🗺️ Shiretoko Five Lakes知床五湖

Shiretoko Five Lakes are located in the primeval forests of the Shiretoko mountain range. Situated in Shiretoko, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, its magnificent scenery is also one of the "Eight Views of Shiretoko." Many wild animals inhabit the area, and you can spot creatures like the Ezo red squirrel and Ezo deer. There are also black bears nearby, so please be especially cautious. There are two walking trails around Shiretoko Five Lakes. The first is the "Boardwalk" leading to the lakeside of Lake One, which is about 800 meters long and safe for anyone to walk on throughout the year. Along the way, you can enjoy the beautiful reflections of the Shiretoko mountain range on the lake's surface and the magnificent view of the vast Sea of Okhotsk in the distance. The second trail, the "Ground Trail," as its name suggests, allows you to walk on land and personally experience nature. This trail is divided into two routes: a large loop that circles the five lakes and a small loop that runs alongside Lake One and Lake Two. The ticket prices and walking methods also vary by season. In early summer, flowers such as skunk cabbage and Ezo yama-urushi bloom, while the autumn foliage and seasonal scenery are also captivating. In the harsh winter, guided tours are offered, allowing visitors to walk on wetlands or lake surfaces that are inaccessible in summer, led by a guide.

It is one of the "Shiretoko Eight Scenic Views" and a UNESCO World Heritage site. You can see wildlife such as the Ezo red squirrel and Ezo deer. There are two trails: the "ground trail" and the "elevated wooden path." The walking style on the ground trail varies by season, so please check in advance. If you want to explore the Shiretoko Five Lakes in depth, it is recommended to join a guided tour.