Explore the hidden wonder of Shiretoko Five Lakes—beware of bears!

Where is the most attractive place in Japan during winter? Hokkaido, with its icy and snowy northern landscapes, is naturally the top choice. And the Shiretoko Peninsula, known as "Japan’s last unexplored frontier," is perfect for travelers who love pristine nature. Jutting out between the Sea of Okhotsk and the Pacific Ocean in northeastern Hokkaido, the Shiretoko Peninsula has been recognized and registered as a "UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site" in July 2005 due to its well-preserved natural environment and precious, diverse wildlife and plant life.

The Shiretoko Peninsula is home to towering mountains such as Mount Rausu and Mount Shiretoko, which rise over 1,000 meters in elevation. Aside from the sparsely populated coastal towns of Utoro and Rausu, the rest of the area consists of high mountains and sea cliffs, with most places inaccessible by road—making it a paradise for wildlife such as brown bears, Ezo deer, and Blakiston’s fish owls. In addition to mountains, lakes, primeval forests, and sea cliffs, the peninsula also features natural hot spring sources. Moreover, the Shiretoko Peninsula is one of the lowest-latitude places on Earth where sea ice forms, and in winter, you can witness spectacular drift ice. There have even been sightings of magical auroras.

Shiretoko Five Lakes is the main sightseeing spot on the Shiretoko Peninsula, with regular sightseeing buses available daily. It takes about one hour to walk around all five lakes. There are five lakes of varying sizes, among which Lake Nii (the second lake) is the largest. On clear days, you can see the nearby Shiretoko Mountain Range and the blue sky with white clouds reflected on the lake surface, resembling sapphires scattered through the forest.

The natural ecology of Shiretoko Five Lakes is very rich—you can often see herds of Ezo deer foraging by the lake. But the most eye-catching is the appearance of brown bears. Claw marks from bears are frequently seen on tree trunks by the lakeside. If bear sightings become too frequent, Shiretoko Five Lakes may temporarily close to ensure visitor safety and preserve the ecological balance.

The Shiretoko National Park reserve is the habitat of brown bears. In addition to areas within and around Shiretoko Five Lakes, if you take a Shiretoko sightseeing cruise, you might also see brown bears hunting along the seashore or river mouths. To avoid accidents, it's advisable to keep your voice low when walking in the park so that wild bears hear human presence and avoid the area. However, most visitors prefer to buy bear bells at the visitor center—these charming little bells that jingle when you move not only serve as a warning but also make for a unique travel souvenir!

Transportation to the Shiretoko Peninsula: JR Senmō Main Line’s “Shiretoko-Shari” Station is the gateway to the Shiretoko Peninsula. From there, transfer to the Shari Bus to reach Utoro and Rausu on the peninsula, or take a bus from Monbetsu Airport to Utoro.

Further reading: Kyushu Yakushima World Heritage Center (provided by Tripass Sightseeing Spots)