Introducing Tsurui Village Certified Guides

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  WADA MASAHIRO

  ・Fields

  Trekking

  ・Profile

  Born in 1956 in Tsurui Village, Akan District, Hokkaido.
  While working as a professional photographer, opened the nature-focused hotel TAITO in 2000.
  Currently active as a hotel owner, chef, and nature guide—a photographer who wears many hats.
  The hotel attracts photography and nature enthusiasts from around the world.

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  ANDO MAKOTO

  ・Qualifications

  Hokkaido Governor–Certified Outdoor Master Guide

  ・Fields

  Trekking / Canoeing / Cycling

  ・Profile

  Born in 1964 in Sapporo. In 1999, opened the carefully curated lodge Wilderness Lodge Hickory Wind in Tsurui Village along the edge of the Kushiro Wetlands. While operating the lodge, conveys the role nature plays in connecting people and the environment from many perspectives.
  Internationally recognized as a professional photographer, with awards including the Grand Runner-Up Prize at Nature’s Best Photography Japan 2014 and an award at Nature’s Best Photography Japan Wildlife 2016.
  Member of Nikon Professional Services and Fujifilm Professional Services; supported professional guide for Swarovski Optik; Fjällräven Ambassador.

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  SATO YOSHIHITO

  ・Qualifications

  Hokkaido Governor–Certified Outdoor Master Guide

  ・Fields

  Trekking

  ・Profile

  Born in 1953 in Sunagawa City, Hokkaido.
  Moved from Kushiro City to Tsurui Village in 1982.
  After working in sales for a major rubber manufacturer and becoming deeply involved with village life, chose to settle permanently.
  Opened the traveler’s inn Tanchō no Ie and served as the first Secretary-General of the NPO Kushiro Wetland Yachinokai.
  Currently serves as Secretary-General of NPO Tsurui Tanchō Genki Village and as Chair of the Tsurui Village Assembly’s Public Relations Committee.

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  Tsurui Dosanko Farm

  ・Field

  Horse Trekking
  Agriculture / Food / Local Experiences / Education & Cultural Exchange

  ・Introduction

  At Tsurui Dosanko Farm, you can experience horse trekking on Hokkaido’s native Dosanko horses—once indispensable to the region’s early settlers.
  
  Explore Kushiro Marsh National Park, home to the vast Kushiro Wetlands, the largest in Japan, and a sanctuary for rare wildlife and plant life.
  
  Rather than simply observing the wetlands from afar, enjoy a more personal and memorable adventure—discovering the landscape on horseback.

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  YAMAMOTO HIROFUMI

  ・Qualifications

  Hokkaido Governor-Certified Outdoor Guide (Nature)

  ・Fields

  Trekking

  ・Introduction

  Born in Hyogo Prefecture in 1977.
  A motorcycle tour of Hokkaido during his college years sparked his fascination with eastern Hokkaido, and he moved to Kushiro in 2001 after being transferred there by the motorcycle dealership where he worked.
  He subsequently worked for a homebuilder for 17 years, but thanks to a connection with Makoto and Shinobu Ando, the owners of Wilderness Lodge HickoryWind, he used the COVID-19 pandemic as an opportunity to change course and pursue a career as a guide dedicated to sharing the wonders of Hokkaido.
  Under the theme “Everything Is Connected,” he founded LinKushiru in December 2021 and began working as a nature guide.

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  NISHIKAWA KAIYA

  ・Qualifications

  Hokkaido Outdoor Guide Qualification System (Nature Guide)/Advanced First Aid Course

  ・Fields

  Trekking / Canoeing / Biking / Nature and Wildlife Photography / Motorcycle Tours

  ・Introduction

  Born in Tokachi in August 1999.
  Moved to Tsurui Village in 2024 after marrying his wife. He currently works as a guide at Wilderness Lodge Hickory Wind under the guidance of Makoto Ando.
  His hobbies include photography and motorcycling.

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  CHISATO HIROYUKI

  ・Qualifications

  Governor-Certified Outdoor Guide (Nature & Canoe)/HoCompleted WAFA (Wilderness Advanced First Aid) Trainingkkaido Governor-Certified Excellent Outdoor Operator/Completed ATTA (Adventure Travel Trade Association) EDU Course

  ・Fields

  Nature Observation / Hiking / Canoeing

  ・Introduction

  Born in Kushiro City, Hokkaido, in 1965.
  Working primarily in Japan’s largest wetland, Kushiro Marsh National Park, he is a nature guide who connects visitors with the overwhelming and majestic natural landscape and the people who live in the area.
  With regard to red-crowned cranes in particular, he participates in various volunteer activities focused on conservation and coexistence, and maintains close ties with experts in the field.
  Representative of Nature Grand . Sarorun Kamuy.

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  TATEYA JUN

  ・Qualifications

  Certified Hokkaido Outdoor Guide (Mountain [Summer Mountain] / Nature)/Japan Sports Association Certified Mountaineering Coach 1/Wilderness Advanced First Aid (WAFA)/Hokkaido Ski Mountaineering and Climbing Federation Certified Ski Mountaineering Instructor/Ski Association of Japan Certified Ski Associate Instructor

  ・Fields

  Trekking / Mountaineering / Nature Guiding / Backcountry Skiing

  ・Introduction

  Born in Yokohama.
  From a young age, I traveled through Hokkaido by motorcycle almost every year, and, captivated by its natural beauty, I moved to Hokkaido at the age of 30.
  I have 36 years of mountaineering experience.
  Having hiked the mountains of Hokkaido for many years, I have also been involved in conducting workshops and providing instruction on mountaineering techniques and safety management.
  Currently, I run “Kushiro Trek & Guide” with my wife, Noriko, and primarily guide tours in the mountains of Eastern Hokkaido and the Kushiro Marshes.
  Based on the safety management skills I’ve cultivated through years of mountaineering experience, I prioritize guiding in a way that allows each participant to enjoy the experience with peace of mind, while keeping an eye on the day’s natural conditions and the participants’ well-being.

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  TATEYA NORIKO

  ・Qualifications

  Certified Hokkaido Outdoor Guide (Mountain [Summer Mountain] / Nature)/Japan Sports Association Certified Mountaineering Coach 1/Wilderness Advanced First Aid (WAFA)/Hokkaido Ski Mountaineering and Climbing Federation Certified Ski Mountaineering Instructor

  ・Fields

  Trekking / Mountaineering / Nature Guiding

  ・Introduction

  Born in Kushiro City, a fourth-generation Hokkaido native.
  25 years of mountaineering experience.
  I started hiking in my 30s and have been captivated by the mountains of Hokkaido and the natural beauty of the Kushiro Marshes ever since.
  Currently, I run “Kushiro Trek & Guide” with my husband, Jun, focusing on the mountains of Eastern Hokkaido and the Kushiro Marshes.
  By learning about each aspect of nature—from plants and wildlife to the terrain—the scenery before your eyes takes on a slightly different perspective.
  I place great importance on guiding tours where we can enjoy these discoveries together.

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  FUJII JUNICHI

  ・Qualifications

  Hokkaido Governor-Certified Master Guide (Nature)

  ・Fields

  Hiking/Mountain Climbing

  ・Introduction

  Currently, I work as a tour guide for the Yachi Association and as a private guide on a per-request basis.

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  NAKAMURA YOSHIKAZU

  ・Qualifications

  Hokkaido Governor-certified Outdoor Guide (Nature)

  ・Fields

  Trekking

  ・Introduction

  Born in Suginami Ward, Tokyo, in 1952.
  Joined the NPO Kushiro Wetlands Yachi Association in April 2020 and primarily serves as a guide on the Onnenai Boardwalk.
  Has served as the organization’s Executive Director since April 2023.

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  ODAGIRI KEIKO

  ・Qualifications

  Hokkaido Governor-certified Outdoor Guide (Nature)

  ・Fields

  Trekking/Red-Crowned Crane Guide

  ・Introduction

  Born in 1975. A native of Shimohoro, Tsurui Village.
  Through the family business—landscaping and the operation of a park golf course—I have maintained a deep connection with the village’s land and nature for many years.
  Currently, while managing and operating “Tsuruno-sato Camp Field,” I have obtained a governor-certified outdoor guide license.
  The grassy fields, forests, and babbling brooks where I used to run around as a child—I hope to share the beauty of this village, which I rediscovered as an adult, with as many people as possible.

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  MIHARA TAKUYA

  ・Qualifications

  Hokkaido Governor-certified Outdoor Guide (Nature)

  ・Fields

  Nature

  ・Introduction

  Born in 1989. Originally from Bungotakada City, Oita Prefecture.
  Moved to Tsurui Village, Hokkaido, in 2023.
  While managing vacation rentals equipped with saunas, I also work as a nature guide and pursue artistic activities.
  I share the unique natural beauty of the area—including the animals, plants, and wetland landscapes I encounter while living in Tsurui Village.

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  MATSUNO SHUJI

  ・Qualifications

  Hokkaido Governor-certified Outdoor Guide (Nature)

  ・Fields

  Trekking

  ・Introduction

  Born in 1966 in Taiki Town, Hiroo District.
  Due to his father’s job transfers, he moved around to Shiranuka Town, Tsuruoi Village, and Kushiro City.
  He became a civil servant for Kushiro Town and has lived there ever since.
  Through experiences such as camping, summer and winter mountaineering, and backcountry skiing, he eventually discovered bushcraft.
  Seeking to improve his survival skills, he set his sights on becoming a nature guide, a path he continues to follow today.

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  Sakashita Jyunichi

  ・Qualifications

  Hokkaido Governor-certified Outdoor Guide (Nature)

  ・Fields

  Nature

  ・Introduction

  Born in Kushiro City in 1954.
  After retirement, joined the Yachi no Kai nature conservation group and became a certified nature guide, a role they continue to fulfill today.
  An avid birdwatcher, they can often be found exploring Lake Harutori and Musa Forest whenever time permits.

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  Matsuo Shigetaka

  ・Qualifications

  Hokkaido Governor-certified Outdoor Guide (Nature)

  ・Fields

  Trekking

  ・Introduction

  Member of Kushiro Yachi no Kai, a nonprofit organization (NPO).

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  Takaya Rina

  ・Qualifications

  Hokkaido Governor-Certified Outdoor Guide – Mountain (Summer and Winter), Nature
  Hokkaido Governor-Certified Adventure Travel (AT) Guide – Mountain (Summer and Winter), Nature
  Wilderness First Responder (WFR)
  Leave No Trace (LNT) Level 1 Instructor

  ・Fields

  Mountaineering, Trekking, Snowshoeing

  ・Introduction

  Born and raised in Kushiro, Hokkaido.
  Beginning in 2016, I spent several years working as a guide in national parks across the mountainous regions of Western Canada. I later returned to Hokkaido to begin my guiding career in Japan.
  Now based in Hokkaido, I primarily lead mountaineering and trekking tours throughout Eastern Hokkaido, including Kushiro Shitsugen National Park.
  I also offer guided tours in English for international visitors.
  My goal is to provide each guest with a safe, enjoyable, and unforgettable experience, offering attentive and personalized support to help create lasting memories of their time in Hokkaido.

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  Katou Sadakatsu

  ・Qualifications

  Hokkaido Governor-certified Outdoor Guide (Nature)

  ・Fields

  Trekking

  ・Introduction

  Since 2019, I have been guiding visitors through the ecosystem of Kushiro Wetland and its ever-changing seasonal landscapes in an engaging and easy-to-understand way. I also have a strong interest in world cultures and history, particularly natural heritage sites, and have obtained certification through the World Heritage Examination. As part of my commitment to the local community, I also serve as an instructor for the “Kushiro Studies Training Course.”