The Shiretoko Five Lakes (知床五湖, Shiretoko Goko) are a set of five small lakes formed long ago by the eruption of nearby Mount Io and fed by underground springs. Looking like the result of a god's five fingerprints, the five lakes offer beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and wilderness, and provide visitors an easy way to experience Shiretoko's unspoiled nature.
An 800 meter long, wooden elevated boardwalk was recently built from the parking lot to the first lake, which allows visitors to enjoy views of the lake, the Sea of Okhotsk and the surrounding mountains without damaging the fragile ecosystem. The boardwalk is free to use, wheelchair accessible and open for the entire season (late April to late November).
Elevated Boardwalk
Apart from the elevated boardwalk, there are three kilometers of regular nature trails that lead around the picturesque five lakes and take about 90 minutes to walk on your own. However, due to the large numbers of visitors, access to the nature trails is being regulated as follows (from 2011):
May 10 to July 31:
During the peak of bear activity from May to July, access to the nature trails is only possible by joining a tour group led by a licensed, Japanese speaking nature guide. Tours take about three hours and depart every ten minutes. They cost around 5000 yen per person, and a maximum of ten people per tour are allowed. Reservations can be made on the day if space allows, however it is recommended to reserve in advance via the park's English website.
August 1 to October 20:
Once bear activity has decreased, the nature trails can be walked on an individual basis without guides; however, there is a short lecture, an admission fee of 250 yen per person and a limit on how many hikers can enter. There are two, one-way hiking courses: a three kilometer (90 minute) course to all five lakes and a 1.6 kilometer (40 minute) course to just the first and second lakes. Note that some or all of the trails may get closed in case of bear sightings.
During the rest of the season:
The trails can be walked on an individual basis without guides or admission fees. The trails may get closed in case of snow or bear sightings.
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Nature Trail
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