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 offers programs that include technical lessons for those who want to start backcountry skiing. These programs, created by Riki, who is also a certified instructor, include a level check of your skiing skills and point lessons on essential backcountry techniques, allowing you to confidently step up to backcountry tours.
Tour locations are primarily in Hokkaido, Tohoku, and the Bandai area. For more details, please check the official website.
【Easy to Go Powder】
Aizu area or Tomamu 20,000 yen and up per person Intermediate level and above Guide ratio 1:6
A tour for beginners who want to start backcountry skiing. The route has little to no hike-up, so it is recommended for those who are not very confident in their physical fitness. Starting early in the morning, you will ski around Mt. Bandai or Tomamu in the calm morning conditions. 2-hour program.
【Lesson & Guide】
Lesson & Guide Aizu area or Tomamu 20,000 yen and up per person (8,000 yen for each additional person) Beginner to Guide ratio 1:8
A technical lesson that also serves as a level check before going backcountry. You will ski around Alts Bandai/Nekoma or Tomamu for about 2 hours.
【Step to Back Country】
This program is designed for beginners in backcountry skiing and will teach you the essential skills needed before heading out into the mountains, such as how to use a beacon, how to read the terrain, and what equipment is necessary. Since this program takes place within the ski resort before joining a full-fledged guided tour, it's perfect for first-timers.
The 2-hour program is suitable for beginners in backcountry skiing and intermediate/advanced skiers. Guide ratio: 1:6.
Participation fee: ¥18,000 per person (ages 13 and up).
【Let's Freeriding (Freeride World Tour official program)】
We are offering a 1-day private lesson with a Freeride World Tour Academy certified instructor. This professional session-style lesson is suitable for intermediate to advanced skiers. Lessons will be tailored to your preferences, including powder, ice, and moguls. The program takes place within the ski resort and lasts approximately 6.5 to 7 hours.
Participation fee: ¥20,000 - ¥50,000 per person (up to 6 people), for elementary school students and older
【Tomamu Guiding
A customized program to explore Tomamu according to your preferred style and skill level. This program allows you to fully enjoy Tomamu while learning how to conquer the slopes. It also includes facility introductions, making it convenient for planning your stay. Duration: 4-5 hours. Suitable for
beginner to intermediate backcountry skiers and beginner to intermediate to advanced skiers. Guide ratio: 1:6.
Participation fee: Elementary school age and older, ¥16,000-¥40,000 per person (up to 6 people).
[Hiking & Shred]
Escape the Tomamu ski resort and challenge yourself with backcountry skiing tailored to your skill level. Duration: 5-8 hours.
Suitable for intermediate to advanced backcountry skiers and intermediate to advanced skiers. Guide-to-ski ratio: 1:6.
Participation fee: Ages 13 and up, ¥20,000-¥50,000 per person (up to 6 people).
[Sunrise BC tour]
This tour takes you up the mountain visible directly in front of you from Tomamu, before dawn, to watch the sunrise from the summit, and then to run down the slope as the sun shines. Prior participation in either [Discovery TOMAMU] or [Hiking & Shred] is required. Duration: 3.5 to 5 hours. Guide ratio: 1:4.
Participation fee: 13 years and older, ¥30,000 per 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, etc.]
・JMGA Mountain Guide Stage II
・JMGA Ski Guide Stage II
・JAN Avalanche Worker Level 1 Completion
*JMGA…Japan Mountain Guide 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 guides | 2 full-time employees, 3 part-time employees (5 of whom are qualified) |
| Guide Ratio | 1 guide: 5 guests |
| Percentage of guests | Skiing/Snowboarding (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) |
| Skiing | Skis with touring bindings (available) |
| Climbing gear | Climbing skins (Ali) / Snowshoes (Ali) |
Fee
| 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) |
The actual tour content
| First time participating | BC experience | The most difficult | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Activity time | About 4 hours | About 5 hours | About 8 hours |
| Cumulative elevation gain | 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 hiking time | About 1~3 hours | 1~4 hours | 1~5 hours |
| Slope Contents | 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/ |
| Social Media |
*The information listed is current as of July 2025