Shiretoko Five Lakes, Hokkaido
Shiretoko Five Lakes (知床五湖 – Shiretoko Goko) are a set of five small lakes in different sizes, numbered from one to five that located in Eastern Hokkaido. The five lakes surrounded by deep forests of Shiretoko Peninsula. The lakes formed long ago by the eruption of nearby Mount Io (知床硫黄山) .
The five lakes offer beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and the tranquil surfaces of the lakes that reflect on the surrounding trees, making you feel you are deep inside a primeval paradise. Also in this area you can experience with Shiretoko’s unspoiled nature.
There is a high chance to meeting a brown bears in this area. So need to be careful!
Unfortunately, we didn`t meet a bear while walking in this area.
Walking Route Way
There are two paths to reach those lakes:
1. The elevated wooden path
2. The ground pathway
1. Elevated Wooden Path:
An 800 meter long, wooden elevated boardwalk which is about 1.6 km round-trip (40 minutes) allows visitors to enjoy views of the lake, the Sea of Okhotsk and the surrounding mountains without damaging the fragile ecosystem.
This route only passes one lake on this route, but the observation deck in the middle of the path offers a spectacular view of the Shiretoko mountain range
2. Ground Pathways
On the ground path way there are two courses available:
The 1.6-km Short Loop that takes about 40 minutes and allows visitors to take a gentle stroll via a shortcut in the long course, visiting in only two of the lakes (lakes no.1 + no.2)
And the 3-km Long Loop, taking around 1 hour 30 minutes. The long loop runs alongside all five lakes.
As you see in the pictures, we got a cloudy weather but I really recommend to do the long loop to enjoy the area in its full nature. Also you can walk close to the lakes, and feel more the nature of this amazing area.
Five Lakes
The 5th Lake
When you start the route of the ground pathway, you first see the 5th lake. It is actually the smallest lake around the 5 lakes.
The 4th Lake
After walking for few minutes, you can see already the 4th lake of Shiretoko five lakes, with a little bit different view.
The 3rd Lake
The 3rd lake has a really beautiful view and large observation deck. One of my favorite things was the mountain view with the snow left at top
The 2nd Lake
The 2nd lake of Shiretoko five lakes is actually the biggest lake around. It has wonderful view and big observation deck.
The 1st Lake
The 1st lake of Shiretoko five lakes is the last lake before going to the elevated wooden path.
What to wear?
You are recommended to wear long-sleeved tops and long pants as well as comfortable shoes. Carrying a small rucksack keeps both hands free, and is ideal for bringing drinking water and rain gear. There is no shade along the pathways, so don’t forget to wear a hat.
The difference between Spring and Summer
Shiretoko Five lakes is really different between the seasons.
In summer the view is more greener, but there is no snow left on the mountains.
Between early May to end of July there a big chance to encounter with bears so there a limited entering to the ground pathways and you must to walk with a guide (It means to pay more)
While from August to the closing season, you can enter freely with only hearing the lecture before going to the ground pathway.
(Picture taken in middle of August)
The wild animals you may encounter
During our spring tour in Shiretoko five lakes, we could meet the Japanese Snake Rat (no worries, he has no poison), Ezo Deers and one brown bear.
So we highly recommend to walk and feel the nature around you.
Information
Hours:
Open from April 20 ~ November 8
7:30am – 6:30pm
※ Times vary depending on the season
Closed on Winter (Except specific dates where you can walk with a guide at snow time)
Nearest Station:
Shiretoko-Shari Station
Access:
The road to the Shiretoko Five Lakes is closed in winter from late November to late April.
A shuttle bus runs JR Shiretoko Shari Station and the five lakes about 85 minutes, ￥2,000 for one way during the season.
I do recommend to use a car in Hokkaido
Fee:
Parking fee cost ￥500
Entrance is mostly free, depend on the days it may cost about ￥250
※During brown bear peak active, you will need to pay around ￥6,000 for guide.
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