Local Guide ~ Makoto Yamazaki | An Original Japan Travel Guide by Hoshino Resorts' Local Staff

Local Guide

Makoto Yamazaki

Musasabi Men

He is in his 30s and loves people's smiles and Musasabi. After joining Picchio, he was impressed by the dynamic flight of flying flying squirrels for the first time. Since then, he has witnessed the flying flying flying squirrel countless times on the "flying squirrel watching" program he is in charge of, and every time he sees it, he cheers "oooh" in his heart.
During his school days, he played as a soccer keeper. The ability to "speak loudly" and "see the whole picture," which she acquired as a keeper, is also useful in her work as a nature guide. She is always energetic, positive, and humble.

Picchio: Based in Karuizawa, this group of ecotourism experts conducts research and conservation activities on wild animals and plants, as well as eco-tours and environmental education. By communicating the fun, wonder, and irreplaceability of forests, they aim to increase the economic value of forests and preserve them in their original state for future generations.

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Local Guide FAQ

What do you recommend in the Karuizawa area (places, experiences, food)?: Trekking in Koasama-yama (Mt. Asama). Asama, the symbol of Karuizawa, can be seen from the top of the mountain. Below you will have a panoramic view of the city of Karuizawa. This is the best spot to easily experience the grandeur of Karuizawa's nature.

Please sneak in some hole-in-the-wall places that you know because you live there.: This is Hochi in the Minami Karuizawa area. The old-fashioned rural landscape of Karuizawa is here. It is also a hidden photo spot where you can take a panoramic view of Mt. I also visit with friends and family every season and enjoy taking photos of various cuts of the landscape.

Where did you travel to last year and with whom?: We went to Okinawa as a family of four with our 1- and 2-year-old sons. I thought the children would be most pleased with the whale sharks at the Churaumi Aquarium, but they were most impressed with the Yambaru Forest where we explored the jungle. I felt that my nature observation guiding skills were in my blood.

What do you do on your days off?: What I enjoy most now is walking with my sons in the forests and mountains near our house and discovering nuts and other creatures together. Actually, although I am the son of a nature guide, my oldest son does not like bugs. I am trying to devise a plan on how to make him like bugs.

Is there anything you always take with you on a trip?: Binoculars for finding living things. He always carries them with him when he travels, whether at sea or in the mountains, so they have become a part of his body.
They are excellent for reading signs in the distance even when I get lost.