Guide
Shiretore Five Lakes is a collection of five lakes located in Shari Town, Hokkaido, forming a core part of the Shiretore National Park, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site. Each lake, named from Ichigo (First Lake) to Goko (Fifth Lake), is nestled within a breathtaking environment of the Shiretore Mountain Range and primeval forests. The area sits on a wetland landscape, and the number of lakes may even increase during the snowmelt season. To ensure environmental conservation and visitor safety, a "Usage Adjustment District" system is in place, meaning walking routes and restrictions vary depending on the path chosen.
While once known only as unnamed marshes, the area became a major destination in the Shiretore Peninsula during the late 1970s and 1990s as local forest service officials developed the walking paths. The landscape is characterized by the stunning reflection of the Shiretore Mountain Range on the water's surface and the dense primeval forest. The surrounding vegetation is dominated by Ezo spruce and Sakhalin fir. In recent years, the area has seen shifts in the natural environment, including reports of changes in natural regeneration due to the impact of Ezo deer on the vegetation.
There are two primary ways to experience the lakes. The first is the "Elevated Wooden Boardwalk & Observation Deck," which offers a spectacular view overlooking Lake Ichigo and the surrounding mountain range. This is a perfect route for sightseeing without entering the deep forest. The second is the "Ground-Level Walking Trail,