In July 2015, Shiretoko celebrated the 10th anniversary of its designation as a World Natural Heritage site. Its biggest tourist attraction is the "Shiretoko Five Lakes," where you can enjoy views of five lakes, primeval forests, and the Shiretoko mountain range all at once.

This time, we'll take a stroll along the lush green ground trails of Shiretoko Five Lakes with a nature guide who is skilled in dealing with brown bears! We'll introduce you to the refreshing breath of nature.

<Click here for information on winter trekking around the Shiretoko Five Lakes!>
・Walk through the Shiretoko Five Lakes in winter on snowshoes! Have the magnificent Shiretoko nature all to yourself♪

Participation in a guided tour

Shiretoko Five Lakes is a popular tourist destination visited by approximately 500,000 people annually, but it is also home to brown bears. From May to July each year, which is the brown bear breeding season, the ground-level walking trails become a special course accessible only to participants of paid guided tours.

The walk covers a 3km course and takes approximately 3 hours, so please allow ample time to participate.

Aerial view of the Shiretoko Five Lakes. The building in the lower right is the field house.

There's also something to look forward to on the way there.

Our guide for this tour is Haruma Shibata (25) from Shiretoko Nature Office. With his wonderful smile, Mr. Shibata is the youngest guide in Shiretoko.

We left the office in Nature Office's van, located near the center of Shiretoko, and arrived at Shiretoko Five Lakes in about 15 minutes.

We spotted an Ezo deer right by the roadside, so I snapped a photo from the car window! The guide kept us entertained with various stories about Shiretoko during the car ride. (Incidentally, those staying in Utoro will be picked up from their accommodation).

We arrived at the entrance to the ground-level walking trail at Shiretoko Five Lakes. We used the restroom, prepared some water or tea (sweet drinks are strictly prohibited), and then received a lecture at the field house.

After watching a video for about 10 minutes to review the safety precautions, the guide explained the latest information on brown bear sightings. Apparently, there were brown bear footprints right next to the course that day!

A brown bear even greeted us at the field house.

Let's go for a stroll!

Having absorbed all the information, and feeling a mix of excitement and apprehension about encountering a brown bear, I began my walk. I entered a primeval forest dominated by fir trees.

The bat-shaped leaves of the bat plant, the bear droppings containing acorn shells, and the beautiful singing voice of the narcissus flycatcher echoing through the quiet forest... The guide's detailed explanations about the creatures in the forest were all fascinating and made me exclaim "Wow!"

コウモリソウ

Brown bear droppings

Fresh greenery and mountain ranges reflected in the lake

And then we arrived at the first lake, "Five Lakes"! Although the sky was cloudy, the lake's surface reflected the trees and the Shiretoko mountain range like a mirror. We used the binoculars we were lent to observe the ducks on the opposite shore.

Five Lakes

Next up are "Four Lakes" and "Three Lakes." In both places, the snow-capped mountains seen across the lakes are beautiful amidst the profound silence, and I think it's a landscape you could gaze at forever without getting bored.

Four lakes

Three Lakes

Along the walking trails around the three lakes, we observed traces of various animals, such as trees riddled with holes made by woodpeckers eating insects, and claw marks left by brown bears climbing trees.

We might have walked right past it on our own, but thanks to our guide, we noticed it. There are some slight ups and downs around here, so please watch your step.

A hole made by a Great Spotted Woodpecker

Brown bear scratches

Unfortunately, it started raining that day, but Lake Two offers the closest view of the mountains and is the best viewpoint among the Five Lakes.

It started raining at Lake Two.

Finally, we headed to the elevated wooden walkway.

Then, you move from the dirt path (ground-level walking trail) to the wooden path (elevated wooden walkway). Electric fences are set up all around, so once you reach this point, you don't have to worry about brown bears anymore.

There's a sign at the viewpoint overlooking Lake Ichi, and it's perfectly fine to take commemorative photos with the Shiretoko mountain range and the lake in the background. From the elevated boardwalk, you can also enjoy views of the Sea of ​​Okhotsk in addition to Lake Ichi.

This is what it looks like on a sunny day!

Relax and feel the breath of nature

The guided tour is a leisurely stroll through the tranquil forest, making it a program that people of all ages can enjoy.

One of the attractions is the enjoyable conversations with the guide. Ms. Shibata said, "If you want to walk around the Five Lakes and take pictures, the afternoon is recommended because of the sunlight. Also, the forest is lively and fun during the change of seasons!"

Forests, mountains, lakes, wildlife, encounters with people... Be sure to join a guided tour to fully enjoy Shiretoko!

Interview cooperation and optional tour arrangements:Shiretoko Nature Office
Shiretoko Five Lakes Tour: Adults (junior high school age and older): 5,000 yen; Elementary school students: 3,000 yen
Phone number 0152-22-5041

Things to know when exploring the Shiretoko Five Lakes

How about booking a tour?

The Shiretoko Five Lakes website features guided tours from various tour companies, organized by date and time. The booking page is very helpful, showing availability and even including a list of nature guides!

Book your tour here
・Click here for a list of nature guides

Additionally, you can book various local tours in Shiretoko through travel agencies' optional tours or specialized optional tour websites.
Optional tour specialist website: Tabi Plus One

What should I wear and what should I bring when I go for a walk?

Your attire will vary depending on the time of year you're taking a stroll.
Shiretoko Five Lakes Homepage　Clothing for a stroll　This person is very knowledgeable about this, so if you refer to their instructions and prepare accordingly, you'll be all set!

How do I get to Shiretoko Five Lakes?

From the center of Shiretoko to Shiretoko Five Lakes, those participating in a guided tour will be transported by shuttle bus, while others will need to travel by car or bus. Please note that it gets very crowded during Obon and long weekends.Shuttle bus　It is convenient to use.

Is it possible to visit Shiretoko Five Lakes all year round?

Shiretoko Five Lakes is closed off by snow during the winter. It is usually open until mid-November, but this depends on the snow conditions.

Previously, access was prohibited during the winter, but in recent years, it has become possible to enjoy a "Shiretoko Five Lakes Tour in the Deep Winter" for a limited time (late January to late March) and with a limited number of participants.

We also have a travelogue about our winter tour experience! Please check it out here.
・Walk through the Shiretoko Five Lakes in winter on snowshoes! Have the magnificent Shiretoko nature all to yourself♪

★Let's plan a trip to Shiretoko!★

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