Shiretoko East Hokkaido – 8 hours east of Sapporo.
The Goko (5 lakes) is a place that everyone should visit when they visit the Shiketoko World Natural Heritage site.
Like any place in Hokkaido and most of Japan for that matter the 4 seasons are distinct and the weather is changeable. The day we went was the first day of the spring season that the full 1 and 1/2 hour walk round the 5 lakes was open and the cloud was low making the experience a little different than potrayed in the guides. This time of the year also gave us the unique experience of seeing Skunk lillies (Lysichiton camtschatcense).
The Goko lakes are surrounded by virgin forest and on a clear day you will see the Shiretoko ranges and forest reflected in the lakes making them one of the most interesting landscapes in Shiretoko. As well as the 90 minute walk around the the 5 lakes there is a 40 minute walk that takes in the first two lakes and an elevated 15 minute board walk that takes you from the car park to a view point. Bears can sometime come to the area so make sure you have a bell to deter them or don’t be surprised if the walk is close.
