Pioneering a Rafting Company in Hokkaido, Japan with Toshi and Mari

Toshi and Mari have lived, traveled and worked around the world, most recently in New Zealand where they started a family. As a river guide and snow guide, Toshi is in the business of guiding people through their most memorable moments together with their friends and family. Mari has also been in the guiding business often as the first touch point working with clients to get their bookings straight to ensure they can have the best days possible. With the birth of their son Kouji, they had a desire to move back to Japan and Toshi’s deep affection for Central Hokkaido, specifically the Daisetsu Mountains and Rivers became the biggest draw. They had worked in tourism their entire lives, but never had started a business. Together they moved to Kamikawa Town in Central Hokkaido at the foot of Daisetsuzan National Park to begin this project together. At the time, their son had just turn three and they have now been operating Alpine River Guides for their first season. I personally worked together with Toshi and Mari almost ten years ago as a snowboard guide in Japan and know deeply why they’ve settled here to build a business on the Ishikari River. The place is magic and when I dream of snowboarding, I dream of days back in Daisetsuzan. I also know that this visiting Toshi and Mari will create a memory you will never forget. To learn more about Toshi, Mari and Alpine River Guides, check out: www.alpineriverguides.com @ARGHokkaido ABOUT THE PODCAST Rewilding Parenthood is a podcast featuring families leading bold and courageous lifestyles. It is told in 5 episode thematic based seasons - the purpose being that we want families interested in a certain subject matter to get a holistic look at the lifestyle they seek to pursue and most importantly highlighting paths to achieving this life. Of the five episodes per season, four will be hosted by Colin Boyd, in English and the fifth in Spanish and hosted by Sofi Aldinio. So whether you are seeking a life on the road, on the water or just an alternative approach to the 9-5, join us to find inspiration and connection to many others leading the way. Rewilding Parenthood was produced by Afuera Vida and hosted by Colin Boyd & Sofi Aldinio. Follow the journey, and podcast highlights on instagram @afueravida or their website: www.instagram.com/afueravida www.afueravida.com Sound Design & Editing by Mercedes Riva Music by Thomas Tyrel