倉金 純也 Junya Kuragane
Hachimantai, a holy land of powder snow, CLUBMAN Mountain Guide Leader
Bio
Junya Kuragane was born in Kanagawa Prefecture in 1976. From childhood, he enjoyed nature and outdoor sports in his father's hometown of Hachimantai, Iwate. After graduating from the Japan University of Health and Sport Sciences, he worked for a company in Tokyo, but in his late 20s, was attracted to the nature of Hachimantai and decided to leave his job and move to the area. He then immersed himself in telemark skiing and has raced in both World Championships and World Cups. He has also gained experience as a professional skier and guide. Currently he runs a lodging facility at the foot of Hachimantai. During the snow season he works as a backcountry guide and telemark ski instructor, and during the off season he works as a MTB guide, promoting outdoor activities in the natural areas of Hachimantai. Junya is also involved in various projects to explore the possibilities of sustainable tourism and adventure tourism in cooperation with local communities. Sponsors : Arc'teryx, Rossignol, Crispi, Rottefella, uvex sports
Message
Hachimantai is currently attracting attention as an advanced area for sustainable development, not only for its natural environment as a national park, but also for its environmentally friendly renewable energy initiatives, such as geothermal power generation and smart agriculture using hot spring geothermal energy. The area has great potential as a base for tourism, nature experiences, and various outdoor sports, and is known for its cuisine and culture as well as historic hot spring facilities. Hachimantai is also one of the best dry powder snow areas in Tohoku and attracts skiers from Japan and abroad with its superb, world-class snow. We offer guided experiences based in the Okuromori area (formerly, Hachimantai Ski Resort), which has long supported a unique ski and snowboard culture, so that you can experience powder skiing in a safe environment. During the non-snow season, mountain bike experiences are also available. Even beginners can safely experience the nature that mountain biking offers. We hope to share the charm of nature with our guests through activities in Hachimantai, which differ from season to season.
Guide Q&A
Q: What is your most memorable experience in nature?
When I was a child, my father took me backcountry skiing in Hachimantai for the first time. I carried skis on my back and used my legs to climb. I still vividly remember the special feeling of skiing that day, which you can’t find on piste, and the taste of the cup ramen noodles that I ate in snow that day.
Q: What does nature represent to you?
A place that gives us wisdom for living, endless fun, and healing. It is also an important place connecting people to each other.
Q: What has nature taught you?
Sometimes nature reveals a harsh face. But nature also provides us with excitement and joy that is irreplaceable.
Q: What do you hope that people will get out of experiences with you as a guide?
Understanding that playing in nature is not always “fun”. At times, by experiencing the harshness of nature, you will want to experience more. And we hope that the importance of learning from nature and the experience will enrich the hearts and memories of each of our guests.
Highlights
・ Japan Mountain Guides Association, Stage II Mountaineering Guide, Stage I Ski Guide ・ PMBI (Professional Mountain Bike Instructor Association) MTB Guide ・ TAJ Japan Telemark Ski Association, Steering Committee Member, Certified Instructor ・ Clubman Mountain Guide / Guide Leader, Hachimantai, Iwate ・ Arc’teryx Ambassador, Rossignol Pro Staff ・ Telemark Skier ・ Languages: Japanese, English
