※The children in the picture are kids from Taiwan.

　アウトドアガレージ十勝

OUTDOOR GARAGE  TOKACHI

Outdoor Guide Jun Ichikawa

What can a guide do?

I mainly work on Tokachi's rivers as a rafting guide, canoe/kayak guide, and SUP river guide, and in the winter I do private backcountry boarding. I've also been active as a hot air balloon pilot for 24 years, but I've done so many things that I don't remember much (lol). I've also done paragliding, Nordic walking, and snowmobile tours, but I'm taking a break from those now. I hold the following qualifications. As an aside, I'm the owner of Kawa CAFE, Kawara CAFE, and Yukiyama CAFE, which are located on tours!

Hokkaido Outdoor Guide Rafting Master Guide, Canoe Master Guide, Nature Guide, RAJ Rafting Association Senior Guide, Hokkaido Adventure Travel Guide: Rafting, Japan Hot Air Balloon Federation Hot Air Balloon Pilot, WAFA Wilderness Advanced First Aid, and Advanced First Aid training course.

How many years have you been working as an outdoor guide?

I was born in Nozawa Onsen in Nagano Prefecture, and after landing in Hokkaido, I've been working as an "outdoor guide" for about 29 years now. When I first started, about 30 years ago, there was no such thing as an "outdoor guide"; they were called "instructors." Of course, I remember that rafting didn't even exist in Hokkaido, or Tokachi, back then. Maybe it started around Niseko... I think. As with anything, just because you've been doing it for a long time doesn't mean you're great or amazing. Naturally, I get good inspiration from the worldview and way of thinking of younger guides, as they can be role models for me. I still have a long way to go, but I always get nervous when I welcome customers.

What will you do now?

I launched "Outdoor Garage Tokachi" as a sole proprietorship in the spring of 2025. I've worked in various locations before, but Tokachi has the brightest image for me. The location, with its Hidaka Mountains and Daisetsuzan peaks, is fantastic, and I want to share smiles and enjoyable activities with my clients in this beautiful setting! However, as it's an outdoor activity, various risks are inherent. My top priority is ensuring my clients leave safely! This requires anticipating and avoiding various outdoor risks, and responding appropriately if they occur. It's a very demanding job, but also very rewarding! Naturally, I'll be constantly improving my guiding and risk management skills! My next goal is to promise to meet again with smiles on our faces... that's the kind of guiding I want to do! Please come and share the wonderful time and space of Tokachi with a smile!

Also... I love motorcycles!! I'm planning an 80's motorcycle garage house (guesthouse) where we can share our passion for motorcycles!