part of the island, as Toshi-san knew that there would be the best snow conditions. The first 5km we have been toed in by a snow mobile and then climbed up a several times, riding different gullies each time. Toshi-san is an amazing person, always happy, friendly and very welcoming. As said before, he knows every bit of the island and guided accordingly bringing us to breathtaking places. We all would and will totally recommend him to friends visiting Japan. The reality was much better than expectations! We had some concerns regarding the weather conditions and difficulty but got lucky with the weather and never felt that Toshi chose a route too difficult. Rishiri is a floating mountain! Steep like in the Swiss alps, but just one single mountain, which makes the it much more imposant. On the sunny day, we could see the Sibirian mainland. What are your top 3 memories during the trip ? Riding very steep slopes in perfect snow, Toshi-san with his warm and welcoming attitude, and the travel to get there and back
Our two guides have been really great and showed us the beauty of Rishiri and Rebun Island by sharing their knowledge and passion. We did learn a lot about the flora on Japan's most Northern islands! Rishiri-Zan was a great, pleasant summer hike and must be beautiful and fun for ski touring in Winter time. thanks again!
denis
We had a great trip, no powder but fabulous Spring ski, thanks to Toshiya who is super friendly and excellent at picking the right route according to the weather especially in windy conditions. Thanks a lot
Mikko
Outstanding service in pension and guiding.
Ben
Had a great time on Rishiri with Toshi. He really knows how to make the best out of all weather conditions. Had some of the best skiing of my life, plus the food was great!
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