Shiretokogoko

Shiretoko Goko (知床五胡), or Shiretoko Five Lakes, is a group of five lakes nestled within the Shiretoko National Park in Hokkaido, Japan. These lakes, named after the Ainu language of Hokkaido’s indigenous people (Lake Ichiko, Lake Nisho, Lake Sanno, Lake Yonko, and Lake Goko), are a popular tourist destination, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and diverse wildlife.

Visitors can explore all five lakes via a 9-kilometer hiking trail, which takes approximately 4-5 hours to complete. During the brown bear’s active season (May 10th – July 31st), the ground-level trail is closed for safety reasons, but an elevated boardwalk is available for visitors to enjoy the scenic views.

Shiretoko Goko is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its pristine natural environment and the diverse wildlife that inhabits the area. Some of the animals that can be spotted in the region include brown bears, Hokkaido foxes, and red-crowned cranes. As the area is home to brown bears, visitors are required to take precautions, such as attending a lecture or joining a guided tour, to minimize the risk of encountering these animals.

Shiretoko Goko offers breathtaking scenery throughout the year, from the lush greenery of spring and summer to the vibrant fall foliage and the snow-covered landscape of winter.

Getting there

By Bus

From JR Shiretoko Shari Station:

• Take the Shari Bus to Shiretoko Five Lakes
• Journey time: 85 minutes
• Cost: 2,000 yen one way
• Operates from late April to October

From Utoro:

• Take the bus to Shiretoko Five Lakes
• Journey time: 25 minutes
• Cost: 700 yen one way

By Car

From Utoro:

• Drive about 14 km (20 minutes) to the Shiretoko Five Lakes parking lot
• Take the main road into the national park for 5 km
• Turn left at the Shiretoko Nature Center
• Continue 10 km to the parking lot
• Parking fee: 500 yen