UK Tourists in Shorts Stranded on Snowy Hokkaido Peak Rescued by Helicopter

May 19, 2025 | News On Japan

HOKKAIDO, May 19, 2025 (News On Japan) - Two foreign tourists were rescued by helicopter on May 13th after becoming stranded due to the cold on Mt. Yotei in Kutchan, Hokkaido’s Shiribeshi region, where snow still remains at higher elevations.

The pair, a man and a woman from the United Kingdom, made an emergency call saying they could not reach a mountain shelter because of the cold. A Hokkaido police helicopter was dispatched in response.

"Take a helicopter OK? Take a helicopter ride," a rescue team member can be heard asking them.

Roughly an hour after the call, the rescue team located the two near the ninth station of the mountain. The man, upon contact, said, "Sorry. Gomen nasai."

Both were found safe, but dressed inappropriately for the conditions. The man was wearing a long-sleeve top with shorts, and the woman was wearing a short-sleeve shirt and pants—clothing ill-suited to the still-snowy environment.

Police are urging hikers to ensure they are properly equipped for mountain conditions.

Source: 北海道ニュースUHB

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