What other travelers are saying about Shiretoko Goko (Five Lakes)
A great way to experience nature and see the lakes. We would definitely recommend paying for the long walk as it is spectacular and not too difficult.
The elevated walkway had no cover, you go in that at the end as it is the free section. In the heat it was quite tough so we just rushed through it and it was really busy with people.
But the forest walk was really quiet and cool, each lake has some areas to stop and take photos. They give you a lot of warnings about bears, so be careful! They are prepared for them though which is reassuring.
It has an amazing visitor centre with such friendly and helpful staff.
We went in the shortest trail and saw deers along the way. The view at the end was pretty great. Covered shoes recommended.
Summer is bear season but unfortunately (or fortunately??) we didn't come across any.
Went for 3km guided tour in mid June. Not much wild life to see on guided tour. Guided tour is a must during this period.
But when driving up here, we saw a deer family, complete with baby deer. Someone in the guided tour saw a bear but the bear ran off before anyone else can see it.
As a Canadian used to many bears, I thought the “scary video” about bears was quite cute. Once you pass the mandatory lecture, the park itself and the trail around the lakes is spectacular.
My wife and I saw it in early spring, so the bamboo was quite low, which makes for some spectacular views to both the mountains and ocean.
I took the nature walk, which can be done without guide outside the bear aware season (10th of May until 31st of July) and I went the 1st of August 😀. I came early on the morning, as one of the first and before you may enter, you need to attend a small lecture and watch a informational video about bear activity. The early morning do has advantages e.g. higher animal activity. It's a nice tour with takes you 1 to 1,5 hours, depending if you take it easy or not.
