鑓野目 純基 Junki Yarinome

鑓野目 純基 Junki Yarinome

Guide to the most outstanding scenery in Hokkaido

Bio

I was born in Abashiri City​,​ Hokkaido in 1992. Since as far back as I can remember​,​ I have spent time in nature: mountain stream fishing​,​ gathering wild vegetables and mushrooms​,​ and mountain climbing. I was inspired to become an outdoor guide after attending a lecture on "how to live" and "how to make a living" during my college years. During a summer vacation​,​ I went down the headwaters of the Kushiro River for the first time in a Canadian canoe. I felt that the comfort of riding in harmony with the natural flow of the river and my image of an ideal lifestyle were perfectly matched. After graduation​,​ I studied basic guiding at Somokuya. I have now been guiding canoe tours in the spring​,​ summer​,​ and fall​,​ and trekking tours in the winter​,​ mainly in the Teshikaga area​,​ for four years. I also spend my private time in nature​,​ mainly snowboarding and fishing. In 2021​,​ after 5 years of guiding​,​ I became independent and started my own guiding and photography business. Living in East Hokkaido​,​ I can feel the breath of the wild right next to me. In the midst of such a lifestyle​,​ I encounter many beautiful moments that can never be experienced twice. I have been thinking more and more that "I want to take pictures.” If I had not lived here​,​ I might never have encountered a camera. I photograph not only wildlife and natural scenery​,​ but also the people who live and work here.I am searching for ways to express myself on a daily basis.

Message

I am a year-round outdoor guide in the Lake Kussharo area of Akan-Mashu National Park​,​ one of the oldest national parks in Hokkaido. The area around Lake Kussharo still retains a variety of nature​,​ from mountains​,​ rivers​,​ and lakes to forests and volcanoes. The Ainu people still live in villages​,​ maintaining the Ainu way of life and culture. In the Lake Kussharo area​,​ we offer guided canoeing tours in summer and snowshoeing and skiing tours in winter. As a person who visits nature frequently​,​ I work daily while dealing with the preservation of the field.

Guide Q&A

Q: What is your most memorable experience in nature?

River rafting, where you become one with the flow of the river, or skiing on snow following the terrain. These are times I feel at one with nature.

Q: What does nature represent to you?

A place that reminds us that humans are part of the natural world. A place where we can relearn the "starting point" of living.

Q: What has nature taught you?

The reason beauty exists is because of a harsh environment.

Q: What do you hope that people will get out of experiences with you as a guide?

In a modern society that is becoming more convenient every day, we hope that you will feel a deep connection between human activities and nature. We hope you will experience the luxury of spending time in nature.

Highlights

・Hokkaido Outdoor Guide Certification: Canoe Guide ・Wilderness Medical Associates Japan (WMAJ): WAFA Advanced Level ・Rescue 3 Japan: SRT-1 ・Firefighting advanced life-saving training ・Language: Japanese

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