Mountain Guides
JMGA certified or locally licensed. Every guide carries a first aid kit, knows the emergency shelters, and has a backup plan for weather. Groups max 6 so the guide can watch everyone.
Kenji Mori
Senior Mountain Guide
CertificationJMGA certified mountain guide
Experience15 seasons in the Northern Alps
Climbed all 100 Famous Japanese Mountains. Quiet, points out edelweiss growing from rock cracks.
Yuki Sato
Kumano Kodo Specialist
CertificationWakayama Prefecture certified guide
ExperienceGrew up in Tanabe, 200m from the trailhead
Knows every shrine keeper by name. Trail name: "Yuki of the Kodo."
Mark Olsen
Bilingual Guide & Logistics
CertificationJMGA aspirant guide
ExperienceAmerican, based in Nagano since 2018
Translates cultural context for Western hikers. Handles gear checks personally. Sends crampon tutorial videos before trips.