Bio
Akiko Nakae was Born in Shiga Prefecture in 1971. Influenced by her parents, she has enjoyed the outdoors since childhood, especially skiing. After working as an office worker in the construction industry for over 20 years, she decided that she could no longer stand the crowds in the city and decided to do only what she wanted to do, which was open a guide service. She is now based in Azumino City, Nagano Prefecture, at the foot of the Northern Alps, which offers a good balance of skiing and rock climbing, which she both loves. There she pursues low impact living while pushing herself in natural directions. She loves cooking, wild vegetables, fishing, fermented foods, skiing, and climbing.
Message
We offer backcountry skiing, mountaineering and camping. As we are entrusted with your precious vacation time, we take great responsibility for supporting you so that you have the best day possible. Whether you are nervous about your first experience, want to push your limits, or just want to have fun in a friendly atmosphere with your friends, we will guide you in a small group to meet your expectations. We offer backcountry skiing not just in one set area but across the Hida, Shinetsu, Tohoku, and Hokkaido areas to give you the unique experience of floating in deep drowning powder, exposing yourself to steep terrain, and going deep into the mountains in spring conditions. We also specialize in custom tours that are tailored to the time of year and conditions which include food and hot springs.
Guide Q&A
Q: What is your most memorable experience in nature?
While climbing in Yosemite, a careless mistake caused me to fall more than 10 meters. I spent five days on the wall of El Capitan with wounds all over my body. As I watched the sun set, the moon rise, and then set again, I recognized the complete loss of my attachment to life due to my smallness and stupidity. At that moment, I didn't care whether I died or lived, I even lost my fear, and I strongly felt that I was a part of nature. It is a strange experience that I remember now.
Q: What does nature represent to you?
That which shapes this world. Everything.
Q: What has nature taught you?
The feeling of being immersed in nature.
Q: What do you hope that people will get out of experiences with you as a guide?
Whether you're looking for an extreme experience or not, just get away from the city, don't get caught up in the usual normality, and enjoy how good it feels to spend time in nature!
