28/07/2026
Masanori Takeuchi Masanori Takeuchi
Professional Snowboarder / Founder & Lead Guide
Masa has spent more than 40 years exploring and riding mountains around the world as a professional snowboarder.
A long-time Burton rider, he has played a key role in the development of the AK457 Guide Collection and Burton Family Tree boards, drawing on decades of experience in backcountry environments and helping shape Japan’s backcountry snowboarding culture.
Burton Japan Burton
His travels have taken him to some of the world’s most iconic mountain ranges, including expeditions to Mera Peak in Nepal, as well as extensive riding throughout Alaska, Canada, and South America. A formative experience was discovering cat tour in British Columbia during the 1990s, where the combination of exceptional terrain, small-group experiences, and genuine hospitality left a lasting impression that continues to influence his approach today.
Since 2003, Masa has been guiding in Hikarigahara, dedicating more than two decades to understanding its snowpack, terrain, and weather patterns. He continues to share his passion for the mountains by guiding guests from around the world through this unique backcountry environment.
Hikarigahara Private Mountain Cat-ski Tours snowboarding & Skiing come ride with us.
