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-Cveto Podlogar

-Cveto

4.9

(154)

Mountain Guide

I’m an international IFMGA mountain guide; also the first non-Japanese mountain guide certified by the JMGA (Japan Mountain Guide Association); born in Slovenia.

My country is small but well known in the world as strong in sports and mountaineering. I used to compete as Olympic team member and on World Cup competitions as a Cross-country skier. After I left Slovenia and traveled all over the world, I ended up in Japan. I married a beautiful native lady, and have lived here for 30 years. I love Japanese mountains and feel privileged to be able to enjoy these mountains through the entire four seasons.

I’m based at the foot of Japan Alps; convenient place in winter for ski touring from Nagano to Hokkaido, winter mountaineering or ice climbing at Yatsugatake, and of course ascending the symbol of Japan Mt.Fuji.

In summer Japan is a great place for hiking, alpine climbing or popular shower-climbing and some fine sport/free climbing year around.

Since 2013, I’m working on NHK (Japanese national TV) programs, introducing Japan culture and outdoor activities, climbing skiing etc.

It is my absolute pleasure also to take and guide you in my home country, Slovenia. In addition to guide in the mountains, I also enjoy having the opportunity to teach mountain climbing skills to every level of climbers, here in Japan. This is because I wish everybody to be SAFE on the mountains. Please contact me on E&S if you would love to have great experience, as well as a tailor-made plan for other mountains and sport climbing all over SE Asia, EU, South America....in any season!

Contact the guide

Slovenian, Japanese, and English

Programs

4.8

(49)

Mount Fuji off season climb (spring /autumn)

Reach the summit of the iconic Mount Fuji on this 1-day climbing trip in the off season, together with an IFMGA mountain guide.
FromJPY 42703 per person for 3 travellers

1 day

Intermediate

High

Availability:

Apr - Jun, Oct, Nov

4.9

(28)

1+ day Rock Climbing in Tokyo

Enjoy rock climbing in Tokyo with Cveto, a certified guide that will take you to the best crags for your level under the shade of cypress and cedar trees or on the cliffs that overlook the sea near the city. Tailor your program to suit your needs and enjoy this 1+ day adventure on the granite, limestone, and volcanic rocks of Japan.
FromJPY 10811 per person for 4 travellers

+1 days

All levels

High

Availability:

All year

4.9

(22)

Sport Climbing around Lake Bled in Slovenia

Enjoy a unique rock climbing adventure around the magical Lake Bled in Slovenia. Discover the best climbing routes in the region for your level (kid's welcome!) with a certified guide.
FromEUR 76 per person for 4 travellers

+1 days

First time

Low

Availability:

Jun - Sep

4.8

(23)

Climbing Mount Fuji from June to September

Cveto, an IFMGA mountain guide, takes you on a 1-day climbing trip to the highest peak in Japan and a symbol of the country: Mount Fuji (3776 m).

1 day

Intermediate

High

Availability:

Jun - Oct

5.0

(7)

Intro to Ice climbing at Mt. Akadake of Yatsugatake

Join Cveto Podlogar, IFMGA mountain guide, into this 2-day ice climbing course in Mount Akadake, in the Yatsugatake mountains.
FromJPY 35676 per person for 3 travellers

2 days

Intermediate

High

Availability:

Jan - May, Nov, Dec

5.0

(10)

Mount Fuji (3776 m) ski descent

An IFMGA mountain guide takes you on an amazing adventure: a ski descent from the summit of the highest peak in Japan, Mount Fuji, at 3776 m.
FromJPY 54055 per person for 2 travellers

1 day

Advanced

High

Availability:

Apr - Jun

Grossglockner ascent by the normal route

Climb Austria's highest mountain with this incredible 2-day Grossglockner ascent with IFMGA-certified mountain guide Cveto.
FromEUR 514 per person for 2 travellers

2 days

Intermediate

High

Availability:

Jun - Sep

4.5

(4)

2-day Basic Rock Climbing Course in Mt. Ogawa

Learn rock climbing in Mt. Ogawa with this 2 day course that includes overnight camping and camp fire with an IFMGA mountain guide Cveto!
FromJPY 15676 per person for 6 travellers

2 days

All levels

Low

Availability:

May - Oct

5.0

(1)

2-day Mt. Triglav summer ascent

Follow Cveto, an IFMGA mountain guide, on this unique 2-day adventure to the summit of the impressive Mount Triglav in Slovenia.
FromEUR 276 per person for 4 travellers

2 days

All levels

High

Availability:

Jun - Sep

 

Reviews with photos

Mikio is not only an excellent guide but also a truly wonderful person. Throughout the hike, he shared so many interesting and valuable insights into the local landscape, Japanese culture, and traditions, making the experience even more special. His kindness, knowledge, and passion made the entire journey truly memorable. Everything was perfectly organized, and I enjoyed every moment. I couldn’t have asked for a better guide and would highly recommend Mikio to anyone looking for an exceptional hiking experience in Japan! Thank you so much, Mikio-San!5
My trip to climb the Mt. Fuji was amazing. Our guide (Mikio) was very friendly and he help us every moment in the mountain. He explained us about the mountain trail and some history. We are very greatful with him because he is a really good guide and person. 5
The guide I had is not the one experience share connected me with. But it was still a good day. My guide was Hidetaka Suzuki. Besides allowing me to climb in lead as asked and seeing a nice place, I could see Fuji san, so it was kind of nice. 4
The guide I had is not the one experience share connected me with. But it was still a good day. My guide was Hidetaka Suzuki. Besides allowing me to climb in lead as asked and seeing a nice place, I could see Fuji san, so it was kind of nice. 4
The guide I had is not the one experience share connected me with. But it was still a good day. My guide was Hidetaka Suzuki. Besides allowing me to climb in lead as asked and seeing a nice place, I could see Fuji san, so it was kind of nice. 4
The guide I had is not the one experience share connected me with. But it was still a good day. My guide was Hidetaka Suzuki. Besides allowing me to climb in lead as asked and seeing a nice place, I could see Fuji san, so it was kind of nice. 4
The guide I had is not the one experience share connected me with. But it was still a good day. My guide was Hidetaka Suzuki. Besides allowing me to climb in lead as asked and seeing a nice place, I could see Fuji san, so it was kind of nice. 4
We climbed with Hide-san, super friendly and fun guide! Really knowledgeable!5
Cveto was a wonderful guide. My son and I enjoyed the climbing experience. We covered everything from basics for my son, for whom it was the first time sport climbing, up to lead climbing for me. 5
Cveto was a wonderful guide. My son and I enjoyed the climbing experience. We covered everything from basics for my son, for whom it was the first time sport climbing, up to lead climbing for me. 5
Cveto was a wonderful guide. My son and I enjoyed the climbing experience. We covered everything from basics for my son, for whom it was the first time sport climbing, up to lead climbing for me. 5
Cveto was a wonderful guide. My son and I enjoyed the climbing experience. We covered everything from basics for my son, for whom it was the first time sport climbing, up to lead climbing for me. 5
Cveto was an amazing guide and a cool/funny guy! Took me to some cool spots based on my experience and level of climbing , also brought me fresh fruit from his garden which i had never tried before! I definitely reccomended him :) Thankyou !5
It was absolutely amazing! Our guide Cveto picked an amazing crag with a ton of shadow next to a running water with a lot of fun routes. Everything was just perfect! 🤩 5
-Cveto Podlogar4
-Cveto Podlogar4
-Cveto Podlogar4
We were very well informed in advance about everything we needed to bring with us. Cveto was very helpful through email and also helped arrange the equipment we could not bring with us because of the flight. On the day of the summit, he was on time and started the day with great news that the weather was looking promising. From the beginning, the atmosphere was excellent. Maybe it helped that our home countries are neighboring, so we had a similar sense of humor, but aside from that, Cveto is simply a very enjoyable person to be around. The ascent itself was great. He set the right pace, guided us safely to the summit, and also explained many interesting things about Mount Fuji, Japanese culture, and life in Japan in general. My colleague and I would gladly recommend Cveto as a guide.5
We were very well informed in advance about everything we needed to bring with us. Cveto was very helpful through email and also helped arrange the equipment we could not bring with us because of the flight. On the day of the summit, he was on time and started the day with great news that the weather was looking promising. From the beginning, the atmosphere was excellent. Maybe it helped that our home countries are neighboring, so we had a similar sense of humor, but aside from that, Cveto is simply a very enjoyable person to be around. The ascent itself was great. He set the right pace, guided us safely to the summit, and also explained many interesting things about Mount Fuji, Japanese culture, and life in Japan in general. My colleague and I would gladly recommend Cveto as a guide.5
We were very well informed in advance about everything we needed to bring with us. Cveto was very helpful through email and also helped arrange the equipment we could not bring with us because of the flight. On the day of the summit, he was on time and started the day with great news that the weather was looking promising. From the beginning, the atmosphere was excellent. Maybe it helped that our home countries are neighboring, so we had a similar sense of humor, but aside from that, Cveto is simply a very enjoyable person to be around. The ascent itself was great. He set the right pace, guided us safely to the summit, and also explained many interesting things about Mount Fuji, Japanese culture, and life in Japan in general. My colleague and I would gladly recommend Cveto as a guide.5
We were very well informed in advance about everything we needed to bring with us. Cveto was very helpful through email and also helped arrange the equipment we could not bring with us because of the flight. On the day of the summit, he was on time and started the day with great news that the weather was looking promising. From the beginning, the atmosphere was excellent. Maybe it helped that our home countries are neighboring, so we had a similar sense of humor, but aside from that, Cveto is simply a very enjoyable person to be around. The ascent itself was great. He set the right pace, guided us safely to the summit, and also explained many interesting things about Mount Fuji, Japanese culture, and life in Japan in general. My colleague and I would gladly recommend Cveto as a guide.5
We were very well informed in advance about everything we needed to bring with us. Cveto was very helpful through email and also helped arrange the equipment we could not bring with us because of the flight. On the day of the summit, he was on time and started the day with great news that the weather was looking promising. From the beginning, the atmosphere was excellent. Maybe it helped that our home countries are neighboring, so we had a similar sense of humor, but aside from that, Cveto is simply a very enjoyable person to be around. The ascent itself was great. He set the right pace, guided us safely to the summit, and also explained many interesting things about Mount Fuji, Japanese culture, and life in Japan in general. My colleague and I would gladly recommend Cveto as a guide.5
We were very well informed in advance about everything we needed to bring with us. Cveto was very helpful through email and also helped arrange the equipment we could not bring with us because of the flight. On the day of the summit, he was on time and started the day with great news that the weather was looking promising. From the beginning, the atmosphere was excellent. Maybe it helped that our home countries are neighboring, so we had a similar sense of humor, but aside from that, Cveto is simply a very enjoyable person to be around. The ascent itself was great. He set the right pace, guided us safely to the summit, and also explained many interesting things about Mount Fuji, Japanese culture, and life in Japan in general. My colleague and I would gladly recommend Cveto as a guide.5
What an amazing experience! I can’t recommend Cveto highly enough. He was professional, knowledgeable, and genuinely warm and personable throughout the entire trip. All of the equipment provided was in excellent condition and clearly very well maintained. The day was thoughtfully planned and perfectly tailored to our experience level and goals. Cveto created a safe, supportive environment that gave us the confidence to push ourselves and achieve more than we expected. This was part of our honeymoon and became a HUGE highlight of our trip. It was incredible to escape the city and experience some of Japan’s beautiful nature just an easy train ride from central Tokyo. Highly recommend! 5
What an amazing experience! I can’t recommend Cveto highly enough. He was professional, knowledgeable, and genuinely warm and personable throughout the entire trip. All of the equipment provided was in excellent condition and clearly very well maintained. The day was thoughtfully planned and perfectly tailored to our experience level and goals. Cveto created a safe, supportive environment that gave us the confidence to push ourselves and achieve more than we expected. This was part of our honeymoon and became a HUGE highlight of our trip. It was incredible to escape the city and experience some of Japan’s beautiful nature just an easy train ride from central Tokyo. Highly recommend! 5
What an amazing experience! I can’t recommend Cveto highly enough. He was professional, knowledgeable, and genuinely warm and personable throughout the entire trip. All of the equipment provided was in excellent condition and clearly very well maintained. The day was thoughtfully planned and perfectly tailored to our experience level and goals. Cveto created a safe, supportive environment that gave us the confidence to push ourselves and achieve more than we expected. This was part of our honeymoon and became a HUGE highlight of our trip. It was incredible to escape the city and experience some of Japan’s beautiful nature just an easy train ride from central Tokyo. Highly recommend! 5
Hidetaka Suzuki is a legend. I cannot believe I got to climb with him. What an amazing day!5
Cveto was a wonderful guide. He kept us safe and entertained throughout the difficult climb up Mt Fuji. We enjoyed talking to him about his adventures and experience. He was extremely skilled and knowledgeable and we hope we get to share another climb with him again soon! Lastly the booking process was very streamlined and allowed us to keep connected to our guide during the weeks leading up to Mt Fuji. 5
Great guide, the day was perfect, great views from Mount Fuji 5
Great guide, the day was perfect, great views from Mount Fuji 5
Great guide, the day was perfect, great views from Mount Fuji 5
Great guide, the day was perfect, great views from Mount Fuji 5
Great guide, the day was perfect, great views from Mount Fuji 5
I had a great time on my climbing day with Cveto. He was a great guy I felt immediately comfortable and enjoyed our chats. I was also cold and he let me borrow a jacket which was very kind. We went to a beautiful crag and did some climbing. Even when it started raining a bit we continued and switched to top rope for safety. Overall I enjoyed the day despite the weather as it was a new experience for me and the forest was beautiful.5
Awesome hike up to the top of mt. Fuji. Cvetko was a great guide, kept the pace perfect for our 10 hour day and spoke perfect English. Towards the top required crampons and helmet which Cvetko was able to provide. 5
Amazing guides, a total blast. The best by far!5
Mikio was a great guide!5
Mikio was a great guide!5
Had an enjoyable climbing experience in Odawara thanks to Cveto! Highly recommend climbing with him if you’re in Japan - would book him again the next time around. Communication: -Clear communication. He shared the when, where, and transportation info ahead of time. He picked me up from the train station, which was convenient. -Very knowledgeable about the area and culture as he's made it his home base for many years. Experience: -Took 1.5 hour train ride to Odawara train station from Akasaka. Meet up with Cveto. Stopped by convenience store for food. Car ride was minutes from the station. Hike was about 20-25ish minute to the climbing spot. Climbing: -Gives the right amount of beta without taking away the satisfaction of figuring things out on my own. -Went on a Friday and we basically had the place to ourselves except for like four other people. -Rock was dry so had some grip. Not too hard but not too soft of a feel. -Has variety of routes of varying difficulty. Did not do many as I would've hoped to since I was at the tail end of my trip to Japan and was exhausted. Extra: -Has a calm and straightforward demeanor. He literally calmly killed a ginormous Japanese hornet that kept flying around me with his flip flop as I'm terrified of hornets and just creepy bugs in general. Good vibe to have in general as climbing's a risky sport, haha. -Went the extra mile to help set up my phone for the perfect video spot of my climb. His son is a photographer, so he has an eye for the right angles.5
-Cveto Podlogar5
-Cveto Podlogar5
Cveto was great, we had a wonderful and funny time together. He let us feel safe and we’re glad to have him. Easy communication, good preparation and accommodating with the pickup. The speed was perfect, not too fast and not too slowly, especially coordinated to us. Would do it ever and ever again, thank you! 5
Cveto is a really experienced rock climber and mountaineer. We learned a lot in his course so we can do sport climbing on our own now. He was very obliging: postponed our course when we booked the wrong dates, offered to pick us up at our accommodation, let us park at his house, move to another crag when it rained, and so on. We had a lot of fun and are grateful having the course with Cveto.5
We had an amazing rock climbing experience in Bled with Cveto, an excellent and highly experienced guide. He knows the area inside out, from beginner-friendly crags to challenging multi-pitch routes. Always calm, safe, and professional, Cveto adapted the day perfectly to our level and goals. Highly recommended for anyone looking for authentic and safe climbing experience in Slovenia5

What people are saying about -Cveto

Sergej

Mikio is not only an excellent guide but also a truly wonderful person. Throughout the hike, he shared so many interesting and valuable insights into the local landscape, Japanese culture, and traditions, making the experience even more special. His kindness, knowledge, and passion made the entire journey truly memorable. Everything was perfectly organized, and I enjoyed every moment. I couldn’t have asked for a better guide and would highly recommend Mikio to anyone looking for an exceptional hiking experience in Japan! Thank you so much, Mikio-San!

Mikio is not only an excellent guide but also a truly wonderful person. Throughout the hike, he shared so many interesting and valuable insights into the local landscape, Japanese culture, and traditions, making the experience even more special. His kindness, knowledge, and passion made the entire journey truly memorable. Everything was perfectly organized, and I enjoyed every moment. I couldn’t have asked for a better guide and would highly recommend Mikio to anyone looking for an exceptional hiking experience in Japan! Thank you so much, Mikio-San!

Wen

Andrea

My trip to climb the Mt. Fuji was amazing. Our guide (Mikio) was very friendly and he help us every moment in the mountain. He explained us about the mountain trail and some history. We are very greatful with him because he is a really good guide and person.

My trip to climb the Mt. Fuji was amazing. Our guide (Mikio) was very friendly and he help us every moment in the mountain. He explained us about the mountain trail and some history. We are very greatful with him because he is a really good guide and person.

Loke

Anze

Amazing Mt. Fuji experience! We had an unforgettable Mt. Fuji climb with our guide, Mikio. He was extremely professional, experienced and well organized throughout the entire climb. We had challenging weather conditions with rain, strong wind and cold temperatures, but Mikio handled everything perfectly and we felt safe at all times. It was a demanding but incredible experience and definitely one of the highlights of our trip to Japan. Highly recommended!

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