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About Mt. Fuji Guides
20 Years of Exploration. Endless Number of Summits.
Mt. Fuji Guides is a specialized division of JRT Trading, a registered and leading travel agent with over 20 years of experience in Japan’s outdoor and winter tourism sectors. Originally known as Fuji Outdoor, we officially rebranded in October 2025 to better align our name with the iconic experiences we deliver.
As part of a five-branch network across Japan, our "JRT" (Japan Road Trip) DNA ensures that every expedition is rooted in the spirit of discovery and professional excellence.
The Mt. Fuji Guides Advantage
20 Years of Authority
A Legacy of Exploration
Since 1996, our parent company has been a pioneer in Japanese adventure travel. With roots in Hokkaido’s deep powder and road trips across the archipelago, we bring a level of logistical sophistication and mountain knowledge that only two decades on the ground can provide.
Safety Standards
Wilderness First Responders
Your safety is our absolute priority. Our guides hold Wilderness First Responder (or equivalent) certifications and are trained in CPR as a minimum standard. We navigate Japan’s unique mountain environments with proactive risk management, ensuring a secure adventure in all conditions.
Multicultural Insight
Multicultural Insight
Bilingual Expert Guides
We bridge the gap between cultures. Our professional team is fluent in English and Japanese, blending a deep passion for history and language with a global perspective on hospitality. We don't just guide; we share the soul of Japan’s most sacred landscapes.
The 2026 Mt. Fuji Guides Team
Shu Hara
Callum McWilliam
David Benitez
The Backcountry Strategis
Shu’s passion for the peaks was forged during a solo summit of Mt. Fuji—an experience that instilled in him a deep respect for mountain resilience. With an extensive background in backcountry skiing across Hakkōda and Hokkaido, Shu specializes in connecting the dots between Japan’s urban energy and its natural ser
The Backcountry Strategis
Shu’s passion for the peaks was forged during a solo summit of Mt. Fuji—an experience that instilled in him a deep respect for mountain resilience. With an extensive background in backcountry skiing across Hakkōda and Hokkaido, Shu specializes in connecting the dots between Japan’s urban energy and its natural serenity. He is a master at sharing the nuances of the mountain environment with travelers from all walks of life.
Technical Qualifications:
- JMGA (Japan Mountain Guides Assoc.): Hiking Guide Level 1
- WMA (Wilderness Medical Associates): Wilderness First Aid & CPR
David Benitez
Callum McWilliam
David Benitez
The 100-Summit Specialist
Originally from Puerto Rico and a resident of Japan for over 20 years, David brings a decade of extensive hiking and snowboarding expertise to the team. Having summited Mt. Fuji over 100 times, his unparalleled knowledge of the terrain ensures a safe and deeply insightful journey for every guest. Approachable and
The 100-Summit Specialist
Originally from Puerto Rico and a resident of Japan for over 20 years, David brings a decade of extensive hiking and snowboarding expertise to the team. Having summited Mt. Fuji over 100 times, his unparalleled knowledge of the terrain ensures a safe and deeply insightful journey for every guest. Approachable and culturally fluent, David excels at translating the mountain’s challenges into unforgettable personal achievements.
Technical Qualifications:
- WMA (Wilderness Medical Associates): Wilderness First Responder (WFR) & CPR
- JAN (Japan Avalanche Network): Avalanche Operations Level 1
- Experience: 7+ Years Professional Guiding
Callum McWilliam
Callum McWilliam
Callum McWilliam
Alpine & Military Professional
Originally from Scotland, Callum brings a disciplined military background to the Japanese mountains. His global experience spans rock climbing, alpine climbing, and backcountry skiing in diverse environments. Now based in Japan, Callum combines his technical skills with a genuine love for being in the high co
Alpine & Military Professional
Originally from Scotland, Callum brings a disciplined military background to the Japanese mountains. His global experience spans rock climbing, alpine climbing, and backcountry skiing in diverse environments. Now based in Japan, Callum combines his technical skills with a genuine love for being in the high country, providing a secure and structured experience for high-stakes adventures.
Technical Qualifications:
- MTE (Mountain Training England): Mountain Leader
- Academic: University of Lancashire Honours Programme in Outdoor Leadership
- WMA (Wilderness Medical Associates): Wilderness First Responder (WFR) & CPR
Dylan O'Neil
Dylan O'Neil
Callum McWilliam
Cultural & Language Bridge
A California native and a 13-year resident of Japan, Dylan is fluent in Japanese and deeply well-versed in knowledge of the country. He specializes in blending cultural insights with outdoor experiences, ensuring that a hike with him is as much a Japan lesson as it is an adventure. Dylan’s goal is to create journ
Cultural & Language Bridge
A California native and a 13-year resident of Japan, Dylan is fluent in Japanese and deeply well-versed in knowledge of the country. He specializes in blending cultural insights with outdoor experiences, ensuring that a hike with him is as much a Japan lesson as it is an adventure. Dylan’s goal is to create journeys that connect guests with the spiritual heart of the land.
Technical Qualifications:
- WMA (Wilderness Medical Associates): Wilderness First Responder (WFR) & CPR
- Specialty: Bilingual Japanese/English & Japanese culture
Tony Jenner
Dylan O'Neil
Tony Jenner
The Southern Alps Veteran
Originally from New Zealand, Tony brings an infectious love for the mountains and 30 years of experience in the alpine environments of the Southern Alps. His low-key but highly effective guiding style is backed by a solid understanding of alpine safety and a classic Kiwi sense of humor. Tony’s goal is simple: ensu
The Southern Alps Veteran
Originally from New Zealand, Tony brings an infectious love for the mountains and 30 years of experience in the alpine environments of the Southern Alps. His low-key but highly effective guiding style is backed by a solid understanding of alpine safety and a classic Kiwi sense of humor. Tony’s goal is simple: ensuring every person he guides has an epic, safe day out in the high country.
Technical Qualifications:
- NZOIA (NZ Outdoor Instructors Assoc.): Alpine 1, Bush Leader
- NZQF (NZ Qualification Framework): Certificate in Emergency Care
- Experience: 30+ Years Professional Guiding
Ben Rooks
Dylan O'Neil
Tony Jenner
Ben’s guiding journey began on the icy slopes of Maine, where he founded an outdoor club to lead fellow students into the wilderness. Since moving to Japan, he has been captivated by the unique blend of culture, food, and world-class powder. As a dedicated guide, Ben utilizes his extensive outdoor leadership background to ensure every gue
Ben’s guiding journey began on the icy slopes of Maine, where he founded an outdoor club to lead fellow students into the wilderness. Since moving to Japan, he has been captivated by the unique blend of culture, food, and world-class powder. As a dedicated guide, Ben utilizes his extensive outdoor leadership background to ensure every guest has a safe, enriching, and culturally deep experience.
Technical Qualifications:
- WMA (Wilderness Medical Associates): Wilderness First Responder (WFR) & CPR
- Experience: Founder of Youth Outdoor Leadership programs
- Specialty: High-Altitude Group Management
Jose Martinez
Mattias Takehiro Hosogai
Mattias Takehiro Hosogai
Born in Colombia, Jose’s connection to the mountains is lifelong. With years of experience in the Canadian and Japanese snow industries, he has cultivated a profound passion for backcountry skiing and technical mountaineering. Now realizing a long-held dream of guiding on Mt. Fuji, Jose is dedicated to helping adventurers of all levels ex
Born in Colombia, Jose’s connection to the mountains is lifelong. With years of experience in the Canadian and Japanese snow industries, he has cultivated a profound passion for backcountry skiing and technical mountaineering. Now realizing a long-held dream of guiding on Mt. Fuji, Jose is dedicated to helping adventurers of all levels experience the mountain in a safe, unforgettable, and expert-led way.
Technical Qualifications:
- PEAK Emergency Training: Non-Urban Emergency Care-A
Mattias Takehiro Hosogai
Mattias Takehiro Hosogai
Mattias Takehiro Hosogai
Operations & Japan Specialist
Born to Japanese and Swedish parents and raised globally, Mattias is the bridge between Japan’s rugged peaks and international expectations. With nearly 300 Mt. Fuji summits over the last decade, he possesses an intuitive understanding of the mountain’s shifting microclimates and hidden heritage. Mattias views
Operations & Japan Specialist
Born to Japanese and Swedish parents and raised globally, Mattias is the bridge between Japan’s rugged peaks and international expectations. With nearly 300 Mt. Fuji summits over the last decade, he possesses an intuitive understanding of the mountain’s shifting microclimates and hidden heritage. Mattias views the Japanese outdoors as the country’s greatest treasure and is dedicated to sharing that legacy through professional, seamless trips.
Technical Qualifications:
- WMA (Wilderness Medical Associates): Wilderness First Responder (WFR) & CPR
- JAN (Japan Avalanche Network): Avalanche Operations Level 1
- Certification: Weather & Meteorology (Advanced Meteorology Study)
- Experience: 10+ Years Professional Guiding
Clayton Kernaghan
Mattias Takehiro Hosogai
Clayton Kernaghan
Founder & Director of JRT Trading
A pioneer in the Japanese adventure industry since 1996, Clayton’s journey began on the riverbanks of Edmonton and the peaks of the Canadian Rockies. After graduating in International Business and mastering Japanese, he founded JRT Trading to connect global travelers with Japan’s "ridiculously deep" powder
Founder & Director of JRT Trading
A pioneer in the Japanese adventure industry since 1996, Clayton’s journey began on the riverbanks of Edmonton and the peaks of the Canadian Rockies. After graduating in International Business and mastering Japanese, he founded JRT Trading to connect global travelers with Japan’s "ridiculously deep" powder and culture. With 30 years of exploring Japan and its mountains. Clayton’s vision ensures that every Mt. Fuji Guides tour is backed by two decades of professional excellence.
Technical Qualifications:
- WMA (Wilderness Medical Associates): Wilderness First Responder (WFR) & CPR
- JAN (Japan Avalanche Network): Avalanche Operations Level 1
- Experience: Founder of JRT Trading (Registered Travel Agent)
