Hokkaido's Nature and Me
Shiretoko Guide: Mr. Gen Terayama
Theme: Savoring Hokkaido's Nature Experiences
Introduction
Outdoor-related information has traditionally been presented in a menu-style format, focusing on “where, what, and how much.” In Hokkaido, activities like canoeing, cycling, mountain climbing, fishing, sea of clouds viewing, trekking, diving, and camping have often been listed by location rather than by the nature of the experience itself.
However, as nature, culture, and historical experiences become central to tourism, we believe that guides who convey the emotional impact and excitement born from encounters with local nature and warm-hearted people are the key to deeply sharing the charm of each region.
With this in mind, we have launched a special feature titled “Hokkaido Nature & Cultural Experiences,” based on the voices of guides active throughout Hokkaido, to introduce the appeal of regional experiences in a more concrete and comprehensive way.
For this feature, we are honored to have Gen Terayama, a thru-guide from Shiretoko, who we connected with through the opening of the Hokkaido Long Trail on October 5, 2024, serving as an advisor.
Under Mr. Terayama’s guidance, we will continue to fine-tune the content of this feature. With the motto “Sharing human emotion with others,” we aim to promote the appeal of immersive, communication-based regional tourism.
Representative of UU Hokkaido : Masanori Takahashi
Interview with Former Temple Mountain Tour Guide
“I'm so glad to be alive!”
TAKA
We heard that in 2000, Mr. Terayama summited Cho Oyu (8,201m, the sixth highest mountain in the world) in the Himalayas and skied down from the peak. As the first Japanese to achieve this feat, was it driven by a spirit of adventure?
GEN
During my time as a student at Hokkaido University, I enjoyed mountain skiing and climbing. Later, I joined a travel company that specialized in destinations like Nepal and Bhutan, and I felt fortunate to turn my passion into a career. By chance, I was assigned as a guide in the Himalayas, and I thought, “Let’s ski from the summit!” So I carried my skis and climbed to the top. But nature was harsh—it felt less like skiing and more like falling off a cliff. At that moment, I truly thought, “This is it. I won’t make it back alive.”
Looking back now, I suppose there was still something I needed to do in life. I survived. Even I was surprised.
TAKA
That’s beyond intense—it’s hard to even imagine. The word “adventurer” doesn’t quite capture it. What inspired Mr. Terayama to start guiding in Shiretoko?
GEN
I’m originally from Niigata Prefecture, but when I was a child, I asked my father, “Which town in Japan has the richest nature?” and he told me, “Shiretoko.”
I also had relatives living in Shari Town, so I visited Utoro as an elementary school student. Later, during my university years at Hokkaido University, I visited Shiretoko many times with friends. After working at a travel agency, a turning point came when I was 40.
Shiretoko was designated a World Natural Heritage site, and the Shiretoko Foundation was established. A job opening came up, so I applied—and my family and I moved there.
TAKA
What does Shiretoko mean to you, Mr. Terayama?
GEN
It feels like my backyard. I can enjoy it all year round. Nature here is both harsh and gentle—if you face it without pushing too hard, it becomes a very comfortable place.
I especially love trekking to Cape Shiretoko. There are so many animals too.
TAKA
Which areas do you guide?
GEN
As a thru-guide, I basically go anywhere, but I mainly cover the entire eastern Hokkaido region and the Daisetsuzan area.
TAKA
What happens if multiple guests request the same guiding date?
GEN
If the guests agree, I coordinate with fellow guides to make arrangements.
TAKA
What do you do to ensure guests enjoy your guiding?
GEN
I make sure to ask in advance what they want to do and where they want to go. I communicate carefully via email to understand their wishes.
TAKA
What types of guiding are you best at?
GEN
I’m flexible and respond to requests, but I specialize in mountain climbing, trekking, canoeing, and skiing.
TAKA
You mainly guide in English for international visitors. What about Japanese guests?
GEN
There are many guides in Shiretoko who cater to Japanese guests, so I mainly support foreign visitors.
TAKA
What are you currently focusing on?
GEN
I’m involved with the “Hokkaido East Trail,” Hokkaido’s first long trail, which opened in October 2024. It stretches about 400 km from Kushiro City to Rausu Town, connecting three national parks—a rare kind of trail even in Japan. Together with my colleagues, I hope to nurture it into a truly captivating route.
TAKA
Thank you so much for taking the time to speak with us, even during the event.
GEN
We look forward to seeing you again. Safe travels home!
(Interview held at Kyoto University’s Hokkaido Forest Station in Shibecha Town)
Profile
Mr. Terayama, thank you very much for kindly agreeing to serve as an advisor for the “Hokkaido Nature and Culture Experience Special Feature.”
※We accompanied you for coverage during the approximately 12km trekking event held on October 10, 2025, utilizing the Senmo Line (Shibecha Station to Isofunai Station).
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