Discover Japan: Top Outdoor Adventures Awaiting You

Yuske did a great job. He chose the perfect day and changed to a day tour. Only then could we reach the summit. His quiet and safety-minded nature we liked very much.

I have had an opportunity to take advantage of an brief weather opening to SkiMo Mt Fuji with Yusuke and enjoy some very skiable powder on the way down in spring snow conditions quite typical for the Alps. The pre-trip communication were spot on and Yusuke proved very efficient in monitoring the rapidly changing forecast to make the call whether we SkiMo up or just do an Alpine ascent. Even though the ascent doesn't present any technical challenges the rapidly changing weather might dictate that the 2000+ vm trip is taken in one day and thus a good pre-trip aclima would be essential. The first part thru the forest along the old pilgrims' trail is a regular approach hike, however upon entry of the high alpine terrain the gradient stiffens and good kick turns and crampon skills are essential to enjoy the amazing landscapes. The guide's choice to switch to bootpacking would generally appears a bit too early for European skiers as terrain could yield itself for at least 400 vm more of skins switchbacks but there was reason for the choice, and is generally down to personal preference. The way down if VERY varied snow conditions and requires a versatile skill set and appropriate speed management. During our trip there was no significant avalanche traps, however some of exposed terrain is prone to rock falls and thus should be negotiated at a prompt pace. Night over in a traditional Japanese mountain hut is a fantastic experience in its own right and not to be missed. If one ski toured in France, the hut would appear a luxury accommodation but is slightly below the comparables in Austria and Switzerland. Dinner and b'fast are served as traditional meals and provide more then sufficient cals of warm homemade food. A visit to the local shrine followed by a relaxing session at a near by Onsen is the cherry on the cake for the trip and is definitely recommended as a supplement to the trip. If I come to Ski Tour in Japan again would surely contact Yusuke for his availability.

Chika is a perfect guide!

Absolutely wonderful!!!! Chikako was absolutely amazing! We had the most amazing time and was one of the highlights of our 3 week trip! Thank you so much for being so wonderful.

The whole trip was well planned in advanced, about 2 months that I started communicating with Chika. There were rapid responses to questions, even before a confirmation/payment was made. As the dates grew closer, good advice on gear and other practical issues were passed. Typhoon Hagibis had just left significant damage, and the weather was quite unpredictable. It was clear that is was safest to delay the climb, and I was lucky the extra day that I had came with excellent weather. Chika was excellent in communicating the reasons for the delay, as safety was paramount. I had done an earlier trip during the usual summer season a few years back, but with light snow up top, this was one of my best treks/climbs so far.