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I was born in the United States, but have spent roughly a third of my life in Japan – with over a half decade in Hokkaido! Becoming the sole proprietor of ‘Kurtz Guide Services’ in 2023, I have worked closely with travel companies from Hokkaido to the UK and everywhere in between! I am a Hokkaido Governor Certified Nature Guide, Certified Tour Conductor and Onsen Sommelier among other things. I am currently based out of Asahikawa, but will happily guide anywhere in Hokkaido.

I am from Hokkaido and I have worked as a trekking guide/ a tour guide in Canadian Rocky area in the National Parks in the past.
Right now I have been guiding as a Mountain guide/ a Nature guide in Hokkaido.
Based in Hokkaido, especially in Rishiri & Rebun Islands/ Eastern Hokkaido/ Daisetsuzan NP/Niseko area.
I specialize in guiding guests through nature, focusing on birds, alpine flowers, and trekking for long trails during the Summer season.
I have organized snowshoe tours during the Winter time.
Guided tours are available in English.

Worked as a guide at several companies in Hokkaido, and in 2016 opened Gateway Tours.
Hokkaido outdoor qualifications: Rafting guide in 2004, Canoe guide in 2008.
Hokkaido Master Guide

Born in Taiwan, operates ‘LANTOKO,’ the only Taiwanese Mandarin tour guide company in Shiretoko. Can provide guidance in Chinese, English, and Japanese. In winter, offers drift ice walks, and in summer, guides travelers from around the world through the forests of Shiretoko, including the Five Lakes of Shiretoko, showcasing its attractions.

I am from Tokyo, but since I was a child, I have been familiar with camping and mountain climbing, growing up while interacting with nature. In college, I became interested in ‘education × nature’ and obtained a teaching license. Upon graduation, I moved to Hokkaido and worked for 10 years at outdoor education facilities, among others. While honing my knowledge of environmental education and wildlife, as well as a variety of outdoor skills, I also thoroughly enjoyed activities such as mountain climbing, fishing, and touring scenic spots. I aim to convey the splendor of Hokkaido’s nature and expand activities that connect nature with people and people with each other!

Born in the Philippines, I am a native speaker of English and Tagalog, with full professional proficiency in Japanese. I lived in Indonesia and Singapore before settling in Hokkaido in 2010. I also work in translation and travel planning. I am a licensed Travel Services Manager and a certified Master of Hokkaido Tourism. My hobbies include tenipon and driving around Hokkaido.

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