The boardwalk
Free and fenced.
663highland — CC BY 2.5 · 663highland — CC BY 2.5 · 663highland — CC BY 2.5 · 663highland — CC BY 2.5 · 663highland — CC BY 2.5
The Shiretoko Five Lakes are five small lakes in the forest of Shiretoko National Park, on the Shiretoko Peninsula in eastern Hokkaido, about 10 km from the town of Utoro in a straight line, with the Shiretoko mountain range rising behind them. The peninsula is one of the wildest parts of Japan, with a large brown bear population, so visits are carefully managed. An elevated wooden boardwalk of about 800 metres, protected by an electric fence, leads to the first lake free of charge. The still water mirrors the green peaks and the clouds, ringed by grassy marsh and dense forest, and the boardwalk gives a wide view over the meadows to the mountains beyond. The ground trails past all five lakes may only be walked with a certified guide during the bears' active season, roughly mid-May to the end of July. Trails can close when bears are seen and road access is seasonal, so check conditions before you go.
Free and fenced.
On the lakes.
With a guide.
Shiretoko National Park, eastern Hokkaido, Japan
Yes; follow the rules and the guide.
June to October.