[spring][ Hokkaido Shari Town] Shiretoko Five Lakes Spring Trekking Experience
The Shiretoko Five Lakes are a tourist destination that boasts overwhelming natural beauty as part of the Shiretoko National Park, a World Heritage Site located in Shari Town, Hokkaido. Five lakes, large and small, are dotted around this area, each creating a different landscape. In spring, nature comes back to life as the snow melts, making the area around the Shiretoko Five Lakes the perfect environment for trekking. Tourists can enjoy the beautiful scenery reflected on the lake surface and the rich ecosystem while walking along the ground trail of the Shiretoko Five Lakes. Spring trekking at the Shiretoko Five Lakes is generally a guided tour that takes about three hours to walk about 3 km of the ground trail. On this tour, you can observe the footprints of wild animals such as Ezo deer and Ezo red foxes, and the guide will give you a detailed explanation of the nature and animal ecology, so you will learn and discover more than just hiking. Also, don't miss the plants that announce the arrival of spring. After the snow melts, seasonal flowers such as black lilies and Asian skunk cabbage bloom in the wetlands, attracting visitors. Spring at the Shiretoko Five Lakes is a great season to enjoy nature at your own pace in silence, as the number of tourists is relatively low. While the Shiretoko Five Lakes offer scenery that changes with the seasons, trekking in the spring is especially recommended, as you can witness the breath of fresh greenery and the vibrant flora and fauna.
What are the Shiretoko Five Lakes? Explaining the appeal of spring trekking
The Shiretoko Five Lakes are a tourist destination that boasts overwhelming natural beauty as part of the Shiretoko National Park, a World Heritage Site located in Shari Town, Hokkaido. Five lakes, large and small, are dotted around this area, each creating a different landscape. In spring, nature comes back to life as the snow melts, making the area around the Shiretoko Five Lakes the perfect environment for trekking. Tourists can enjoy the beautiful scenery reflected on the lake surface and the rich ecosystem while walking along the ground trail of the Shiretoko Five Lakes. Spring trekking at the Shiretoko Five Lakes is generally a guided tour that takes about three hours to walk about 3 km of the ground trail. On this tour, you can observe the footprints of wild animals such as Ezo deer and Ezo red foxes, and the guide will give you a detailed explanation of the nature and animal ecology, so you will learn and discover more than just hiking. Also, don't miss the plants that announce the arrival of spring. After the snow melts, seasonal flowers such as black lilies and Asian skunk cabbage bloom in the wetlands, attracting visitors. Spring at the Shiretoko Five Lakes is a great season to enjoy nature at your own pace in silence, as the number of tourists is relatively low. While the Shiretoko Five Lakes offer scenery that changes with the seasons, trekking in the spring is especially recommended, as you can witness the breath of fresh greenery and the vibrant flora and fauna.
Guided tour to enjoy spring trekking around the Shiretoko Five Lakes
Spring trekking around the Shiretoko Five Lakes with a knowledgeable guide is especially popular. It is worth more than just sightseeing, as you can learn about the origins of nature and the ecology of wild animals while walking along the ground trail. Guided tours are often made up of a maximum of 10 people per group, and are popular because they allow you to receive explanations based on your individual questions and interests. You can observe more than just Ezo deer and Ezo red foxes during the tour. Spring is the time when Shiretoko's wild animals become active, and if you're lucky, you may even see bear footprints and den marks. For this reason, guided tours are recommended to ensure safety. In addition, the ground trails are designed to weave between the lakes and forests, so even beginners can walk safely. Another feature of guided tours is that each of the five lakes in the Shiretoko Five Lakes has its own story. You can learn more about the names and characteristics of each lake and the surrounding ecosystem, which will help visitors understand the depth of the Shiretoko Five Lakes even more. In particular, the view of the mountains reflected on the crystal clear surface of the lake in spring is extremely photogenic, and many tourists are impressed by its beauty.
Preparations and precautions when visiting the Shiretoko Five Lakes
To fully enjoy spring trekking at the Shiretoko Five Lakes, it is important to prepare in advance. First, prepare the appropriate clothes and equipment. Hokkaido in spring still experiences large temperature differences, and it gets especially cold in the early mornings and evenings, so layered winter clothes are essential. Also, some parts of the ground trail are muddy and slippery, so trekking shoes or waterproof shoes are recommended. Next, it is important to make a reservation for a guided tour in advance. Although the spring tourist season is relatively quiet, weekends and holidays tend to fill up, so try to adjust your schedule early. In addition, there are several rules for using the ground trail from the perspective of nature conservation. For example, you are required to always take your trash home with you and be careful not to touch any plants or animals. In addition, the Shiretoko Five Lakes are also a habitat for brown bears. Therefore, during the tour, you should follow the guide's instructions and be careful not to make unnecessary noise or smells. This will minimize the impact on not only yourself, but also other tourists and the local natural environment.
[Outdoor Activities]Other recommended spots
Abashiri River Spring Canoe Experience
Hokkaido Abashiri City
From Abashiri Station, take the Abashiri Bus "Yobito Line" or "Memanbetsu Airport Line" and get off at "Abashirikoso-mae" bus stop, then walk for about 10 minutes.
Mt. Rausu Spring mountain climbing and spectacular views
Hokkaido Rausu Town
It is about 1 hour 15 minutes by car from Nemuro Nakashibetsu Airport. It is about 2 hours 40 minutes to 3 hours 10 minutes by car from Memanbetsu Airport and Tancho Kushiro Airport.
Spring outdoor experiences on Mount Niseko Annupuri
Hokkaido Niseko Town
It takes about 2 hours and 45 minutes from New Chitose Airport via Otaru Station to Niseko Station. From Niseko Station you can take the Niseko bus.
Spring Cycling Experience in Furano and Biei
Hokkaido Furano City and Biei Town
Furano Station: JR Nemuro Line Biei Station: JR Furano Line ※There are bicycle rental shops around each station.
Shiretoko Five Lakes Spring Trekking Experience
Hokkaido Shari Town
From JR Shiretoko-Shari Station, take the Shiretoko Line of Shari Bus for about 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Cycling along the lake at Onuma Park
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About 5 minutes walk from Onuma Koen Station on the JR Hakodate Main Line.
Jozankei Spring River Rafting and Hiking Experience
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From JR Sapporo Station, take the Jotetsu bus (approx. 70-80 minutes)
Lake Mashu: A spring stroll around the mysterious lake
Hokkaido Teshikaga Town
It takes about 20 minutes by bus from JR Senmo Main Line "Mashu Station" to Lake Mashu No. 1 Observation Deck. It takes about 40 minutes by bus from JR Senmo Main Line "Kawayu Onsen Station" to Lake Mashu No. 1 Observation Deck.
Lake Toya Spring Walking Experience
Hokkaido Toyako Town
Take a Dounan bus from JR Muroran Main Line "Toya Station" for about 20 minutes and get off at "Toyako Onsen Bus Terminal".