Meet the Team: Fergus Cussell

Canyons is not just a company, but it's a community.

The people that run Canyons are not just employees but they are family.

We want to share their story with you!

Fergus is a canyoning guide at our newly opened base in Kiho!

Originally from Scotland & England, Fergus first came to Japan for the snow. He worked as a Canyons Snowboard Instructor.

This was nine years ago now, and he's never left! Japan is his new second home.

What does your day-to-day look like?

If we have tours running, we do prep for the tours in the morning, meet the customers at the base, run through the flow and safety info for the tour, get the wetsuits and gear on and then go canyoning!

We come back at lunchtime after spending the morning sliding, jumping an ziplining through the canyon.

We make sure everyone receives their photos and videos and then get ready to do it all again in the afternoon!

We finish the day feeling refreshed and chat with our customers about their experiences. We have a nice spot by the river so it's a very relaxing way to end the day.

What's your favourite part of working with Canyons?

My favourite thing about working with Canyons is being able to work in the outdoors every day with a great crew of like-minded individuals. I also love the constant progression to always try and improve the tours and facilities in an eco-conscious way.

Where are your favourite parts of Japan's nature to explore?

I lived in Minakami for a while so I will always love the Tanigawadake range and the trails and Onsen around the area. I love Hokkaido at any time of the year.

The Kii Peninsula also has some great trails, mountains and waterfalls that I still need to explore. Also having the Kumano Kodo and a few other world heritage spots on our doorstep is very cool!

What is it like to live in Kiho?

Living in Kiho is great! Definitely living the slow life down here.

The local community has been very welcoming of something new to the area and we talk to lots of friendly locals most days. It is a great area because we have a mix of the Pacific Ocean and mountains.

You can go surfing, canyoning, packrafting and have a dip in an Onsen all in one day!

What's your favourite Canyons course and why?

I would have to say Kiri Canyon. It's a really good half-day canyon, progressive and customizable to suit the customer's challenge level.

Some of my favourite slides I've done and very beautiful water. I have great memories in Fox Canyon also!

Why should people try canyoning in Kiho?

People should come and try canyoning in Kiho because we have some really fun courses here and it's a beautiful part of Japan that lots of people don't get to see. Amazing coastline and local food. The magnificent Nachi Waterfall is just down the road and there are great places to camp and enjoy nature.

The Kumano Kodo is very close so canyoning in Kiho could be a great way to start or finish off your adventure to Kii peninsula!