Cell phone:
090 - 55 - 99 - 88 - 90

Home phone:
0176 - 54 - 2927

Email: bernard@infoaomori.ne.jp

　　 Tour Hours: 9am - 3pm
I teach nights and have to be OFF the mountain by 3 to get to class on time and it takes at least an hour and a half to commute one way!

Guiding fee: One day 5000 yen/person
Does not include ropeway ticket or rental equipment.

Avalanche beacons, snowshoes or skins, poles are required at all times, whether we use them or not. I have a lot of these available for rent.

About cancellations:
Less than 24 hours: no refund
More than 24 hours to one week prior: partial refund

One reason people like going on my tour rather than the Japanese guided tours is I have a limit to how many people I can take. For you who have been out with me and seeing 25 to 50 or more people on other tours, you know what I mean!

If you and your group of 4 or more book me to guide you and I put FULL or ALMOST FULL on my calendar, that means other people or large groups will not consider booking me on those days.

Also, once or twice a year when we get such a snow storm, they can close the back road through the mountains that I commute on.
If I can not get to the mountain because of this, 100% refund for that day.

About private tours.
I can take you or only you and your group when you book me in advance as a private tour.
A partial deposit is required for private tours. 40,000 yen (up to 7 people).
For groups of 4 or less on a private tour, I will supply any back country rental equipment you need. 5 or more on a private tour and rentals are half price..

Knowing that many of you do not speak Japanese and coming from another country can be a challenge, it is my pleasure to help you make reservations, give advice, help you figure out the best way to get up & down the mountain from the train station or airport, and any other questions you have.

Please understand that I do not make any commission from the hotel or anyone else to do this. Tipping is at the discretion of the customer.

About The Guide

Simon Bernard is an American who has lived in Aomori for over 19 years. A former skier and now a snowboarder of over 15 years, he works for local Japanese government offices promoting local tourism and events. Simon often snowboards over 100 days a season, and he has worked to improve the service in and information about Hakkoda. Any questions about Hakkoda, or for those needing English speaking guides can be sent to him at: bernard@infoaomori.ne.jp

Photos by Mitsuru Kawasaki