hiking guide service in Japan
MMGuide (Moto Mountain Guide)
-providing a mountain guiding service mainly in Nagano and surrounded area
-the most of the destinations are a part of national parks in Japan
-the guiding is only non-snow season from Apr. to Nov.
(depends on the place)
-fun hike in mountain environment based on the safety operation
Destinations
Our main base is Matsumoto, located center of Nagano prefecture and surrounded by mountains.
Matsumoto is 90min. away from Nagano city by train. Another 90min. gets you to Tokyo from Nagano city by bullet train. Also, direct express train and bus from Tokyo is available.
The main hiking place, Northern Alps is stretching north to south on the western edge of Nagano. Northern Alps is a part of Chubu-sangaku national park. Besides Northern Alps, there is more places to hike. For more info about where we hike, how long it takes etc. is on the Guiding page.
Check out the details more on Guiding page, please.
Hiking season
Our main destination is alpine area (above 2,000m in height.)
The northern alps in Japan get tons of snow during winter. It snows basically from Nov to March and the snow remains until early July. Although there is a little difference depending on the year and place, the hiking season on the northern alps is basically from Mid July to Mid Oct. The mountain huts are only available during this short period. The trail in the alps starts at around 1,500m of height and continues. You can hike lower mountains in off-season at the different area of the mountains. Check out more on the Guiding page.
Mountain guide
Moto (Motohiro Hayashi)
I grew up in Saitama prefecture, Japan. I was not a mountain man originally.
In 2009, I went to Nepal for two weeks and had a chance to see Manaslu, one of the highest mountain in Himalaya.
The view was amazing, sacred and unforgettable. That piece of experience is enough to lead myself where I am now.
I spent most of my time in trail running in my 20's and shifted to skiing later on. At my last 20's, I went to New Zealand and worked for local guiding company, Ultimate Hikes for a season. I have met a lot of people from diffrent countries and knew that so many people have come to Japan. And the most of them said that Japan is awesome!
I didn't realise that until I had conversations with them. I got hints from the comments.
Then, I started guiding mountain in Japan, now as MMGuide (Moto Mountain Guide.)
I have been working with Fuji Mountain Guides after I got back from NZ. In winter season, ski patrol was my main job. My base is currently Matsumoto city in Nagano prefecture which is the best place for mountain enthusiast. I love this place and want you to know Japan has not only Mt. Fuji, but also other beautiful and fun mountains.
The time is never enough! If you want to spend your time on mountains in Japan, let's do it with us! Spending more time in nature, moving your body, breathing deeply and experience new environment enriches your lifetime, I believe.
Certified
Japan Mountain Guide Association - Trekking 1
able to guide any mountains on decent trail in Japan, except for winter.
Wilderness Advanced First Aid
