Guide to the many hidden spots in Hokkaido and Tohoku
We guide you from major spots around Tomamu, Furano, and Asahikawa in Hokkaido to lesser-known secret spots
Chief guide RIKI, also known as Nakajima Riki, became the world's first certified freestyle ski instructor in 2000 in addition to being a ski instructor in Whistler, Canada. He is also a professional skier who has competed in numerous freestyle competitions. "I want to share the beauty of nature, the joy of skiing, and the joy of skiing," he says, and through his guiding he conveys the message of freedom in nature to his guests. After enjoying the snowy mountains, RIKI will also take you to the beautiful natural and cultural spots he has encountered during his many years of powder snow exploration. You can enjoy the charm of this trip that doesn't end with just skiing
Smooth transition from technical lessons to backcountry
RIKI JAPOW GUIDE also offers programs that include technical lessons for people who want to start backcountry skiing. This program is unique to Riki, who also holds instructor qualifications, and involves a level check of your skiing skills and key lessons on the techniques required for backcountry skiing, allowing you to confidently step up to backcountry tours.
The tour locations offered are mainly in Hokkaido, Tohoku, and the Bandai area. Check the official website for more details.
[Easy to Go Powder]
Aizu area or Tomamu From 20,000 yen/person For intermediate and above Guide ratio 1:6
This tour is for beginners who want to start backcountry skiing. This route has few or no hike-ups, so it's also recommended for those who are not confident in their physical strength. Starting early in the morning, you'll ski around Mt. Bandai or Tomamu in calm morning conditions. This is a two-hour program.
[Lesson & Guide]
Lesson & Guide Aizu area or Tomamu From 20,000 yen/person (8,000 yen/person for each additional person) Beginners and above Guide ratio 1:8 This is
a technical lesson that also serves as a level check for those heading out into the backcountry. You'll ski around Alts Bandai/Nekoma or Tomamu for about two hours.
[Step to Back Country]
This program is aimed at backcountry beginners, and allows you to acquire the minimum skills necessary before heading out into the mountains, such as how to use a beacon, how to read the terrain, and what equipment you need. This program takes place within the ski resort before joining a full-scale guided tour, so even beginners can feel at ease. It is
a two-hour program aimed at backcountry beginners and intermediate to advanced skiers. Guide ratio 1:6.
Participation fee: ¥18,000/person (for ages 13 and up).
【Let's Freeriding (Freeride World Tour official program)】
A one-day private lesson will be held by a Freeride World Tour Academy certified instructor. It is a session-style lesson by a professional that can be enjoyed by intermediate to advanced skiers. Lessons will be tailored to your needs, including powder, ice, moguls, etc. The program takes place within the ski resort and lasts approximately 6.5 to 7 hours.
Participation fee: Elementary school students and above, 20,000 to 50,000 yen per person (maximum 6 people).
【Tomamu Guiding
This is a custom-made tour of Tomamu tailored to your preferred style and level. You can fully enjoy Tomamu while learning how to tackle the slopes. It also includes an introduction to the facilities, making it convenient for planning your stay. Duration: 4-5 hours. For
backcountry beginners and intermediates, and beginners, intermediate and advanced skiers. Guide ratio: 1:6.
Participation fee: Elementary school students and above, ¥16,000-¥40,000/person (maximum of 6 people).
[Hiking & Shred]
Get out of Tomamu Ski Resort and try backcountry skiing tailored to your level. Duration: 5-8 hours.
For intermediate to advanced backcountry skiers and intermediate to advanced skiers. Guide ratio: 1:6.
Participation fee: 13 years old and over, ¥20,000-¥50,000 per person (up to 6 people).
[Sunrise BC tour]
This tour starts while it's still dark and takes you up the mountain directly in front of Tomamu, where you can watch the sunrise from the summit, then race down the slope in the sunlight. To participate, you must first participate in [Discovery TOMAMU] or [Hiking & Shred]. Duration: 3.5 to 5 hours. Guide ratio: 1:4.
Participation fee: 13 years old and over, 30,000 yen/person.
Riki NAKAJIMA
Born in Shiga Prefecture in 1981. While studying abroad in Whistler, Canada, he obtained a CSIA instructor qualification and became the first Japanese person to obtain a CFSA freeski instructor qualification. After returning to Japan, he participated in numerous freeski competitions and expanded his activities to the backcountry. In recent years, he has been based at Tomamu Ski Resort in Hokkaido, where he has been involved in a wide range of activities including lessons, guiding, events, and MCing. He is the representative of the guide company "RIKI JAPOW GUIDE."
[Qualifications]
・JMGA Mountaineering Guide Stage II
・JMGA Ski Guide Stage II
・JAN Avalanche Worker Level 1
*JMGA: Japan Mountain Guides Association
JAN: Japan Avalanche Network
guide area
| main guide area | Around Tomamu, around Furano, around Asahikawa |
| Other areas | Niseko, Rusutsu, Nozawa Onsen |
| Representative name (guide qualification) | Chikara Nakajima (JMGA Mountaineering Guide Stage II, JMGA Ski Guide Stage II) |
| Main guide name (guide qualification) | Chikara Nakajima (JMGA Mountaineering Guide Stage II, JMGA Ski Guide Stage II) |
| Number of affiliated guides | 2 full-time employees, 3 part-time employees (5 of whom are qualified) |
| guide ratio | 1 guide: 5 guests |
| percentage of guests | Ski/Snowboard (6 vs. 4) / Men and Women (7 vs. 3) |
rental
| snow safety gear | Beacon, probe, and shovel (ant/free rental) |
| Backpack | Something that can be fitted with skis (available/free rental) |
| ski | Skis with Tour Bindings (Ali) |
| climbing gear | Climbing skin (Ant) Snowshoe (Ant) |
price
| 1DAY | We only accept private reservations, so we will consider the itinerary according to your needs. 1 person 50,000 yen Online reservation 2 people 60,000 yen (30,000 yen/person) 3 people 75,000 yen (25,000 yen/person) / 4 people 80,000 yen (20,000 yen/person) 5 people 90,000 yen (18,000 yen/person) |
Actual contents of the tour
| first participation | BC experience Ali | most difficult | |
|---|---|---|---|
| action time | 4 hours | 5 hours | 8 hours |
| Cumulative elevation difference | Approximately 400 to 1,200 m (depending on the route) | Approximately 600 to 1,200 m (depending on the route) | 1200-500m (depending on the route) |
| average hike time | 1~3 hours | 1-4 hours | 1~5 hours |
| Slope content | A relatively open slope with a gentle to medium slope | Gentle to steep open runs and tree runs. Hokkaido-style slopes to suit your needs | Generally responding to requests |
Information
| address | Hoshino Resort Tomamu Ski Resort |
| TEL | 090-8650-1345 |
| info@rikijg.com | |
| WEB | https://www.rikijapowguide.com ／Winter https://rikijg.com/jp/ |
| SNS |
*The information listed is current as of July 2025
