Shiretoko Five Lakes and Forest Hiking Tour

Highlights

  • A pre-walk briefing is provided, so even first-time participants can join with confidence!
  • Explore the highlights of Shiretoko on a Shiretoko Five Lakes walk, with a chance to spot wildlife!
  • Guided by a highly experienced Shiretoko guide with over 20 years of expertise
  • Autumn foliage at the Five Lakes is spectacular, with peak colors typically from early to mid-October

What to expect

Tour around the five lakes of Shiretoko on a 3 km course. With plenty of photo taking opportunities, hike through the scenic course while taking in the wonderful scenery of Hokkaido.

About this experience

Starting at
09:00, 10:00, 13:30, 15:00

Schedule

  1. Meet at Shiretoko Goko Lakes Field House.
  2. Utoro Pickup Available Depending on Guide Schedule (Upon Request)
  3. Pre-Tour Briefing
  4. Shiretoko Goko Lakes Guided Tour
    A signature Shiretoko field with five lakes nestled in the forest, guided by a seasoned local guide.

    ・Experience the essence of the UNESCO World Natural Heritage–listed Shiretoko.
    ・Led by a guide with over 20 years of experience.
    ・Duration: approx. 3 hours (approx. 4 hours with Utoro pickup).
  5. Elevated Boardwalk
    At the end of the walk, you’ll head onto an approximately 800 m elevated boardwalk. Electric fencing is in place, allowing you to enjoy the scenery with peace of mind.
  6. Shiretoko Five Lakes Guided Tour Ends
  7. Tour Ends at Shiretoko Goko Field House
  8. *Drop-off service to the Utoro area is also available

Location and Directions

  • Check-in / Check-out

    Shiretoko goko lakes Field House

    Iwaobetsu, Shari-cho Shari-gun, Hokkaido

    Shiretoko goko lakes Field House — Iwaobetsu, Shari-cho Shari-gun, Hokkaido

Reviews

4.80
65 reviews
553
410
31
21
10
The tour itself was good, but...
Posted Date: 2020/11/07
なんだかな~
The tour itself was quite enjoyable. However, perhaps because we were with the full-day tour participants, we (the half-day tour group) had no transportation provided, and we struggled to find the meeting point. Despite being told to gather 10 minutes early, we ended up arriving late (with no apology), and on the way back, the guidance for the full-day tour participants took priority, leaving us in a bit of a neglected state... so the experience surrounding the tour was not very pleasant. I thin… The tour itself was quite enjoyable. However, perhaps because we were with the full-day tour participants, we (the half-day tour group) had no transportation provided, and we struggled to find the meeting point. Despite being told to gather 10 minutes early, we ended up arriving late (with no apology), and on the way back, the guidance for the full-day tour participants took priority, leaving us in a bit of a neglected state... so the experience surrounding the tour was not very pleasant. I think it's a good idea to confirm whether you'll be with the full-day tour participants when making a reservation. Alternatively, if you go in with the mindset that this is how it is, you might not feel the same way. That said, the tour itself was wonderful, and I was satisfied. ツアーそのものは、十分楽しめました。しかし、一日コースの人達と一緒だったせいかもしれませんが、私たち(半日コース)だけ送迎なし、待ち合わせ場所がわからず、自分たちで探し回った、早く着くので、10分前までに集合してほしいとの依頼連絡があったにも関わらず、若干遅刻(お詫びなし)、帰りは、一日ツアーの人達への案内が優先で、私たちは放置状態・・・などとツアーの前後は、あまり気分のいいものではありませんでした。予約される際は、一日コースの人達と一緒かどうかを、確認されたほうがいいかと思います。または、そんな… ツアーそのものは、十分楽しめました。しかし、一日コースの人達と一緒だったせいかもしれませんが、私たち(半日コース)だけ送迎なし、待ち合わせ場所がわからず、自分たちで探し回った、早く着くので、10分前までに集合してほしいとの依頼連絡があったにも関わらず、若干遅刻(お詫びなし)、帰りは、一日ツアーの人達への案内が優先で、私たちは放置状態・・・などとツアーの前後は、あまり気分のいいものではありませんでした。予約される際は、一日コースの人達と一緒かどうかを、確認されたほうがいいかと思います。または、そんなものだと考えて参加されると、同じような思いはしないと思いました。繰り返しですが、ツアーそのものは、素晴らしく、満足できました。
Machine translated from Japanese
Reply from the operator
We sincerely apologize for any discomfort we may have caused you. During our communication the day before the tour, we were unable to convey the details regarding the meeting point effectively, and we also failed to pay adequate attention to all participants throughout the tour.

We are glad to hear that you enjoyed the tour itself, and we will strive to provide more attentive service in the future. Thank you for your valuable feedback.
Ohootsuku Shizendo, Kanako Umebayashi
この度はご不快な思いをさせてしまい大変申し訳ございませんでした。
ツアー前日の連絡の際にご集合に関する説明が上手くお伝えできておらず、
またご参加いただいた皆さまに終始目が行き届かず改めてお詫び申し上げます。

ツアー自体はお楽しみいただけたとのことで、今後はより丁寧な対応を心掛けていく所存です。
貴重なご意見をありがとうございました。
オホーツク自然堂 梅林歌奈子
Machine translated from Japanese
I had to give up due to heavy thunderstorms on the day.
Posted Date: 2020/09/29
kaz
I booked this tour in Shiretoko for late August. However, it rained on the day of the tour. By the meeting time at 9 AM, the rain had intensified.

The female guide provided rubber boots and raincoats, saying that the tour would go on as long as it was manageable. She mentioned that the rain would lessen in the forest, but since my journey was still ongoing and I didn't want to catch a cold during the pandemic, I decided to cancel the tour at the last minute.

Basically, it seems that this tour does…
I booked this tour in Shiretoko for late August. However, it rained on the day of the tour. By the meeting time at 9 AM, the rain had intensified.

The female guide provided rubber boots and raincoats, saying that the tour would go on as long as it was manageable. She mentioned that the rain would lessen in the forest, but since my journey was still ongoing and I didn't want to catch a cold during the pandemic, I decided to cancel the tour at the last minute.

Basically, it seems that this tour does not allow for shortening or leaving midway (possibly due to concerns about bears). I would like to try again.
8月下旬に知床のこちらのツアーを予約しました。
だけど、当日は雨。9時の集合時刻頃には雨が一層強くなりました。

ガイドの女性の方は、長靴と合羽も用意してくださり、これぐらいならツアーはしますよとのこと。森の中は雨が弱まりますとのことでしたが、旅もまだ続けるので、コロナ禍で風邪にかかっては大変と思い、直前でツアーは断念した次第です。

基本、このツアーは短縮と途中離脱はできないそうです。(熊のこともあるようです)
また、再チャレンジしたいな。
Machine translated from Japanese
Reply from the operator
Thank you very much for your comment.
On the day of the tour, it was raining heavily at the meeting time, but we proceeded with the tour as we expected the weather to improve.
However, it can be quite difficult to travel if you catch a cold.
I sincerely apologize for not being able to assist you this time.
We truly hope you will join us again next time.

Okhotsk Nature Studio, Kanako Umebayashi
コメントをいただき誠にありがとうございます。
当日は集合時が一番強く降っていましたが、回復の見込みでしたのでツアーは実施いたしました。
ただお風邪を召されては旅もつらいものになってしまいますね。
この度はご案内ができず大変申し訳ございませんでした。
次回改めてご参加いただけますことを心より願っております。

オホーツク自然堂 梅林歌奈子
Machine translated from Japanese
I was able to learn various pieces of knowledge!
Posted Date: 2019/08/29
cockatoo
I had a very meaningful time learning about various plants, trees, and mushrooms while walking slowly.

Unfortunately, I didn't encounter many animals or birds, but I was able to truly feel the nature of Shiretoko. I definitely want to come back in a different season.

*I was grateful that they lent me rubber boots since the path was quite muddy.*
草や木やキノコなどたくさん知識をゆっくり歩きながら教えてもらえてとても有意義な時間でした。

残念ながらあまり動物や鳥などには会えませんでしたが、知床の自然は肌で感じることができました。また違う季節にも是非来てみたいです。

※道が結構ぬかるんでいて長靴を貸してもらえるのはありがたかったです。
Machine translated from Japanese
It would be perfect if the weather is nice! That's my rating.
Posted Date: 2020/07/25
mandarin_org
The weather wasn't great, and we ended up exploring in heavy rain for part of the trip. The visibility was poor, and we couldn't see the mountains behind the lake at all. However, the guide's stories were all fascinating and helped lift my spirits. The explanations about the birds we occasionally heard and the animals that we would have missed if we were walking on our own were also very good. I would like to join this tour again someday, hopefully on a sunny day.お天気が良くなくて、途中まで大粒の雨の中の散策となりました。景色も見通し悪く、湖の後ろにある山は全く見えず。でも、ガイドさんのお話はどれも興味深く残念な気持ちを吹き飛ばしてくれました。ときおり聞こえる鳥の声の説明や、自分達だけで歩いていたら見過ごしていただろう動物たちがここで生きている証の説明もとても良かったです。またいつか今度は晴れた日にこのツアーに参加したいと思います。
Machine translated from Japanese
Setting the guide mast period
Posted Date: 2020/09/05
Delo
After August, it wasn't a guided tour, was it? I requested a guide, but I felt somewhat deceived financially.

The content included stories about bears, plants, and the history of Shiretoko, which I thought was very good. The tour was canceled due to a bear encounter, but by August, they are no longer around. I think experiencing the thrill in July would be better.
8月以降、ガイドマストじゃなかったんですね。
ガイドさんをお願いしたわけですが、お金的になんか騙された感じ。

内容は、熊の話、植物の話、知床の歴史とふんだんに教えてもらい、大変良かったと思います。クマとの遭遇でツアー中止となりますが、8月はもういない状況。7月にって、ドキドキ感を味わうのがいいと思います。
Machine translated from Japanese
Ezo Haruzemi
Posted Date: 2022/06/08
matu
I was glad to see the Ezo haruzemi (a type of cicada). The guide was also easy to understand and kind. It was a bit cold, but I felt the forest was just too beautiful!エゾハルゼミがみられたから良かったです。またガイドもわかりやすく親切でした。ちょっと寒かったけど、森林が綺麗すぎ〜と感じました。
Machine translated from Japanese
It became a great memory.
Posted Date: 2023/07/17
ヤマタケ
We participated as a family. The guide taught us a lot about the nature of Shiretoko and the pioneer era. Also, regarding the bears that have been frequently spotted recently, we felt a sense of security in case of an emergency. I'm glad we participated. We made great memories. Thank you.親子で参加しました。ガイドさんから知床の自然や開拓時代について色々と教えて頂きました。また、最近良く出没している熊に対しても、もしもの場合の安心感が違いました。参加して良かったです。いい思い出ができました。ありがとう。
Machine translated from Japanese
The round trip walk around Shiretoko Goko was canceled, but...
Posted Date: 2023/10/01
さくたろう
I signed up for the "Shiretoko Five Lakes Walking Tour - Full Lake Loop" for the first afternoon slot, but unfortunately, due to a bear sighting during the morning tour, all tours for that day were canceled. It's disappointing, but it's nature, so there's nothing we can do about it. In the meantime, while walking back and forth on the elevated wooden path, the guide's explanations were very interesting. Just when I thought we were done, we were informed that we would be exploring a different are… I signed up for the "Shiretoko Five Lakes Walking Tour - Full Lake Loop" for the first afternoon slot, but unfortunately, due to a bear sighting during the morning tour, all tours for that day were canceled. It's disappointing, but it's nature, so there's nothing we can do about it. In the meantime, while walking back and forth on the elevated wooden path, the guide's explanations were very interesting. Just when I thought we were done, we were informed that we would be exploring a different area, so I decided to join that.

As a result, it turned out to be quite enjoyable. The guide's explanations were clear and I really appreciated them. We got to see a waterfall and encountered wild deer, making for a unique experience that I wouldn't normally have. I definitely recommend participating in the tour at least once to enjoy the walk while listening to the guide's stories.
「知床五湖ウォーキングツアー 五湖一周」を午後一番の申し込みをしましたが、当日午後、ガイドさんの丁寧な説明があり朝のツアーから熊が出てしまいこの日はすべてのツアー自体が残念ながら中止となってしましました。こればかりは自然相手ですから残念ですがしょうがないですね。取り合えず高架木道を往復歩いている間もガイドさんの説明は非常に興味深いもがありました、これで解散かと思ったら少し場所は違いますがそちらを散策すると言う事なのでそれに参加致しました。
結果、それはそれでなかなか楽しかったです。なんと言ってもガ…
「知床五湖ウォーキングツアー 五湖一周」を午後一番の申し込みをしましたが、当日午後、ガイドさんの丁寧な説明があり朝のツアーから熊が出てしまいこの日はすべてのツアー自体が残念ながら中止となってしましました。こればかりは自然相手ですから残念ですがしょうがないですね。取り合えず高架木道を往復歩いている間もガイドさんの説明は非常に興味深いもがありました、これで解散かと思ったら少し場所は違いますがそちらを散策すると言う事なのでそれに参加致しました。
結果、それはそれでなかなか楽しかったです。なんと言ってもガイドさんの説明が分かりやすく非常に堪能させてもらいました。途中で滝?を見たり野生の鹿に遭遇したりと普段は経験できない散策で良かったですよ。
やはり一度はツアー参加でガイドさんの話を聞きながら散策するのも楽しいのでおすすめ致します。
Machine translated from Japanese
The weather is...
Posted Date: 2024/05/22
ともちん
The staff were very friendly, and I was able to enjoy my time there. Unfortunately, it rained that day, and the temperature was in the single digits. However, by the time we started, the rain had stopped, and we could explore without getting wet! It's a bit disappointing to think that we could have seen even better views if it had been sunny. I had a valuable experience in a natural heritage site that is not easily accessible!スタッフの皆さんもとても良い感じで、楽しく回ることが出来ました。
この日は生憎の雨で気温も一桁。でも始まる頃には雨も上がり濡れずに散策できました!晴れていたらもっといい景色を見る事が出来たと思うとちょっと残念。
なかなか踏み入れる事ができない自然遺産で貴重な体験をする事が出来ました!
Machine translated from Japanese
Enjoying with a small group.
Posted Date: 2024/08/29
H.O
It was pouring rain at the meeting point, but as we prepared, it turned into light rain, and by the time we started, it was sunny. In the end, the 80% chance of rain calmed down in front of the sunny weather. Since there were 8 participants in 4 groups, it was easy to hear the explanations, and we could enjoy the experience at a leisurely pace. We only encountered one deer, but observing insects, frogs, mushrooms, and trees was very interesting. The guide was a veteran (young) and was very atten… It was pouring rain at the meeting point, but as we prepared, it turned into light rain, and by the time we started, it was sunny. In the end, the 80% chance of rain calmed down in front of the sunny weather. Since there were 8 participants in 4 groups, it was easy to hear the explanations, and we could enjoy the experience at a leisurely pace. We only encountered one deer, but observing insects, frogs, mushrooms, and trees was very interesting. The guide was a veteran (young) and was very attentive. We also had many photos taken. Thank you very much. The rain gear I brought was not needed, but I was glad it didn't rain. The rented boots (free) were very helpful. 集合時豪雨でしたが、準備をしているうちに小雨になり、スタート時には晴れてきました。結局80%の降水確率は晴れ男の前におとなしくなりました。4グループ8人の参加だったので説明も聞きやすく、ゆっくりペースで満喫できました。動物には鹿1匹しか出合いませんでしたが、昆虫、カエル、きのこ、木々の観察ができ興味深かったです。ガイドさんもベテラン(若い)でいろいろきをつかってkいろいろきをつかってくれました。写真もいっぱい撮影していただきました。有り難うございました。持参したレインウェアは役に立ちませんでしたが、雨… 集合時豪雨でしたが、準備をしているうちに小雨になり、スタート時には晴れてきました。結局80%の降水確率は晴れ男の前におとなしくなりました。4グループ8人の参加だったので説明も聞きやすく、ゆっくりペースで満喫できました。動物には鹿1匹しか出合いませんでしたが、昆虫、カエル、きのこ、木々の観察ができ興味深かったです。ガイドさんもベテラン(若い)でいろいろきをつかってkいろいろきをつかってくれました。写真もいっぱい撮影していただきました。有り難うございました。持参したレインウェアは役に立ちませんでしたが、雨降りにならず良かったです。レンタルした長靴(無料)は大変役に立ちました。
Machine translated from Japanese
The guide's explanation.
Posted Date: 2025/07/30
圭様
The temperature was low, but I felt warmer than I expected. However, the guide's explanations were excellent, and I learned a lot of things. The quiz time was also fun. There were two groups from Japan, one from Singapore, and one from Taiwan, so we were quite mixed, but the explanations in Japanese, English, and Mandarin were impressive!気温は低かったけど、思った以上に暑く感じました。しかしながらガイドさんの説明が上手く、色んな事が知れました。クイズタイムも楽しかった。同行は、日本二組、シンガポール一組、台湾一組とバラバラでしたが、日本語、英語、北京語まじえての説明はさすがですね~
Machine translated from Japanese
Shiretoko Five Lakes Tour
Posted Date: 2026/05/14
なる
The guide had extensive knowledge and explained everything clearly. After the tour, they even took us to a recommended lunch spot.ガイドさんの知識が豊富で、わかりやすく教えてくれた。
ツアー後も、ランチのお勧めの店迄送ってくれた。
Machine translated from Japanese
Shiretoko is a great place, a UNESCO World Heritage site, comparable to the Canadian Rockies.
Posted Date: 2016/10/12
SteveM
I arrived at Memanbetsu Airport the day before and left Abashiri City at 6 AM the next morning for the 8:10 lecture on the Shiretoko Five Lakes, where I learned about the habitat of the brown bear. With the guide, we toured the five lakes, enjoying various explanations and amusing anecdotes. The Shiretoko Peninsula is surrounded by the sea, and the mountains of the peninsula reveal different landscapes, sometimes hidden by clouds. Depending on the season, in winter, you can walk to the islands i… I arrived at Memanbetsu Airport the day before and left Abashiri City at 6 AM the next morning for the 8:10 lecture on the Shiretoko Five Lakes, where I learned about the habitat of the brown bear. With the guide, we toured the five lakes, enjoying various explanations and amusing anecdotes. The Shiretoko Peninsula is surrounded by the sea, and the mountains of the peninsula reveal different landscapes, sometimes hidden by clouds. Depending on the season, in winter, you can walk to the islands in the frozen lakes. The guide informed us about the Kamuiwakka Falls, which has hot springs that close at the end of October, and we enjoyed a day trip to a hot spring over the mountain pass. Afterward, we returned to Abashiri, where we saw Kunashir Island from Rausu and experienced many other things. Two nights and three days are not enough, and I especially want to come back during the drift ice season. 前日に女満別空港着、翌朝網走市内朝6時出立で8:10の知床五胡レクチャーでヒグマの生活圏にお邪魔するってことを教わり、ガイドさんと五胡巡り、色々と解説と小ネタに笑わせてもらいながら、知床半島は海に挟まれ、知床半島の山々が色んな景色 雲隠れしたり現れたりで、季節によっても変わる冬なら凍った五胡の中の島へ歩いていけるとか。ガイドさんに教えてもらって10月末には閉まる温泉が流れ出るカムイワッカの滝やら峠越えた温泉で日帰り湯を楽しみ後、半島の反対側の羅臼では国後島を見て、他色々で網走に戻りました。2泊3日では足… 前日に女満別空港着、翌朝網走市内朝6時出立で8:10の知床五胡レクチャーでヒグマの生活圏にお邪魔するってことを教わり、ガイドさんと五胡巡り、色々と解説と小ネタに笑わせてもらいながら、知床半島は海に挟まれ、知床半島の山々が色んな景色 雲隠れしたり現れたりで、季節によっても変わる冬なら凍った五胡の中の島へ歩いていけるとか。ガイドさんに教えてもらって10月末には閉まる温泉が流れ出るカムイワッカの滝やら峠越えた温泉で日帰り湯を楽しみ後、半島の反対側の羅臼では国後島を見て、他色々で網走に戻りました。2泊3日では足りないし、季節によって、特に流氷時期もまた来てみたい。
Machine translated from Japanese
First experience
Posted Date: 2017/02/05
鈴の助
I received a thorough explanation in advance, and the guide provided a polite and detailed tour. I was moved to see wild bears.事前の説明を受けて、ガイドの方に丁寧に案内していただきました。
野生のクマを見ることができて感動しました。
Machine translated from Japanese
The guide was detailed, kind, and it was a lot of fun!
Posted Date: 2018/06/07
シシコジ
The guide was very knowledgeable about the wildlife and nature of Shiretoko, and it was truly educational. The explanations were thorough, and the tour was excellent from start to finish. Thank you very much.ガイドさんが知床の動物にも自然にも詳しく本当に勉強になりました。説明も丁寧で、初めから最後までとても良いツアーになりました。本当にありがとうございました。
Machine translated from Japanese
A guide who loves their hometown.
Posted Date: 2019/02/19
もくれん
The host paid close attention to the guests while skillfully explaining things with humor, making it very engaging. Towards the end, they kindly helped us decide where to have lunch. What struck me the most was how much they genuinely love their local area. 細かくゲストに目を配りつつ、冗談を交えながら上手に説明され、聞き応えがありました。終了間際には、昼食をどこで取ったらよいかの相談にも親身にのっていただきました。一番感じたのは、地元をとっても愛されている方だと感じました。
Machine translated from Japanese
Shiretoko Five Lakes Guided Tour
Posted Date: 2019/08/07
匿名希望
The weather was favorable, and we could see the mountains clearly.
We took three hours to cover 3 km, so it was quite a slow pace.
Our guide, Mr. Umebayashi, was excellent.
He made it easy to understand the formation of the Shiretoko Five Lakes and shared interesting stories about the trees.
It was hot in the sunny spots, but when the wind blew, it was refreshing, and we enjoyed a nice forest bath.
天気に恵まれ山がくっきりみれました。
3kmを3時間ですので、かなりゆっくりペースです。
ガイドの梅林さんがとてもよかったです。
知床5湖の成り立ち、木の話など聞きやすかったです。
日が当たる場所は暑かったですが、風が吹くとさわやかで、いい森林浴ができました。


Machine translated from Japanese
It was interesting!
Posted Date: 2019/09/01
ゆうこ
Unfortunately, the Shiretoko Five Lakes tour was canceled due to a bear sighting, but instead, I was taken on a trekking tour through the primeval forest. Walking through the forest while listening to explanations was really interesting and I gained a lot of knowledge. The guide's explanations were entertaining, and I was able to see stunning ocean views, making it a fantastic trip.

I also appreciate the thoughtfulness of providing an alternative tour instead of just canceling.
あいにく知床五湖に熊が出たーということで知床五湖ツアーは中止になりましたが 代わりに原生林の森トレッキングに連れて行ってもらいました。
説明を聞きながら 森を歩き 知識も増え 本当に面白かったです。
ガイドの方の説明が面白く、海の絶景も見られ
最高の旅になりました。

キャンセルではなく 他のツアーを用意してくださる心遣いにも感謝です。
Machine translated from Japanese
The long-awaited Shiretoko Walk!
Posted Date: 2019/11/10
mickey
In October 2019, I participated with three generations of my family. The planned lakeside area became inaccessible due to a bear sighting two days prior, so we had to switch to a guided tour of the primeval forest. However, this turned out to be a very valuable experience. The guide's enjoyable explanations about the forest and wildlife, as well as the consideration shown towards my elderly mother, were greatly appreciated. Next time, I would like to join the lakeside course and enjoy the unique… In October 2019, I participated with three generations of my family. The planned lakeside area became inaccessible due to a bear sighting two days prior, so we had to switch to a guided tour of the primeval forest. However, this turned out to be a very valuable experience. The guide's enjoyable explanations about the forest and wildlife, as well as the consideration shown towards my elderly mother, were greatly appreciated. Next time, I would like to join the lakeside course and enjoy the unique guidance from the guide while walking! 2019年10月に家族三世代で参加しました。予定していた湖周辺は二日前に熊が出没した関係で入場できなくなってしまい、ガイドさん連れでしか行けない原生林コースに変更になってしまいましたが、それがかえって大変貴重な体験になりました。森や野生動物に関するガイドさんの楽しい解説、高齢の母に対する気遣いなど、大変ありがたかったです。今度は湖コースに参加して、ガイドさんならではの案内をいただきながら歩きたいです!
Machine translated from Japanese
Clear skies.
Posted Date: 2020/07/26
カルビ
I was deeply moved by the beauty of nature after being cooped up at home for so long during the self-restraint period. The guide's detailed explanations about the plants and animals enhanced my experience even more.ずっと自粛生活で家に籠っていたので、自然の美しさに感動しました。ガイドさんが決め細やかに植物、動物について解説してくれたため、感動が倍増しました。
Machine translated from Japanese

Explore more