For Kazuo Iimori, working at Hakuba Goryu is more than just a job—it’s his life’s commitment. For over 30 years, Kazuo has been a member of the operations department, ensuring the lifts run safely and smoothly for the hundreds of thousands of guests who visit each year. His day-to-day responsibilities include maintaining the lifts, training part-time staff, and overseeing operations during both winter and summer seasons.
LABOR OF LOVE
When asked about the challenges of the job, Kazuo modestly stated that the hardest part isn’t the mechanical work, but maintaining high safety standards while providing a smooth guest experience. For Kazuo, it’s a labor of love.
Kazuo, a lifelong resident of the Hakuba Valley, has witnessed the evolution of the region over the decades. From a mostly domestic clientele to an influx of international visitors, he sees the future of Hakuba becoming more global, but is proud to see Hakuba still cherishing in its local roots.
When he’s not helping you up the lift this season, you can catch Kazuo driving his new car and practicing kendama, a traditional Japanese skill toy, which led him to participate in the Kendama World Cup this year.
Hakuba Goryu Alpine Botanical Garden is home to 300 species and around two million individual alpine plants, thanks to the green thumb of many, including Arisa Koriyama. Together with her teammates, she carefully maintains the botanical garden, ensuring that rare species, such as the Himalayan Blue Poppy and the Dicentra Peregrina, thrive.
For Arisa, her joy comes from transforming small, daily tasks into a beautifully cultivated space for visitors to enjoy. Originally from Osaka, Arisa moved to Hakuba searching for work that combined her love for snowboarding and nature.
In winter, Arisa works as a lift attendant, guiding guests onto chairlifts and ensuring their safety. Her enthusiasm and positive energy make even brief interactions with guests memorable. She finds joy in watching people, especially beginners, gain confidence in snowboarding over the course of a day.
After 17 years in Hakuba, Arisa remains dedicated to preserving Hakuba Goryu’s nature while creating memorable experiences for visitors. She believes Hakuba’s future is bright, as more people discover its year-round beauty, just as she once did.
A TEAM DRIVEN BY PASSION
Our local Hakuba Heroes remind us that the alpine resort experience is shaped by the hard work and dedication of those behind the scenes.
