(10 May 2026) Insane views, probably the best experience in Hokkaido. The 3hr guided trail was interesting but the forest was still rather bare, maybe in a few weeks it would be greener. The elevated walkway probably looks the best now with the contrast between the snow at the top and the green/yellow below. I think once it melts in summer it might not be as beautiful.
Such a beautiful park, the path through this peaceful forrest with all it's lakes in between is such a joy to walk on. It's a pretty easy path, just a bit of a distance but I enjoyed every single part of it so much.
You will get a short induction what to take care of before entering the park, everything is really well maintained.
Entry to the parking was about 500 yen and there is an 800m elevated boardwalk to protect you from the bears if you don't sign up for the trail that has limited slots. The views are incredible when the weather is good!
There are two paid guided trails and a free boardwalk that allows you to see one of its lakes. We did the free one as the guided one is only at specific timings. The free walk is short but gives you a good introduction to the wetlands and lakes.
Do you know that the area used to be farmlands? Hence these are not primary habitats. Instead the nearest village pooled money to buy the farmlands and converted it to a park. It's an inspiring story of how a community got together to do something worthy together.
We went there after 3 pm after a long drove from Kitami with stopovers. But it was worth it. As we had missed the last lecture (which is mandatory to go the longer trails), we went for the boardwalk which was still beautiful, with the setting sun over the Sea of Okhotsk before us and Mt Rausu's snow-capped peaks behind us. Seeing Shimaenaga live was such a treat in the cool autumn breeze.
More about Shiretoko Goko (Five Lakes) from our blog
