FMG Guides

OUR GUIDES

By joining a tour with Fuji Mountain Guides, you're climbing with some of the most qualified guides on the mountain. Each group tour is led by native English-speaking and bilingual mountain guides.

Phil Welch

Originally from London, Phil served for eight years in the British Army before leaving to travel the world. He now lives year-round in Hokkaido. During the winter Phil works as a backcountry ski guide, raft guide in the spring and hiking guide/ farm worker in the summer. He is lucky enough to spend all year-round in the beautiful Japanese outdoors. Phil will see you on the mountain, with heaps of experience and knowledge about one of Japan's most iconic environments.

Certifications

Wilderness First Responder
JAN/CAA Avalanche Operations 1
SBINZ 2

Takashi Yoshimura

Takashi was born and raised in Osaka. Takashi worked as a middle school physical education teacher before discovering his love for snowboarding and the outdoors. Over the past 10 years, he has traveled the world, indulging in outdoor activities such as snowboarding, climbing, surfing and mountain trekking. During winters, you'll find him guiding splitboarding tours in Hokkaido. Takashi, who has a passion for nature and adventure, looks forward to meeting you all.

Certifications

Wilderness First Responder
CSGA Ski Guide
NZ Ski/Snowboard instructor Level 2

Daniel Busby

Originally from the northeast of England, Daniel's love for the outdoors and travel took him all over the world skiing and snowboarding, before finding himself in Japan. Since then, he has discovered a talent for Japanese Language, which has enabled him to work within the Japanese outdoor industry, from bungee to ski patrolling and ski and snowboard instructing. Daniel loves nothing more than a day hiking or a round of golf, except for perhaps the beer afterwards.

Certifications

Wilderness First Responder
CPR/AED
Avalanche Skills Training Level 1
CASI Snowboard Instructor Level 2
BASI Ski Instructor Level 1

Charles Yates

Originally from Melbourne, Charles now calls the island Hokkaido, Japan, home. Deeply immersed in Japan's outdoor industry, he splits his year between Japan’s most iconic peaks and its wildest rivers. During the summer, you can find him on the slopes of Mt. Fuji, or leading whitewater rafting, hiking, and remote camping expeditions. When the Japanese winter arrives, Charles works as a cat ski guide and operator to deliver unforgettable powder experiences.

Certifications

Diploma of Outdoor Recreation
Wilderness First Responder
JAN/CAA Avalanche Operations Level 1

Masato Ogata

Masato was born and raised in Japan. He spent the summer of 2017 as staff at a mountain hut on Mt. Fuji, introducing many of our guests and other international travelers to Japanese culture. Through this two-month experience, Masato gained valuable knowledge of both Mt. Fuji's culture and terrain, holding an "insider" view of the mountain. Masato enjoys meeting new people, traveling and climbing both in Japan and overseas. He looks forward to meeting you soon!

Certifications

Wilderness First Responder
JMGA Hiking Guide Stage 2
JMGA Ski Guide Stage 1
JAN/CAA Avalanche Operations Level 1

Takumaru Hotta

Takumaru was born and raised in Yokohama, Japan. He spent his high school years in British Columbia, Canada, where he fell in love with the outdoors. He enjoys rock climbing and hiking in the summer, and skiing and snowboarding in the winter. During the winter you'll find Takumaru working as a ski patroller as well as ski and snowboard instructor in the mountains of Hakuba, Japan. Takumaru is excited to guide your Fuji adventure soon.

Certifications

Wilderness First Aid

Andrew Quirk

What Andy lacks in karaoke talent, he makes up for on the sporting field! Andy initally took up snowboarding in Fukui, Japan, then the famed Furano, which was akin to surfing on snow, and an addiction soon surfaced. After over eight snow seasons, Andy decided to run eight marathons. His most recent was in Berlin, training in the outback of Australia. He has worked as a Japanese-speaking guide at Vald'isere, Whistler and Australia. Andy has a keen interest in travel, languages, and adventure - let's not forget Japanese sake.

Certifications

Wilderness First Aid
New Zealand Snowboard Instructor
Avalanche Skills Level 1

Monica Leyland

Originally from England, Monica has spent the last four years immersing herself in Asia’s outdoor scene. An avid runner who frequently competes in trail and road races, she is always on the lookout for her next challenge, from beachside tracks to the summit of Mt. Fuji. Monica brings exceptional energy, technical experience, and a big smile to every group she leads. Beyond guiding and climbing, she loves documenting the adventure lifestyle, creating content that brings the thrill of the trail to life for others.

Certifications

Wilderness First Aid
Level 4 Outdoor Adventure & Environmental Education
Mountain Leader

John Llyweyn

John was born in North Wales and grew up hiking the mountains of Eryri National Park. After spending eight years in the Merchant Navy he decided to continue pursuing his passion for the outdoors by chasing the winter as a ski instructor in Canada, New Zealand and eventually Japan. Now a year-round resident of Hokkaido, he skis in the winter and rafts in the summer, and continuously takes on more renovation projects than he can handle! John now has a pub in Niseko and invites you to come for a drink.

Certifications

UK Summer Mountain Leader
Wilderness First Responder
Avalanche Safety Training Level 2
CASI 2 Snowboard Instructor
CSIA 1 Ski Instructor

Rosie Clark

Raised in the North Island of New Zealand, Rosie grew up hiking the backcountry and, admittedly, wasn't the biggest fan of rough kiwi "tramping". She did, however, like the food. Rediscovering a passion for the outdoors during university, she traveled and hiked around the world, built schools in Nepal and studied Sustainable Tourism Management. Rosie guides on the Milford and Routeburn Tracks in the South Island of New Zealand and is back to do her second season on Mt.Fuji.

Certifications

Wilderness First Aid
Outdoor Pre Hospital Emergency Care

Troy Kendall

Born and raised in New Zealand, Troy has had a passion for the outdoors his entire life. He has been rock-climbing for the past ten years in New Zealand and overseas, and loves to share his passion of the outdoors with people from all walks of life. Troy quit his job as a Police Constable to pursue his life-long passion of climbing, seeing where he could push his limits and keep following his spirit of adventure. Troy is an outgoing and positive individual who’ll have you smiling throughout any day.

Certifications

Wilderness First Aid
New Zealand Single Pitch Climbing Instructor
United Kingdom Climbing Wall Instructor
Aquatics Emergency Responder

Dillon Valentine

Dillon was born and raised in the beautiful country of New Zealand and has developed a passion for multi-day hiking! With the outdoors an ever present part of his childhood, Dillon completed all levels of The Duke of Edinburgh Hillary Award and is now an instructing groups of children/adolescents to gain the award themselves. In his down time, Dillon enjoys playing video games, board games, puzzles, escape rooms, and watching anime. Dillon loves Japan and is excited to see you on Mt.Fuji!

Certifications

Wilderness First Aid
NZOIA Bush 1
Diploma of Sports and Recreation (AUT)

Michael Chan

Michael was raised in Sydney, Australia, born to Cantonese and Vietnamese parents. Rock climbing and snowboarding are his life passions. Michael quit his full-time job as an architect for the dream of pursuing a life exploring and working in the mountains. He now works as a snowboard guide and instructor during the winter and guides Mt.Fuji during the summer! Michael is a bundle of energy - you'll be stoked to have him on your climb up Mt. Fuji!

Certifications

Wilderness First Responder
CASI Level 2 Snowboarding Instructor
APSI Level 1 Snowboarding Instructor
Avalanche Safety Training Level 1 & Companion Rescue Skills
Outdoor Rock Climbing Course - Sports/Multi-Pitch

Luca Schmidt

Luca grew up near Cologne and spent a lot of time in nature as a child. She is a member of the Scouts, where she has explored the whole of Europe on foot or by canoe with just a rucksack and sleeping bag. Luca is always drawn out into the world to get to know new people, cultures and landscapes. She has lived in Germany, Chile and now in Japan. As a guide on Mt. Fuji, Luca is in her element—fully living out her lifelong passion for languages, global connections, and the great outdoors.

Certifications

Wilderness First Aid

Mark Symonds

Born in the Scottish highlands, Mark spent his younger years bagging Munro’s and resting in the heather. While working in the Scottish winter, he decided to head to even colder climates in the Alps to ski until the heather was back out in the highlands. This eventually led him to Japan, where he has spent the last six years exploring. Mark spends his winters in Hokkaido hosting ski tours and his summers guiding Mt.Fuji!

Certifications

Wilderness First Aid

Motohiro Hayashi

Moto was born and raised in Saitama, Japan. In his early twenties, he traveled to Nepal, exposing him to mountain activities through the Himalayans. This experience led Moto to seek a future in guiding and other outdoor pursuits. He worked in Australia and New Zealand, guiding multinational guests on one of greatest walks in New Zealand, the Milford Track. During the winter, Moto works for the ski patrol team at Hakuba and enjoys backcountry skiing. His favorite pastime these days is trail running!

Certifications

Wilderness Advanced First Aid
NZ Recreational Avalanche
Red Cross CPR/First Aid

Thomas Hunt

Thomas has lived in Japan for seven years, basing himself right at the foot of Mt. Fuji to enjoy frequent climbs up the iconic peak. By day, he works as a civilian for the U.S. Navy. In his free time, Thomas packs up his camper van to explore the country with his loyal dog. Together, they live a life of year-round adventure—chasing pristine ski lines in the winter, catching waves along the coast, and trekking through Japan’s spectacular mountain ranges.

Certifications

Wilderness First Aid

Henrika Ahola

Henrika grew up in Finland and spent much of her childhood outdoors camping and hiking as a scout. After graduating high school, she moved to the UK to pursue higher education in biosciences. During her studies, she continued to explore the outdoors through hikes and climbs in the national parks of the UK, as well as a summer spent working as a camp leader in rural Inner Mongolia, China. She moved to Japan to continue her studies and during her summers works on Mount Fuji!

Certifications

Wilderness First Aid

Jesse

Jesse has worked professionally as an outdoor guide and instructor for over a decade, with experience hiking, climbing, and ski touring throughout Canada and New Zealand. Jesse plans to base himself in Japan long term, spending summers around Yamanashi and winters guiding in Hokkaido. Jesse looks forward to meeting you on the mountain this summer!

Shota

Originally from Hokkaido, Shota spent years as mountain hut staff, a rafting guide, and a ski patrol member in Japan. Currently, he works as a Fuji Guide and a rickshaw driver in Asakusa. An avid world traveler, his climbing achievements include summits of Mt. Kilimanjaro and Mt. Kinabalu. He is stoked to meet you on your climb this summer.

Matthieu

Matthieu was born in France. Growing up he fell in love with board sports. After working in the aircraft industry, he decided to travel to Japan. Matthieu has now worked for more than 2 years in Japan as a guide and snowboard instructor. House music and green tea lover, it would be a pleasure for him to share a record or a cup during your journey on Mt.Fuji.

Ethan

Originally from Australia, Ethan grew up with a deep appreciation for nature while exploring Tasmania and Victoria's Surf Coast. That connection to the environment eventually shaped his twin careers in mountain tourism and media. After a winter season in Méribel, France, he relocated to Hakuba. Ethan also works as a documentary filmmaker, including a recent project for an environmental initiative in Mexico.

Harry

Harry is an outdoor guide from New Zealand with experience and passion for all things outdoors! Over the past several years he has worked as a cave guide, zipline guide, multi-day hiking guide on the Milford and Routeburn Tracks, and currently as a nature guide on Stewart Island/Rakiura. Harry has completed major long-distance trails including the Te Araroa, Pacific Crest Trail, and Appalachian Trail.

Jan

Growing up in the French Alps near Chamonix, Jan’s passion for the mountains is rooted in a multicultural French, Czech, and Spanish background. Over the past years, he has built a guiding career across Europe and Asia, working as a tour guide in Finnish Lapland and Norway. Most recently, he has brought his extensive cold-weather expertise to Hokkaido, serving as a Snowmobile Lead Guide in the deep powder of Niseko.

Lisa

Lisa grew up near the German Alps, where her connection to the mountains and outdoor life began early. She later studied friluftsliv (Nordic outdoor life) at the Arctic University of Norway and has experience in hiking, backcountry skiing, navigation, outdoor first aid, and leading multi-day trips in remote environments. Most recently, she worked as a hiking guide in Greece.

Ken

Growing up in northern California, Ken spent most of his childhood playing baseball and spending time near the ocean. After attending college in the Pacific Northwest, he developed a strong interest in mountain life and outdoor travel. He now lives in Hakuba and works summers as an outdoor and canyoning guide while spending winters skiing as much as possible. Ken is stoked to see you on Mt.Fuji!

Ben

Ben was born and raised in the UK and has spent the past several years working in outdoor education, expedition leadership, and ski instruction. Since university he has spent winters in Japan as a ski instructor, developing connection to mountain life, travel, and people from different cultures. Ben loves hiking long-distance trails across Europe, South America, and Australia!

Off Season 2 Day Fuji Tour

Sep 11 - Oct 10

Enjoy a more relaxed hike. Avoid the crowds and summit Mt. Fuji during the day instead of just before dawn. All transportation fees, lodging, and three hot meals included.

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In Season 2 Day Fuji Tour

June 25 - Sep 10

Our most popular summer offering. This trip will give you ample time to reach the summit for sunrise. Round trip transportation from Tokyo to Mt. Fuji, two meals, and mountain hut included.

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