中川 伸也 Shinya Nakagawa
Director of Natures and mountain nature guide in Daisetsuzan National Park in central Hokkaido
Bio
Born in 1978 in Hokkaido, Nakagawa is a resident of Higashikawa. He started playing soccer in elementary school, but at the age of 14, he discovered snowboarding and immersed himself in the world of halfpipe competitions before graduating from high school. In 2000, he obtained his professional certification from the JSBA (Japan Snowboarding Association), but has since left the sport. Fascinated by the backcountry world, he shifted the focus of his activities to filming and photography. Through snowboarding, he realized the fun and fascination of mountains and nature, and decided to become a guide in order to provide safe and enjoyable trips to the mountains. After training as a guide with the NPO Neosu and working as a nature conservation supervisor at Mt. Asahidake, he launched Natures in 2011.
Message
Daisetsuzan National Park, the largest mountain national park in Japan, is the main base for our activities. In summer, we offer day hikes, overnight traverse hikes in the mountains, wilderness walks, and water walks using SUP (stand-up paddleboards). In winter, we offer backcountry tours in Hokkaido's unique dry powder depending on the conditions of the day. Come and experience Hokkaido's magnificent scenery and the changing face of nature from season to season, including vast fields of flowers, brilliant autumn leaves, and a world of winter tranquility and silver silence.
Guide Q&A
Q: What is your most memorable experience in nature?
I remember spending a full moon day in August camping under the stars on the summit of Asahidake, from sunset to moonrise and then to sunrise. Even after the sun had set, the mountains of Daisetsuzan could be clearly seen in the moonlight, and when the sun rose, it was a wonderful experience to feel the warmth of the sun on my skin.
Q: What does nature represent to you?
A place that is sometimes strict, sometimes gentle, and always provides the best playground.
Q: What has nature taught you?
Keep your ear to the ground and remain humble to the voice of nature.
Q: What do you hope that people will get out of experiences with you as a guide?
By experiencing the ever-changing natural environment, we want people to feel the benefits and power of nature and to understand the fact that the natural environment plays an essential part in our lives.
Highlights
・ Director of Natures ・ Japan Mountain Guide Association Level II Mountaineering Guide ・ Japan Mountain Guide Association Level II Ski Guide ・ Hokkaido Outdoor Guide Certification (Nature, Summer Mountain, Winter Mountain) ・ Hokkaido Branch of the Japanese Society of Snow and Ice, Snow and Ice Disaster Investigation Team Member ・ Language: Japanese
