About the Tsurui Village Certified Guide System
Hokkaido is rich in natural landscapes, culinary culture, and local traditions, but to understand them deeply and enjoy them safely, the presence of guides is essential. This system aims to protect the natural environment of Kushiro Shitsugen while promoting tourism and enhancing the standing of guides. Certification requires recognized Hokkaido guide qualifications, proven local experience, insurance enrollment, first-aid training, and completion of designated courses. Certified guides receive support for activities and referrals within specific areas, while also being required to follow shared rules regarding safety, brown bear countermeasures, environmental conservation, and the wearing of identification armbands.
Introducing Tsurui Village Certified Guides
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More infoWADA MASAHIRO- ・Fields
- Trekking
- ・Profile
- Born in 1956 in Tsurui Village, Akan District, Hokkaido.
While working as a professional photographer, opened the nature-focused hotel TAITO in 2000.
Currently active as a hotel owner, chef, and nature guide—a photographer who wears many hats.
The hotel attracts photography and nature enthusiasts from around the world.
More infoANDO MAKOTO- ・Qualifications
- Hokkaido Governor–Certified Outdoor Master Guide
- ・Fields
- Trekking / Canoeing / Cycling
- ・Profile
- Born in 1964 in Sapporo.
In 1999, opened the carefully curated lodge Wilderness Lodge Hickory Wind in Tsurui Village along the edge of the Kushiro Wetlands. While operating the lodge, conveys the role nature plays in connecting people and the environment from many perspectives.
Internationally recognized as a professional photographer, with awards including the Grand Runner-Up Prize at Nature’s Best Photography Japan 2014 and an award at Nature’s Best Photography Japan Wildlife 2016.
Member of Nikon Professional Services and Fujifilm Professional Services; supported professional guide for Swarovski Optik; Fjällräven Ambassador.
More infoSATO YOSHIHITO- ・Qualifications
- Hokkaido Governor–Certified Outdoor Master Guide
- ・Fields
- Trekking
- ・Profile
- Born in 1953 in Sunagawa City, Hokkaido.
Moved from Kushiro City to Tsurui Village in 1982.
After working in sales for a major rubber manufacturer and becoming deeply involved with village life, chose to settle permanently.
Opened the traveler’s inn Tanchō no Ie and served as the first Secretary-General of the NPO Kushiro Wetland Yachinokai.
Currently serves as Secretary-General of NPO Tsurui Tanchō Genki Village and as Chair of the Tsurui Village Assembly’s Public Relations Committee.
More info Inquiries about Tsurui Village Certified GuidesTsurui Dosanko Farm- ・Field
- Horse Trekking
Agriculture / Food / Local Experiences / Education & Cultural Exchange
- ・Introduction
- At Tsurui Dosanko Farm, you can experience horse trekking on Hokkaido’s native Dosanko horses—once indispensable to the region’s early settlers.
Explore Kushiro Marsh National Park, home to the vast Kushiro Wetlands, the largest in Japan, and a sanctuary for rare wildlife and plant life.
Rather than simply observing the wetlands from afar, enjoy a more personal and memorable adventure—discovering the landscape on horseback.