Why skiing Japan’s sacred peaks is an adventure like no other.
What’s it like to carve turns down Mount Fuji, Japan’s most iconic and sacred peak? For Kenichi, one of the country’s most sought-after ski guides, the experience is far more than a descent – it’s a spiritual journey that combines adventure, tradition, and deep respect for nature. In this exclusive interview, he shares what makes skiing in Japan unlike anywhere else in the world, from endless powder days to the unique culture that follows a day in the mountains.
Kenichi partners with Explore-Share, the trusted booking platform connecting travellers with certified guides in Japan and across the globe. Through Explore-Share, skiers from Asia and beyond can join Kenichi on unforgettable backcountry missions – whether it’s exploring the hidden gems of the Tōhoku region or tackling the once-in-a-lifetime challenge of skiing Mount Fuji. For anyone dreaming of skiing Japan, his insights reveal exactly why this destination is the ultimate playground for mountain lovers.
Kenichi. Image: Isabelle Fornerod
How did you first get into skiing? Was it something you grew up with, or did you discover it later in life?
I first tried skiing in the winter of my first year in junior high school. It was just a one-time experience during a school ski class.
When and why did you decide to become a guide? How was the process of getting the certifications?
I first learned that ski guiding was a real profession back in 1998 when I was living as a ski bum in the Hakkōda Mountains. Honestly, I never imagined myself becoming a guide. But in 2002, a ski buddy I was riding with encouraged me to give it a try – and before I knew it, I was guiding.
Even during my ski bum days, I wanted to develop the skills and knowledge at a guide level. I worked ski patrol to gain first aid experience, and later I took avalanche courses from the CAA while I was in Whistler. At the time, I was also working as a rafting guide there, and many of my colleagues were heli-ski guides, so I learned a lot from them about what it takes to become a professional guide. Later on, I signed up for the JMGA and became a JMGA Ski Guide.
Which are your favourite places to guide ski trips in Japan?
Right now, I really enjoy guiding in the Tōhoku region. The mountains have a special atmosphere, the snow quality is excellent, and I’ve built good relationships with many of the local skiers.
Mount Fuji descent. Image: Samuel Girardon
What makes skiing in Japan different from skiing elsewhere around the world? Conditions, weather, snow, culture…
The biggest difference is that you can ski fresh powder almost every day. In January and February, we often get snowfall two or three times a week, so if you know where to look, you can always find untouched snow.
Après-ski culture is also a huge part of the experience here – soaking in hot springs is a must, and these days I often enjoy the sauna too. And of course, no matter where you go, the food is always delicious.
What do you like about skiing in the backcountry versus skiing within resort bounds?
They’re completely different experiences. For me, backcountry skiing is not just about making turns – it’s about immersing myself in nature, sharpening my senses, and feeling the subtle changes around me. The wind, the snow, the rustling of trees, the sound and sensation of my skis pressing into fresh snow… it all connects me to the environment in a very intimate way.
There’s something incredibly special about moving through the mountains like a wild deer, free and fast. That sense of flow and harmony with nature is something you simply can’t find in a resort setting.
“…backcountry skiing is not just about making turns – it’s about immersing myself in nature, sharpening my senses, and feeling the subtle changes around me.”
Besides guiding, which is your personal favourite place and time to ski yourself? Why?
I personally love spring skiing – especially from April onward. The days are longer, the weather is warmer, and yet we can still ski. That combination brings me real joy.
These days, I usually spend about a month in Tōhoku every April, skiing different mountains. The valleys are bursting with fresh greenery and cherry blossoms, while the peaks still get fresh snow on occasion. The rivers swell with snowmelt, and everything feels alive and awakening. Being in the mountains during this vibrant season always excites me.
And of course, I love skiing on Mount Fuji. I usually head there from around May 10th to early June. That late-season mission holds a special place in my heart.
Which is your most memorable skiing/mountaineering experience? You can mention one in Japan and one abroad.
I have so many unforgettable memories, but one that stands out in Japan is a solo mission on Mount Chōkai in April. I climbed about 1,800 metres of vertical gain on foot and skied it top to bottom on my first time there. I didn’t stop much on the descent – I just flowed with the terrain, playing with every feature I could find. I had the whole mountain to myself. The sense of unity with the mountain was overwhelming – in the best possible way.
Abroad, skiing from the summit of Denali was one of the most powerful experiences of my life. It was just me and a buddy, and the expedition took many days on the mountain. Denali is also the highest point I’ve ever reached. It was physically and mentally demanding, but it’s something I’ll never forget.
What is so special about skiing down Mount Fuji? Why would you recommend this adventure?
Mount Fuji is Japan’s highest peak and a deeply symbolic mountain – you can see it from 400 kilometres away, and it’s been a spiritual destination for over a thousand years. Every Japanese person knows Mount Fuji. Looking out from its summit, you’re literally seeing Japan from its highest point.
The ski descent I offer through Explore-Share is also unique. Sometimes I find skiing corn snow on Fuji even more satisfying than powder – it has this smooth, fast, almost perfect texture that makes you feel like you’re flying. It’s a beautiful, meaningful, and unforgettable experience.
“It’s a beautiful, meaningful, and unforgettable experience.”
Are there any local traditions or rituals you follow when skiing or guiding on Mount Fuji?
Yes – every time I ski Mount Fuji, I make sure to visit the Fujisan Sengen Shrine beforehand to pray for safety. Skiing on Mount Fuji isn’t just another ski tour; I believe in respecting the cultural traditions of the mountain, which has been a sacred place for centuries. It’s not an easy mountain, and I always approach it with humility.
“Sometimes I find skiing corn snow on Fuji even more satisfying than powder – it has this smooth, fast, almost perfect texture that makes you feel like you’re flying.”
What are the challenges, as a guide, to take clients on a Mount Fuji ski descent? What kind of preparation do you recommend for people interested in backcountry skiing in Japan?
Although Mount Fuji isn’t extremely high compared to places like Colorado or the European Alps, it’s a freestanding volcano – which means it’s often exposed to strong winds. Since it rises directly from the sea, there’s a lot of moisture in the air, making clouds form quickly and weather conditions change rapidly. Even if the summit looks close, you should never push beyond your limits.
For those interested in backcountry skiing in Japan, preparation is key. Understand the terrain, respect the weather, and come with a mindset of adaptability and awareness. Japan’s mountains can be both beautiful and humbling.
Posing on Mount Fuji
What would you say to someone who has never gone skiing in Japan? Why should they choose Japan for their next ski trip?
When I first went on a ski trip to Utah 25 years ago, nearly everyone I met on the chairlift asked me, “Can you even ski in Japan?” I told them that 70% of Japan’s land is mountainous, and that it snows almost every day in winter – but they didn’t believe me.
In the past 20 years, it feels like the number of international skiers visiting Japan has increased a thousand-fold. Japan has truly become one of the world’s greatest powder destinations. But it’s important to remember that this is a finite natural resource.
What makes skiing in Japan even more special is the hospitality. You’ll be welcomed not only by the snow, but by the people, the food, the hot springs, and the culture. Everything – from transportation to accommodations – treats visitors with genuine respect. So I hope travellers will also respect the nature and culture of Japan in return.
And as a guide, I welcome you with open arms – and with love.
Reviews received by Explore-Share users
Paul
Kenichi is an excellent guide and skier and super fun to spend a long day together with him on Fuji. Conditions were perfect so after reaching the top we even got to ski down into the crater which was unique. We rented touring skis from Kenichi (very good condition and relatively new) and he came to our hotel the afternoon prior to the climb to meet us, adjust bindings, etc. His English is very good and it was fun to compare notes with Kenichi on the long list of mountains around the world that my wife and I have also climbed and/or skied. He seems to be a true powder hound who knows the best places to go so I hope to return to Japan to ski tour with Kenichi next time.
“it was fun to compare notes with Kenichi on the long list of mountains around the world that my wife and I have also climbed and/or skied” – Paul
Nathan
Kenichi was amazing! He was super helpful in making this an absolutely unforgettable experience! Highly recommend!
“He was super helpful in making this an absolutely unforgettable experience.” – Nathan
Isabelle
Unfortunately, bad weather and wind prevented us from reaching the summit. But we were able to climb part of Mount Fuji with the skis on our backs and do a bit of the descent. It was still magnificent and a moving moment to ski this mountain. Kenichi, the guide, was very professional and friendly. I had an excellent day. Thank you for this exciting adventure.
“It was magnificent and a moving moment to ski this mountain.” – Isabelle
Samuel
Great moment with Kenichi, very friendly and professional.
Dmitrii
Kenichi is an amazing guide. Not only did he guide us to the summit but also he showed us around the area and told us a lot of interesting things about Japanese culture and religion. Also he was very flexible in regards to the bad weather forecast.
To organise your Mount Fuji ski trip with Kenichi, submit an enquiry through this form and start planning your adventure.
Ski Asia is a partner of Explore-Share, a booking platform that connects international skiers with qualified local guides for authentic and safe backcountry experiences in Japan.
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