Shiretoko Goko

北海道

4.6

Tourist Information of This Area

general.prefecture.

Volcanic dammed lakes scattered at the foot of the Shiretoko mountain range.

These are five lakes surrounded by primeval forests on the Shiretoko Peninsula. You can see numerous plants and animals in a mystical atmosphere. There are two types of walking paths: a ground-level path and an elevated wooden path, so you can enjoy the nature of the primeval forest and take a walk!

Features & How to Enjoy

Classic Nature

Highlights

Point 1

Casual Stroll on an Elevated Walkway

If you want to enjoy Shiretoko Goko Lakes casually, we recommend taking the approximately 800-meter-long elevated walkway course. It connects from the entrance of Shiretoko Goko Lakes to the shore of Lake 1, and electric fences are installed around it, so you can enjoy a safe stroll without being affected by brown bears. The elevated walkway has no steps, so it's also a family-friendly spot where you can push a stroller.

Point 2

Enjoy a Full-Fledged Walk on the Elevated Walkway

If you want to enjoy all of the Shiretoko Five Lakes, we recommend the elevated walkway of the full-fledged tracking course. The approximately 3-kilometer course starts from the fifth lake and goes around each lake in order, 4, 3, 2, and 1. Prior to entering the elevated walkway, you need to receive a lecture for environmental conservation purposes. In addition, to prevent overcrowding, entry restrictions are also in place, so be sure to plan your visit carefully before visiting.

Point 3

Guided Tours are also Recommended

If you want to fully enjoy the charm of the Shiretoko Five Lakes, it's also recommended to join a guided tour. By strolling with a guide who knows everything about Shiretoko, you can learn more deeply about the nature of Shiretoko, such as its charm and history. In addition, with a guide, it's possible to walk during the period when brown bears are normally restricted from entry.

Point 4

Enjoying Kamuiwakka Falls

If you come to Shiretoko Goko, you'll want to also enjoy Kamuiwakka Falls. It's located about 11 kilometers from Shiretoko Goko. Due to the influence of the active volcano, the hot water flows into the river, creating a natural hot spring. The hot spring water flows down the rocky slope, so it's convenient to have shoes with good grip, such as marine shoes, when visiting.

Point 5

Enjoy Winter Trekking

At Shiretoko Goko, you can enjoy trekking not only in the summer but also in the middle of winter. By wearing snowshoes, you can walk on the frozen lake surface and enjoy the scenery of snow-covered mountains and forests, which is different from that of the summer. Individual entry is restricted, and participation is only possible through specialized tours. Since the tours can only be held for a limited period, it is recommended to make reservations early if you wish to participate.

Access

One Hour by Car from Shiretoko Shari Station

To access Shiretoko Goko, depart from JR Shiretoko Shari Station and drive along the coast for about an hour. From Utoro, a base for Shiretoko tourism where hotels are concentrated, it's about a 20-minute drive. Except for certain periods, there is no public transportation to Shiretoko Goko, so it's common for people to use rental cars or other means to get there. If you're coming from outside the area, the closest airport is Memanbetsu Airport, which is about a two-hour drive away.

Creatures

Encounter Various Wild Animals

The area around the Shiretoko Five Lakes, which is also designated as a World Heritage Site, is a paradise for wild animals such as brown bears, Ezo deer, and red foxes. Ezo deer can be seen all year round, but in the fall, they become more active during their breeding season, making it more likely to encounter them. When you find them, please observe them from a distance. Feeding or approaching them is prohibited.

Basic Information

Address

Shiretoko Goko, located in the primeval forest of the Shiretoko Peninsula. You can see numerous plants and animals in a mystical atmosphere. There are two types of walking paths: a ground-level path and an elevated wooden path, so you can enjoy the nature of the primeval forest and take a walk! 〒099-4356 Tōonibetsu Village, Shari-cho, Shari-gun, Hokkaido

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