Everything You Need to Know Before Your Trip
Imagine you've decided to explore Japan's legendary backcountry.
You've packed your avalanche beacon, probe and shovel.
Then someone mentions a device you've never heard of : COCOHELI.
Can foreign visitors use it?
Do you need to become a member?
Can you rent one for just a few days?
Here's everything you need to know before heading into Japan's mountains.
Short Answer
Yes.
Foreign visitors can use COCOHELI.
Depending on your trip, you may be able to rent a transmitter or join the membership program.
The best option depends on how long you're staying and how often you plan to ride in Japan.
What Is COCOHELI?
COCOHELI is a radio-based rescue support system developed in Japan.
Unlike an avalanche beacon, it's designed to help professional rescue teams locate missing riders.
If you're new to COCOHELI, our previous guide explains why it exists, how it works, and why it has become part of Japan's mountain safety culture.
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Most Visitors Have Never Heard of COCOHELI — Here's Why It Exists
If you're planning to ski or snowboard in Japan, you've probably heard about avalanche beacons. You may have packed a beacon, probe, and shovel before your trip. But there's a good chance you've never heard of COCOHELI. That's not surprising. Outside Japan, very few riders know what it is. Yet within Japan's mountain community, more than tens of thousands people have joined the system, and it has become a familiar part of backcountry safety culture. So what exactly is COCOHELI? And why does it exist in Japan? Japan's Mountains Are Different Than Many Visitors Expect When international riders think about ...
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Can Tourists Actually Use COCOHELI?
Yes — and this is one of the most common misunderstandings among visiting riders.
Because COCOHELI's website, sign-up process, and support are primarily in Japanese, many international visitors assume the service is built for Japanese residents only. It isn't a legal restriction — it's simply a language and process barrier that hasn't been fully addressed yet.
For short-term visitors, the practical path is usually a rental rather than a full membership: pick up a transmitter at a confirmed rental location such as Hakubakan, use it for the length of your trip, and return it before you leave. No long-term commitment, no Japanese residency required.
Many international visitors assume COCOHELI is only available to Japanese residents.
It isn't.
Foreign riders can also access the system
Membership vs Rental
| Feature | Membership | Rental |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Frequent visitors | Short trips |
| Length | Ongoing | Daily / Trip |
| Device | Provided (on loan) | Provided (on loan) |
| Recommended for | Residents & repeat visitors | Tourists |
※ In both cases, the transmitter remains COCOHELI's property and must be returned when the contract or rental period ends.
Where Can You Rent COCOHELI?
Hakubakan, a well-known outdoor shop in Hakuba, is a confirmed rental source for short-term visitors. Other shops or resorts may also offer rentals, but this isn't independently confirmed — always check the official COCOHELI website for the current list of rental locations before your trip.
Important
Rental locations and availability may change from season to season.
Always check the official COCOHELI website before your trip.
Do You Still Need an Avalanche Beacon?
| Feature | Avalanche Beacon | COCOHLI |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Purpose | Helps nearby partners locate a buried person after an avalanch | Helps professional rescue teams search for a missing person |
| Who Uses It | Everyone in the group | Search and rescue teams with COCOHELI receivers |
| When It Is Used | Immediately after an avalanche | During a search operation after a report is made |
| Search Range | Short range (companion rescue) | Long-range aerial or ground search using dedicated receivers |
| Works Without Other People? | No. Someone nearby must perform the search. | Yes — but a report (often from family) is still needed to trigger it. |
| Essential for Avalanche Terrain? | ☑️ Yes | ✖️ No |
| Repleace the Other? | No | No |
Warning
COCOHELI does not replace:
- Avalanche beacon
- Probe
- Shovel
- Avalanche education
If you're entering avalanche terrain, these remain essential.
Is COCOHELI Worth It?
It may be worth considering if:
✅ Riding outside resort boundaries
✅ Visiting Japan primarily for backcountry touring
✅ Concerned about search-and-rescue response
It may not be necessary if:
❌ Staying entirely on groomed runs
❌ Never leaving resort boundaries
Frequently Asked Questions
☑️ Do I need COCOHELI to enter the backcountry?
No.
It is not legally required.
However, some guides or tours may recommend or require specific safety equipment.
☑️ Can I use my own avalanche beacon instead?
Yes.
But remember:
A beacon and COCOHELI have different purposes.
☑️ Is COCOHELI available in English?
Some information is available in English, but availability varies.
If you're unsure, contact the provider before your trip.
The Bottom Line
COCOHELI isn't mandatory.
It also isn't a replacement for avalanche equipment.
But it represents one of the most unique safety systems found in Japan's mountains.
Whether you decide to carry one depends on your plans, your experience, and your personal approach to risk.
Understanding how it works allows you to make an informed decision before heading into the backcountry.
Before You Ride
COCOHELI is just one part of mountain safety.
Before entering Japan's backcountry, make sure you also:
- Understand local resort rules
- Carry the appropriate avalanche equipment
- Have travel insurance that covers backcountry skiing
- Know how mountain rescue works in Japan