Shiretoko Five Lakes are quietly nestled between the virgin forests of Hokkaido’s Shiretoko Peninsula, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site. There are no rivers flowing in or out, so the lakes are silent and mystical. Walking through the virgin forests you will surely encounter the spiritual energy that surrounds the lakes. In this article I will offer some information you need to know before your trip and will introduce some scenic spots. Get ready to depart to Shiretoko Five Lakes where the beautiful landscape is reflected on the tranquil lakes’ surfaces!
There are two walking routes at Shiretoko Five Lakes
First, let me explain more about the two walking courses available. The first one uses an elevated wooden boardwalk above the ground. It is 800-meter long and takes about 40 minutes to walk till its end and return back. This wooden boardwalk is accessible for wheelchair users. You can take a stroll any day from spring to late autumn without worrying about the brown bears.
The second route is a set of nature trails that go through the forests. Access is being regulated according to the season. From the park’s opening until around May 10 and from August 1 until mid-October you must first watch a 10-minute lecture video at the Shiretoko Five Lakes Field House. Also, you must apply for a permission to enter the park, but you can easily download the application form from the official website. Alternatively, you can fill it in when you go there.
From around May 10 until the end of July is the period with increased brown bear activity, therefore all visitors must participate in tour groups led by a professional guide. The guide will tell you many interesting things about the Five Lakes and you’ll be able to enjoy Shiretoko’s nature from many sides. Please check the official website for more information about joining a tour group and payment. After mid-October access is unrestricted and in the winter the park is closed.
The forests around the lakes are a natural habitat of the brown bear. The trails may get closed in case of bear sightings, so please be aware of the fact that you might not be allowed to enter. On the photo above you can see the first lake which is accessible from both existing nature trails. The beautiful reflection of Shiretoko’s mountains is iconic and makes this lake a symbol of this place. Note: Please find the link to Shiretoko Five Lakes Official Website in the memo below.
There are two nature trails
Now let me introduce the two nature trails. The first one is called the “Big loop” and it leads to all 5 lakes in about 3 kilometers. The “Small loop” stretches for 1.6 kilometers and visits only the first and the second lake. It will take about 90 minutes to complete the Big loop (but 3 hours if you join a guided tour group) and 40 minutes for the Small loop (or 90 with a guide).
During the period with increased bear activity the Small loop can be accessed only 4 times per day (there are tours at 10 am, 12 am, 2 pm and 4 pm). Only a certain number of participants are allowed. You can also sign up by phone or through the website. There are several things that you should bring with you. The only drinks that you should take are water or tea. Avoid juices or sweet drinks as they attract brown bears and bees. It’s forbidden to bring any food. In the summer season it’s smart to take a mosquito repellent. Proper boots are best for rainy days when the nature trails become slippery and muddy. You can rent a pair at Shiretoko Nature Center which is about 11 kilometers away from the Five Lakes. Don’t forget also a raincoat (you can buy one from the 100-yen shops).
On the photo above you can see the wooden boardwalk from the first lake. Both nature trails end at the boardwalk from where it’s only one way back to the parking lot.
You might meet wild animals!
Encountering wildlife at Shiretoko Five Lakes is quite probable. Even if you avoid the brown bears you might still see Hokkaido deer or red fox! Or Hokkaido squirrels on the trees! There are plenty of wild animals to look for around! But please don’t try to touch them or feed them.
You can see claw marks as well!
Do you see those three claw marks on the tree? They prove that a bear was there. You can find such marks on many trees around. You can even find bear’s excrements on the ground. Look for such traces when you’re in the forest. Many trees are bare because the deer have eaten the bark.
The second lake is the biggest among Shiretoko Five Lakes
Go and see the second lake which is the biggest among the Five Lakes. It can only be seen by those who take the nature trails. The Small loop takes just as much time as walking over the elevated wooden boardwalk, so why not go into the forest instead? You will enjoy the splendid mystical views while hearing the lively motion of the wild animals!
Access to Shiretoko Five Lakes
The Five Lakes, which are among the best scenic sights of Shiretoko Peninsula, don’t have names but are instead called first, second, third, fourth and fifth. The indigenous local Ainu people believe that God created the lakes using his five fingers. This area is a marshland so more lakes appear when the snow melts.
You can access Shiretoko Five Lakes from National Route 334, then Hokkaido Route 93 which enters the park and then take the local road to the parking lot. If you use public transportation, then ride on a bus from JR Shiretoko-Shari Station. The ride will be 1 hour and 20 minutes. There are also frequent shuttle buses between the sightseeing spots. Finally, don’t forget to try the local specialty at Shiretoko Five Lakes Rest House – a cowberry and Japanese rose flavored ice cream! It’s very delicious!
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