Shiretokogo Lake, Lake in Shari, Japan
Shiretokogo Lake, also known as Shiretoko Goko Lakes, is a group of five small lakes in Shari, Hokkaido, Japan, nestled in a forested area at the foot of a mountain range. The lakes are linked by short walking paths, and from certain points visitors can see both the water and the open sea beyond the trees.
The Shiretoko Goko Lakes were formed by volcanic activity from nearby Mount Io (Iōzan), whose eruptions shaped the terrain and created the hollows where the lakes now sit. The wider Shiretoko area was designated a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site in 2005, which brought greater attention to protecting this part of Hokkaido.
The name "Shiretoko" comes from the Ainu language and means roughly "the end of the world" or "the place where the earth protrudes." Walking the raised wooden path, visitors can spot claw marks left by bears on tree trunks, offering a direct sign of the wildlife living just beside the trail.
A field house at the entrance to the area offers a short safety briefing about bears, which is recommended before setting off on the paths. The elevated wooden walkway is open year-round, while the ground pathway follows seasonal rules and may require a guided tour depending on the time of year.
Although there are five lakes, not all of them are visible from every path: the elevated wooden walkway only gives a view of the first lake, while the ground pathway offers views of all five. On clear days, the mountain peaks reflect on the surface of the water, giving a view in two directions at once.
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