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 changed careers and joined a travel agency specializing in destinations like Nepal and Bhutan, feeling fortunate to turn my passion into a profession. By chance, I had the opportunity to join an expedition to the Himalayas. I brought skis along thinking I might as well give skiing a try, but I wasn’t aiming to be the first Japanese person to do so, nor do I consider myself an adventurer. Luckily, I reached the summit and skied down from the top, but skiing at 8000 meters was grueling and not enjoyable at all. I somehow made it down safely, and it turned out I was the first Japanese person to do so—just by coincidence.

TAKA
What inspired Mr. Terayama to start guiding in Shiretoko?

GEN
I’m originally from Niigata Prefecture, but it all started when I asked my father as a child, “Where is the most nature-rich place in Japan?” and he told me, “Shiretoko.” I also had relatives living in Shari Town, so I visited Utoro when I was in elementary school. 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 turned 40. Shiretoko was designated a World Natural Heritage site, and around the same time, the Shiretoko Foundation was established and began recruiting. I applied and moved there with my family.

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 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

TERAYAMA GEN

Born in Niigata Prefecture in 1966. Studied at Hokkaido University, developing a deep connection with Shiretoko's nature during his student years. Engaged in wildlife management and related work at the Shiretoko Foundation since 2006. Served as Secretary General of the General Incorporated Association Shiretoko Shari since 2019. Skilled in mountaineering, cycling, and wildlife observation. Became an independent guide (Buen Camino) in 2024, operating primarily as a through-hike guide in the eastern Hokkaido region. Participates in the Hokkaido East Trail Management Office.
My motto is to guide you while enjoying nature walks in Shiretoko, trekking to the cape, and the Shiretoko mountain range together.

Contact : https://www.buencamino.jp/

TAKAHASHI MASANORI

Born in Hokkaido in 1959. After graduating from Hokkai Gakuen University, worked in the medical industry. Served as Director of the Establishment Office for Japan Welfare College from 1988. Founded Cedars Communications Co., Ltd. in 1990 and became its representative. Obtained an ICP license number from the State Council of China in 2011. Operates “UU Hokkaido,” a multilingual web platform broadcasting to 16 countries worldwide. Specializes in digital marketing for regional tourism and tourism DX.
Please utilize our platform to promote Hokkaido's tourism information to the world more easily.

Contact : https://www.ccc.ne.jp/

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).