“I want to ski Hokkaido’s deep powder with a Japanese ski guide who truly knows the mountains.”
“I’m looking for a Hokkaido backcountry trainer who can teach me the basics safely.”
“I want a ski trainer who can help me take my technique to the next level.”
If that sounds like you, Riki Japow Guide is a great option to consider.
Hokkaido is known around the world for its light, dry powder snow, often called “Japow.”
At the same time, backcountry terrain outside resort boundaries comes with real risks, such as avalanches and rapidly changing weather.
That is why many skiers and snowboarders choose to explore with a qualified local guide.
In this article, we introduce Riki Japow Guide, a guiding company led by Japanese ski guide Riki Nakajima.
About Riki Japow Guide
Riki Japow Guide is a ski and backcountry guiding company founded and led by Riki Nakajima.
While studying in Whistler, Canada, Riki earned CSIA instructor certification and became the first Japanese skier certified as a CFSA freeski instructor.
After returning to Japan, he competed in numerous freeski events before expanding his work into backcountry skiing.
He also holds Mountaineering Guide II and Ski Guide II qualifications from the Japan Mountain Guides Association.
In Hokkaido, Riki is based at Hoshino Resorts Tomamu, and his tours cover areas around Tomamu, Furano, and Asahikawa.
The company also runs programs in the Tohoku region, including the Aizu and Mt. Bandai areas.
Guiding is available in both Japanese and English, so international guests can communicate smoothly about safety and plans.
Riki also serves as an ambassador for the Hokkaido Powder Belt and Protect Our Winters Japan.
Riki Japow Guide is a strong fit for intermediate and advanced skiers and snowboarders who want to go beyond groomed runs with a professional by their side.
3 Highlights of Riki Japow Guide
Here are three highlights of Riki Japow Guide, where you can take backcountry training with a Japanese ski guide who knows the local mountains inside out.
1. A Japanese Ski Guide with Deep Local Knowledge
The first highlight is Riki’s deep knowledge of Hokkaido’s mountains.
He guides guests from well-known spots around Tomamu, Furano, and Asahikawa to lesser-known stashes that most visitors would never find on their own.
Snow conditions change every day, so knowing where the best and safest snow is on a given day makes a big difference.
According to ski media STEEP, Riki can also take guests to natural and cultural spots he has discovered over many years of exploring for powder.
This makes the trip about more than just skiing.
It is ideal for travelers who want an authentic local experience rather than simply riding resort lifts.
The biggest benefit is being able to enjoy high-quality powder with the reassurance of a Japanese ski guide who knows the terrain.
2. Backcountry Training That Builds Real Skills
The second highlight is Riki’s approach as a Hokkaido backcountry trainer.
Riki Japow Guide offers programs that combine guiding with technical lessons for people who want to start backcountry skiing.
These programs include a level check of your skiing and focused lessons on the techniques needed in the backcountry.
At Hoshino Resorts Tomamu, Riki’s “Step to Back Country” tour teaches tree riding along with basic skills such as using an avalanche beacon, reading terrain, and choosing the right equipment.
As of 2025, STEEP listed an entry-level “Easy to Go Powder” tour from 20,000 yen per person with a guide ratio of 1:6 (please check the official site for current details).
These programs are well suited to skiers who are confident on the slopes but new to the backcountry.
The benefit is that you can step up to backcountry tours with confidence after learning the fundamentals properly.
3. A Certified Ski Trainer with a Freestyle Background
The third highlight is Riki’s background as a ski trainer and professional freeskier.
He holds instructor certifications in basic, freestyle, and freeride skiing, in addition to his guide qualifications.
He has competed in many freestyle competitions and has appeared in magazines and videos as a rider for outdoor and ski brands.
This combination of teaching credentials and real competition experience means he can explain technique in a clear and practical way.
It is a good match for skiers who want to improve their powder and tree skiing, not just follow a guide.
Travel media outlet SnowAction has also featured Riki, describing how he showed them the best of the Aizu region both on and off the snow.
The key benefit is getting guiding and technical coaching in one experience.
How to Book
Riki Japow Guide accepts inquiries through the following channels.
Official website: Check tour programs and details at rikijg.com.
Instagram: Follow @rikijapowguide for the latest updates and snow reports.
Tours depend on snow and weather conditions, so booking well in advance is recommended.
If you are interested in a private tour, contact the company directly to discuss options.
Summary
Riki Japow Guide is a guiding company led by Japanese ski guide Riki Nakajima, offering powder tours mainly around Tomamu, Furano, and Asahikawa in Hokkaido.
Its strengths are deep local knowledge, international instructor credentials, and programs that help you learn backcountry skills step by step.
It is recommended for anyone looking for a Hokkaido backcountry trainer or an experienced ski trainer who can guide in English.
If you want to experience Hokkaido’s powder safely and to the fullest, start by checking the official website.
Store Information
| Item | Details |
| Business Name | Riki Japow Guide |
| Representative | Riki Nakajima |
| Main Areas | Hokkaido (Tomamu, Furano, Asahikawa), Tohoku (Aizu, Mt. Bandai) |
| Hours | Varies by tour (see official website) |
| Languages | Japanese, English |
| Official Website | https://rikijg.com/en/ |
| https://www.instagram.com/rikijapowguide/ | |
| Google Maps | https://maps.app.goo.gl/fdnrfikPhnggKsP16 |
