Lake Toya is located at south-west of Hokkaido.
Its nature is a mixture of Hokkaido and Honshu(main land Japan), that makes it more complexed when you look at them.
We have started our guiding service from 2002.
Our tour is focused on the four seasons of nature, "the way it was, the way it is"
We also try our guests to feel its slow-tempo. when you are submerged in this quiet scenery.
That is why we acturally "live" here throughout the year, so that we can show you
the joy and happiness of being here.
Sometimes seasons, flowers just fly by, one moment and it is gone.
Let us feel this excitement throuh our activities, local food, and its scenery.
We hope to see you soon.
[Have Fun at lake Toya!]
Toya guide center
owner Yuji Ogawa
Office
193-8 Toya, Toyako, Hokkaido, Japan 049-5902
Guide`s background
| 1973-94 | Born and raised in Niigata prefecture, where rice, water and sake is famous. Also famous for ski areas, lots of them. You can guess what do I like to eat, drink and do… |
| 1994-97 | Colorado State University. Fort Collins, CO. United States. Majored in Rangeland Ecosystem Science. I.e. a major to become a scientific rancher, or cowboy with knowledge. Also learned how to: drink lots of beer, camp, ski, snowboard, horseride, shoot, party, etc.etc. Of course studied “a lot”. Rocky Mountain National park, lots of other nature state parks to enjoy! Some of the concepts, words are still,,,,, in my brain somewhere. |
| 1998 | International Outdoor Adventure(I.O.A.) Tours. Bozeman, Mt. Helping Japanese owner/guide in many ways; cook, clean, walk a huge dog, of course helped planning, guiding Japanese guests for skiing/horseback week-long camping, corporate study trips etc. Got acquainted with Native Americans, too! Yellowstone, Grand Teton, Glacier and Waterton National parks. Big Skycountry!! |
| 2000 | Started career in Hokkaido nature as winter nature guide in ski areas. Time to learn and adjust knowledge from N.America to N.Japan. |
| 2002 | Moved to lake Toya, started “Toya Guide Center” |
Certification
| <Guiding lisence> |
| Hokkaido outdoor guide（Master-nature guide, canoe guide） |
| <First Aid Trainings> |
| WMAJ WAFA(WILDERNESS MEDICAL ASSOCIATES JAPAN) |
| MEDIC First Aid® MFA Child-care-Plus |
| <Rescue> |
| RESCUE3JAPAN SRT-1(Swiftwater Rescue Technician) |
| Japan Safe Paddling Association SRP(rescue program) |
| <Others> |
| Project WILD Educator |
| JSPO(Japan Sport Association) Certified Canoe Instructors |
| Mt. Usu volcano meister |
Others
| <Hokkaido> |
| ・Hokkaido Experience Sightseeing Promotion Conference, Director |
| ・Hokkaido outdoor guide Examiner for nature guide |
| ・Ministry of the Environment Volunteer Warden |
| <TOYA> |
| ・Toyako Onsen Tourist Association Director |
| ・Mt. Usu volcano meister Examiner |
| ・ Toya-Usu UNESCO Global Geopark Guiding committee, chairman |
| Special feature : Guided tours that free your stress with soft-adventure |
| <Honshu> |
| ・International Nature and Outdoor Activity college outdoor sports special lecturer |