[Popular No. 1] World Natural Heritage Hokkaido Shiretoko Five Lakes Guided Tour A certified guide guides you through all five lakes
- You can enjoy the world natural heritage Shiretoko Five Lakes.
- It's a habitat for wild animals, so you might even come across them! ?
- You can enjoy the superb view point by charter only for the guided tour.
- The nature guide will explain in an easy-to-understand manner.
- You can also take a walk on the elevated wooden path where you can enjoy the superb view.
Package Options
Sightseeing Tours
| Tour Type | Shared tour |
| Tour types | Guided tour |
| Sightseeing type | Natural sights, Eco-tourism, Hiking |
| Transport | Walking |
Product Info
Purchase Notice
Please be aware of the above before applying.
The tour will proceed rain or shine, but may be cancelled if the guide deems it unsafe.
Skirts, heels, and sandals are not permitted.
Please be sure to wear comfortable clothing and shoes (such as trekking shoes) that are easy to walk in.
*Please contact us if you are pregnant.
Bringing food onto the walking trails is prohibited.
Please remove any food items such as gum or candy from your bag before gathering together.
If the Shiretoko Five Lakes Ground Promenade is closed due to a brown bear sighting,
Please note that we may change the location of your tour to the Shiretoko Five Lakes Elevated Boardwalk, the Furepe Falls Promenade, Otoko no Namida, etc.
Reminders
Please note that we will only be able to respond in Japanese or English.
On the day of the tour, please gather at the "Shiretoko Goko Field House" 15 minutes before the tour starts.
Please note that the promenade may be closed if a brown bear is sighted.
The Shiretoko Goko Lakes guided tour is scheduled for 3 hours from start to finish. Tour time cannot be shortened or extended.
However, please note that the tour time may be extended or shortened due to emergencies such as brown bears appearing.
If you would like to receive a hotel pick-up, please let us know in advance that you would like a hotel pick-up and the hotel name. *Please note that we may not be able to provide hotel pick-up and drop-off depending on the nature guide's schedule.
Please wear long pants to prevent insect bites and injuries. *In the summer, the area is inhabited by many mosquitoes. If you come wearing tights, mosquitoes will bite you through the tights.
Even in summer, it can get cold when it rains, so please bring a long-sleeved jacket.
Please refrain from participating in skirts, heels, and sandals.
Comfortable shoes for walking (trekking shoes, etc.)
Depending on the weather, we recommend bringing a hat and rainwear.
Please drink water or tea. *Please refrain from drinking drinks containing sugar.
Day bag (we recommend something that allows both hands to be free, such as a rucksack.)
Binoculars and rain boots are available for free rental.
If you are unable to take a walk on the ground promenade or cannot reach the Shiretoko Five Lakes (Five Lakes) → Guidance to the elevated wooden path and change of guidance location
If you are able to take a walk to the Shiretoko Goko Lakes (Lake 5 to Lake 4), we will add directions to the elevated wooden path. There are no refunds.
If you are able to take a walk to the Shiretoko Goko Lakes (3 lakes) → There will be no refund.
Cancellation Policy
- Cancellations 15 day(s) (inclusive) before the selected date are allowed. Unused orders can be canceled for free
- For cancellations made 8 to 14 days prior to selected date, a cancellation fee of 10% will apply
- For cancellations made 2 to 7 days prior to selected date, a cancellation fee of 20% will apply
- For cancellations made 1 to 1 days prior to selected date, a cancellation fee of 50% will apply
- Cancellation is not allowed between 0–0 days from the selected date. Orders cannot be canceled or modified, and refunds will not be granted.
- Due to time zone differences, the confirmed cancellation date is based on the supplier’s local time. Please allow 2–5 business days to process your cancellation request, after which the cancellation fee will be charged according to the product’s cancellation policy. Once the cancellation is confirmed, you will receive your refund within 14 working days.
FAQ
A guided tour offers an in-depth exploration of the World Natural Heritage site. Certified nature guides provide expert commentary, revealing intricate details of the ecosystem and local wildlife that might otherwise go unnoticed. This enhances understanding and appreciation of Shiretoko's pristine nature, offering a deeper connection to the environment. The tour also ensures access to unique vantage points, enriching the overall experience.
The Shiretoko Five Lakes are a cluster of five freshwater lakes nestled amidst a primeval forest, offering stunning reflections of the surrounding mountains and sky. They are part of a rich ecosystem, serving as a vital habitat for various wild animals, including deer, foxes, and numerous bird species. The pristine, untouched nature and tranquil atmosphere make it a significant natural heritage site, showcasing Hokkaido's unique wilderness.
The best time to visit Shiretoko Five Lakes generally spans from late spring (May) to autumn (October). During this period, the weather is pleasant for walking, and the landscape is vibrant with lush greenery or autumn foliage. Spring and early summer are ideal for birdwatching and seeing young wildlife, while autumn offers spectacular fall colors. Specific wildlife sightings can vary, but these seasons increase your chances.
During a guided tour of Shiretoko Five Lakes, visitors can explore each of the five lakes, each offering distinct views and photographic opportunities. Key attractions include the elevated wooden path, which provides safe and accessible views over the first lake and the surrounding landscape without disturbing wildlife. The tour also includes specific superb view points, often accessible only via guided tours, providing panoramic vistas of the Shiretoko mountain range and the Sea of Okhotsk.
Shiretoko Five Lakes is a renowned habitat for diverse wildlife. Visitors on a guided tour may have the opportunity to observe Hokkaido sika deer, various species of foxes, and a wide array of birdlife, including white-tailed eagles and Blakiston's fish owls. While sightings are not guaranteed due to the wild nature of the animals, the presence of a nature guide significantly increases the chances of spotting and identifying them from a safe distance.
A certified nature guide provides invaluable insights into Shiretoko's complex ecosystem, geology, and history, enriching the visitor's understanding far beyond what self-exploration offers. Guides can point out subtle details of flora and fauna, explain animal behaviors, and interpret the natural landscape in an engaging and easy-to-understand manner. They also ensure visitor safety and compliance with conservation rules, allowing for a more immersive and responsible experience.
Yes, visitors can walk the elevated wooden path at Shiretoko Five Lakes. This path is approximately 800 meters long and offers a barrier-free, leisurely stroll with breathtaking views. It provides safe access to the first lake and its surroundings, protecting the fragile ecosystem while allowing visitors to observe the pristine nature and potentially spot wildlife without disturbing them. The path offers stunning reflections of the Shiretoko mountains on the lake's surface.
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