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Shiretoko Five Lakes and Forest Hiking Tour

4.80· 69 reviews

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.

What's included

Insurance
Shiretoko goko lakes entry lecture fee
Japanese-speaking guide

About this experience

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

Schedule

Meet at Shiretoko Goko Lakes Field House.
Utoro Pickup Available Depending on Guide Schedule (Upon Request)
Pre-Tour Briefing
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).
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.
Shiretoko Five Lakes Guided Tour Ends
Tour Ends at Shiretoko Goko Field House
*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
From Shari-cho to Utoro:
About 90 Km from Memambetsu airport.(about 2 hours)
About 40 Km from JR Konsen Line Shiretoko Shari Station.

From Utoro to Shiretoko goko lakes:
About 1.8 km from Utoro in Shari town. (about 20 minutes by car)

Your final pick-up time will be notified to you via e-mail one day before your tour from VELTRA. Please make sure to check your e-mail a day before your tour.
Parking information
For people who come by car
Please park your car at Goko lakes parking area, which is open from 7:30 a.m.
Charge: Standard-sized car - JPY 500

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Restrictions

Participants must be elementary school age or older and up to 75 years old.
Must be able to go up and down stairs without using handrails and walk at least 3 km without assistance.
Basically, the meeting point is on site (Shiretoko Goko Field House), but pickup and drop-off service is also available within the Utoro area. Please note that this service may not be available depending on the guide’s schedule.
Participants with serious pre-existing conditions related to the cardiovascular, respiratory, or nervous systems must declare their diagnosis and any medications they are currently taking in advance, and must bring their medication with them on the day of the tour. Depending on the medical condition and the participant’s physical condition on the day, participation may be declined.
Pregnant participants and those who have consumed alcohol are not permitted to join.
Please note that if such conditions are discovered on the day of the tour without prior declaration, participation will be denied and the standard cancellation fee will apply.
During the period from May 10 to July 31 (brown bear active season), access to the ground-level walking trails at the Shiretoko Five Lakes is permitted only as part of a guided tour led by a certified nature guide.

What to bring

【Clothing】
・Hat / long pants
・Please wear comfortable, well-broken-in athletic shoes or trekking shoes.
・To prevent attracting hornets, please avoid dark-colored clothing, perfume, and hair products.
・Gaiters and shorts are not recommended, as they make you more susceptible to mosquito and tick bites.
・In spring and autumn, a lightweight down jacket, fleece, gloves, a hat that covers the ears, and thermal innerwear may be necessary on some days. Please check the weekly weather forecast and prepare accordingly.
【What to Bring】
・Towel / hat / insect repellent / sunscreen / camera / personal medications / backpack (to keep your hands free) / drinks (water or tea with no sugar)
・As this is a brown bear habitat, bringing food is not permitted.
In the event of rain or muddy conditions, rubber boots (free of charge) and rainwear (¥500) are available for rental.
If you wish to use this service, please specify your size (e.g., ○○ cm, women’s M size) in the booking form.

Other requirements

The standard meeting time is 15 minutes before the tour start time. The time stated in the email sent by VELTRA the day before is only a guideline.
Further details will be provided directly by the guide via mobile phone after the evening of the day before the tour. (For guests using the pickup service, the confirmed pickup time will be communicated.)

Additional notes

・Free binoculars are available for rental (excluding rainy or dense fog conditions; no reservation required).
・The tour will operate in light rain; however, it will be canceled in severe weather if safety cannot be ensured. If the tour is canceled before the start, no fee will be charged. Please note that no refunds will be given if the tour is discontinued after it has started due to sudden weather changes.
The activity schedule is subject to change or cancellation due to weather or traffic conditions.
In the event that the walking trails are closed due to snow accumulation or brown bear activity, the tour may be canceled or an alternative plan will be offered, depending on the guide’s schedule.
We kindly ask for your cooperation to ensure an enjoyable experience for everyone. Please note that we cannot be held responsible for any accidents caused by a participant’s intentional actions or negligence.

Operated by

Okhotsk Jinendo (Code:118625)

Cancellation policy

3-7 business days before (local time): 20%
1-3 business days before (local time): 50%
After 6:00 PM the day before / No-show: 100%

Reviews

4.80

69 reviews

556

411

Guest photos 90

It was the best.

Posted Date: 2026/07/14

yekou

The guide was very kind and explained the ecology of the brown bear in detail. They also taught us a lot about the animals and natural environment of the area, which was very educational. Thank you very much.ガイドさんはとても親切で、ヒグマの生態について詳しく説明してくださいました。また、この地域の動物や自然環境についてもたくさん教えていただき、大変勉強になりました。ありがとうございました。

Machine translated from Japanese

I enjoyed the Shiretoko Five Lakes.

Posted Date: 2026/07/13

よし君

I was able to enjoy touring the five lakes while listening to the guide's appropriate explanations and receiving thoughtful answers to my questions. The bear claw marks, the remains of bear meals (skunk cabbage), animal trails, and the traces of black woodpecker nests were all fascinating, adding to the experience beyond just viewing the lakes. I also saw Ezo deer, and I even encountered a brown bear from the boardwalk. The discussion about environmental conservation efforts, such as the removal… I was able to enjoy touring the five lakes while listening to the guide's appropriate explanations and receiving thoughtful answers to my questions. The bear claw marks, the remains of bear meals (skunk cabbage), animal trails, and the traces of black woodpecker nests were all fascinating, adding to the experience beyond just viewing the lakes. I also saw Ezo deer, and I even encountered a brown bear from the boardwalk. The discussion about environmental conservation efforts, such as the removal of water lilies, was also very interesting. ガイドさんの適切な説明を聞いたり、こちらの質問に丁寧に答えて頂きながら楽しく五湖を巡ることが出来ました。熊の爪痕や熊のご馳走(水芭蕉)の食事跡、獣道、クマゲラの巣の跡等は湖の鑑賞だけでなく興味のあるものでした。エゾシカもいたし、木道からヒグマにも会えました。睡蓮の除去等環境保全の取組みのお話も興味深いものでした。

Machine translated from Japanese

Enjoying the nature of Shiretoko Five Lakes with a guide.

Posted Date: 2026/07/13

paz

As a 70-year-old couple, this was my first time visiting Shiretoko Five Lakes. I was accompanied by a family from Taiwan and Hong Kong.

While listening to our guide, Mr. Umebayashi, talk about the nature, animals, and plants of Shiretoko, we were able to walk leisurely and enjoyably. Although my knees were not in great shape, I managed fine at the three-hour pace.

The guide was in contact with the center headquarters regarding information about brown bears, and we were thrilled to see a brown be… As a 70-year-old couple, this was my first time visiting Shiretoko Five Lakes. I was accompanied by a family from Taiwan and Hong Kong.

While listening to our guide, Mr. Umebayashi, talk about the nature, animals, and plants of Shiretoko, we were able to walk leisurely and enjoyably. Although my knees were not in great shape, I managed fine at the three-hour pace.

The guide was in contact with the center headquarters regarding information about brown bears, and we were thrilled to see a brown bear at Shiretoko Lake One, which we visited last.

I highly recommend walking with a guide!

I was told that it is possible to walk without any assistance, but it’s not just about walking. 70歳夫婦で、私は初めての知床五湖。台湾と香港のご家族とご一緒させて頂きました。
ガイドさん（梅林氏）の知床の自然、動物・植物の話を聞きながら、ゆったりと楽しく歩けました。膝の調子が悪かったのですが、3時間のペースだと大丈夫でした。
ガイドさんは、センター本部とヒグマ情報を連絡取り合っており、最後に廻った知床一湖でヒグマを見られ、感激でした。
ガイドさん付きのウオーキング、お勧めです！

をつけなくても歩くことができると教えてもらったが、ただ歩くだけでなく

Machine translated from Japanese

I have gained another fun memory.

Posted Date: 2026/07/08

yumi

Thank you for a very enjoyable time yesterday! We were lucky to have the guide, Umebayashi-san, all to ourselves from the 2 PM departure. It was a quick three hours filled with stories not only about the plants and animals of the Five Lakes but also about the history of Shiretoko and a variety of other topics. We took many photos together, creating wonderful memories. By the time we reached the boardwalk, it started to rain as Umebayashi-san had predicted, but we were still satisfied to see the … Thank you for a very enjoyable time yesterday! We were lucky to have the guide, Umebayashi-san, all to ourselves from the 2 PM departure. It was a quick three hours filled with stories not only about the plants and animals of the Five Lakes but also about the history of Shiretoko and a variety of other topics. We took many photos together, creating wonderful memories. By the time we reached the boardwalk, it started to rain as Umebayashi-san had predicted, but we were still satisfied to see the Shiretoko mountain range 😊 If the weather had been better, it would have been a five-star experience! 昨日はとても楽しい時間をありがとうございました！午後2時からの出発で、私達２人だけでガイドの梅林さんを独占でき、ラッキーでした。五湖の植物や動物だけでなく、知床の歴史やその他多岐にわたるお話を聞きながらアッという間の3時間でした。2人の写真も沢山撮っていただき、楽しい想い出が増えました。木道に着く頃に、梅林さんの予報通り雨が降りはじめましたが、知床連山も見えて満足です😊天気が良かったら星5ですが〜。

Machine translated from Japanese

Since it's the active season for brown bears, I'm joining a tour.

Posted Date: 2026/07/05

kou uraki

We gathered at 8:40 AM, watched a video about dealing with brown bears, and started the tour around 9:00 AM. The limit was one guide for every ten people, and our group consisted of 7 people: 2 from the USA, 1 from the UK, and 4 Japanese.

Since it was the brown bear breeding season, access was restricted to guided tours only, except for the elevated boardwalks that had electric fences installed. After the rain during the active period, we encountered continuous brown bear footprints, and towards… We gathered at 8:40 AM, watched a video about dealing with brown bears, and started the tour around 9:00 AM. The limit was one guide for every ten people, and our group consisted of 7 people: 2 from the USA, 1 from the UK, and 4 Japanese.

Since it was the brown bear breeding season, access was restricted to guided tours only, except for the elevated boardwalks that had electric fences installed. After the rain during the active period, we encountered continuous brown bear footprints, and towards the end, we received a radio report of a brown bear sighting. We were able to see a brown bear at the last elevated boardwalk of the tour.

Our guide, Mr. Umebayashi, is originally from Osaka but moved here 23 years ago. It was clear that he loves the eastern part of Hokkaido. Since you've come this far, it would be a shame to only experience the elevated boardwalk. I highly recommend the tour that allows you to experience all five lakes. 朝8時40分集合、ヒグマ対応の動画を見た後に9時頃ツアー開始。
ガイド一人当たり10名が上限とのことで、USA2名、UK1名、日本人4名の合計7名のツアー。
ヒグマ繁殖期なので電気柵が設置されている高架木道以外はガイド付きツアーでしか入れない。
活動期の雨上がりだったのでヒグマの足跡に連続して遭遇、終盤ガイドさんの無線にヒグマ目撃情報が入り、ツアー最後の高架木道でヒグマを見ることもできた。
ガイドの梅林さんんは大阪出身だが23年前に移住してきたとのこと。道東が好きなんだと伝わってきた。
ここまで来たのなら高架木道だけでは… 朝8時40分集合、ヒグマ対応の動画を見た後に9時頃ツアー開始。
ガイド一人当たり10名が上限とのことで、USA2名、UK1名、日本人4名の合計7名のツアー。
ヒグマ繁殖期なので電気柵が設置されている高架木道以外はガイド付きツアーでしか入れない。
活動期の雨上がりだったのでヒグマの足跡に連続して遭遇、終盤ガイドさんの無線にヒグマ目撃情報が入り、ツアー最後の高架木道でヒグマを見ることもできた。
ガイドの梅林さんんは大阪出身だが23年前に移住してきたとのこと。道東が好きなんだと伝わってきた。
ここまで来たのなら高架木道だけではもったいない。5湖全て体験できるツアーはお勧めです。

Machine translated from Japanese

The guide's storytelling is excellent.

Posted Date: 2026/06/13

The guide was very knowledgeable, and it was a lot of fun walking around. I could really feel that the guide truly loves Shiretoko.ガイドさんの知識が豊富で、歩いていて非常に楽しかったです。ガイドさんも知床が本当に好きなんだなと感じました。

Machine translated from Japanese

It was all things I had never seen or heard before!

Posted Date: 2026/06/12

おか

I participated in a grand loop tour that covered all five lakes of Shiretoko. The guide provided enjoyable explanations about the forest, flora and fauna, and Shiretoko itself. Everything was new to me, and I found it very interesting, allowing me to explore the area thoroughly.知床五湖を全て回る大ループツアーに参加しました。ガイドさんが森の事、動植物の事、知床の事等色々と楽しく説明して下さり、どれも初めて見ること聞くことばかりで、とても興味深く、散策する事が出来ました。

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

I was able to fully enjoy the nature of Shiretoko!

Posted Date: 2026/05/07

けりー

Not only did we receive information about the flora and fauna of Shiretoko, but since it was a walk in the light rain, we were also taught how to enjoy the unique experiences that come with a rainy day. I feel that I was able to fully enjoy Shiretoko through this tour!知床の動植物に関する情報だけではなく、小雨の中での散策だったこともあり、雨の日ならではの楽しみ方も教えていただき、本ツアーを通して、知床を満喫できたと感じています！

Machine translated from Japanese

The professionals enhance the sense of security and the resolution of Shiretoko.

Posted Date: 2025/10/13

シラカバ

I’m really glad I participated in Mr. Umebayashi's tour. I was a bit anxious about joining alone, especially with the recent reports of brown bear sightings, but walking with a group of about ten people led by Mr. Umebayashi, who has over 20 years of guiding experience, made me feel very secure and allowed me to enjoy the forests of Shiretoko.

Mr. Umebayashi, who is from Osaka, had an interesting way of speaking (in standard Japanese) that was both entertaining and informative, hitting all the r… I’m really glad I participated in Mr. Umebayashi's tour. I was a bit anxious about joining alone, especially with the recent reports of brown bear sightings, but walking with a group of about ten people led by Mr. Umebayashi, who has over 20 years of guiding experience, made me feel very secure and allowed me to enjoy the forests of Shiretoko.

Mr. Umebayashi, who is from Osaka, had an interesting way of speaking (in standard Japanese) that was both entertaining and informative, hitting all the right points and providing rich learning experiences. He guided us through the history of the Shiretoko forests, recent changes, and challenges, sharing many insights that I wouldn't have understood on my own, which left me very satisfied.

My understanding of Shiretoko has deepened, and I would love to come back with my husband next time. The atmosphere among the group was also friendly, allowing us to relax and enjoy the experience. Thank you very much. 梅林さんのツアーに参加して本当に良かったです。
一人での参加と、ヒグマ出没情報が連日続いていたので不安の中の参加でしたが、ガイド歴20年以上の梅林さん率いる10名ほどのグループで歩くことで非常に安心して知床の森を楽しむことができました。
大阪出身の梅林さんのトーク（標準語ですが）が面白い中にも、ちゃんとポイントをついていて豊かな学びを得られました。
知床の森の歴史や最近の変化、課題なども織り交ぜながらガイドしていただき、自分一人で回っただけではわからない多くのことを知ることができ大満足です。
知床の解像度が… 梅林さんのツアーに参加して本当に良かったです。
一人での参加と、ヒグマ出没情報が連日続いていたので不安の中の参加でしたが、ガイド歴20年以上の梅林さん率いる10名ほどのグループで歩くことで非常に安心して知床の森を楽しむことができました。
大阪出身の梅林さんのトーク（標準語ですが）が面白い中にも、ちゃんとポイントをついていて豊かな学びを得られました。
知床の森の歴史や最近の変化、課題なども織り交ぜながらガイドしていただき、自分一人で回っただけではわからない多くのことを知ることができ大満足です。
知床の解像度が上がり、次は夫と一緒にまた来たいと思いました。
グループの皆さんの雰囲気も和やかでリラックスして回れました。
ありがとうございました。

Machine translated from Japanese