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Lake · Shari, Hokkaido
Shiretoko Five Lakes
Five small lakes in the forest at the base of the Shiretoko mountains, seen from an elevated boardwalk with an electric fence up to the first lake, and from ground trails that have rules related to bears.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
A look at the place
Shiretoko Five Lakes in pictures
These pictures are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs. They may differ from the place.
Click the picture to enlarge it.
Discover
About Shiretoko Five Lakes
The Five Lakes of Shiretoko, in Japanese Shiretoko Goko, lie on a forested highland about 15 km from Utoro, between the sea and the peninsula’s central mountain range. They are five small lakes formed in hollows left by ancient landslides, fed by underground water. On clear days, their surfaces reflect the peaks of Mount Rausu and other mountains, which often retain snow until early summer.
There are two types of access. The elevated boardwalk, about 800 meters long, departs from the lakes’ visitor center and reaches the shore of the first lake, crossing a dwarf bamboo field and protected by electric fences to keep bears away. It is flat, wheelchair accessible, and offers views of the Sea of Okhotsk on one side and the mountains on the other.
The ground trails circle the five lakes, either as a long or a short loop through the forest. Access is controlled because of brown bears: during their highest activity period, generally from early May to late July, entry is allowed only with licensed guides; in other periods, visitors must attend a lecture at the center and pay an entrance fee. Trails can close without notice when bears are nearby.
In winter, the road to the lakes closes and visits are possible only on guided snowshoe tours. The elevated boardwalk has free access; the ground trails require a fee. Check the seasonal rules before you go: they change with the season and with animal presence.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 40 minutes to the elevated boardwalk, round trip; 1.5 to 3 hours for the ground trails, depending on the route.
Best time
From June to October, on clear mornings when the lakes reflect the mountains. October brings fall foliage. The road usually opens from late April to early November. Check the rules and seasonal hours before you go.
How to get there
From Utoro, it’s about 15 km via the park road, by car or on the local bus that connects the village to the visitor center and the lakes in season, in about 25 minutes. There is paid parking at the lakes’ visitor center.
Tip
For the ground trails during bear season, book a guided tour in advance. Arrive early, because the parking lot fills in summer. Do not carry open food and follow staff instructions.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Shiretoko Five Lakes
Do you need a guide for the Five Lakes of Shiretoko?
On the elevated boardwalk, no. On the ground trails, during the period of highest bear activity—generally from early May to the end of July—entry is allowed only with an authorized guide; in other periods, after a briefing and paid admission.
Does the Five Lakes boardwalk reach all the lakes?
No. The elevated boardwalk, about 800 meters long, reaches only the first lake. The five lakes are viewed from the ground trails.
Are the Five Lakes open in winter?
The road is usually closed from November to April. In winter, visits only take place on guided tours with snowshoes.
How long does the Five Lakes trail take?
The long loop, covering all five lakes, takes about 1 hour 30 minutes; the short loop about 40 minutes. Add the time for the briefing or the guided tour.
Beyond the guide
