How long should you spend at Shiretokogo Lake?

Visitors typically stay for a leisurely post-breakfast stroll on the boardwalk, or a 3-hour guided tour for the full experience.

Shiretokogo Lake

LakeNatural Feature

4.6

(532)

Shiretoko Goko, or Shiretoko Five Lakes, is a remote nature area featuring a series of lakes and walking trails. You can explore a raised boardwalk for free, or opt for a paid guided tour to access more of the five lakes and trails.

Address

Shiretokogo Lake, Onnebetsumura, Shari, Shari District, Hokkaido 099-4356, Japan

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Worth it?

Worth it if you want stunning natural beauty and don't mind paying for a guided tour to see all five lakes

Skip if you're on a tight budget or expect extensive signage on the free boardwalk

Reviewers consistently praise the stunning views, especially when taking the longer route to see all five lakes.3 mentions

The elevated boardwalk is accessible for people with babies and wheelchairs.1 mention

Some visitors found the mandatory 3-hour guided tour to the five lakes to be expensive and unnecessarily long for the distance covered.1 mention

The free elevated walkway to the first lake has underwhelming views and lacks informational signs.1 mention

Location

Shiretokogo Lake, Onnebetsumura, Shari, Shari District, Hokkaido 099-4356, Japan

Nearby places

Shiretoko-Goko Lakes Field House

3 min walk

Shiretoko Goko National Park

3 min walk

Highlights

The elevated boardwalk offers an easy 1.6km walk with clear views of the lake and the sea on a good day.

During winter, you can access the frozen lake through a midwinter ecological tour, which is usually inaccessible in summer.

Who it's for

Couples

Family with kids

Friends

This spot is ideal for nature lovers and those who enjoy leisurely walks, including families with babies or individuals using wheelchairs, thanks to the accessible boardwalk.

Explore more near Shiretokogo Lake

Places Eats

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Places

Know before you go

The lake is closed to the public during winter unless you participate in a midwinter ecological tour.

Access to the five lakes via the longer route is subject to bear sightings, which can close the trails.

Reviews

4.6

Exceptional

5 Reviews

Most visitors highly recommend a guided tour to experience the full beauty of all five lakes, noting the stunning views. However, some found the guided tours expensive and the free boardwalk less impressive due to a lack of information.