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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.

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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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.