Ground Pathways

Witness flora & fauna as you traverse the primeval forest surrounding (5) pristine lakes reflecting the Shiretoko Mountain Range. Truly, "World Heritage".

Season & Walking Guidelines

Eco Preservation Awareness (Spring)

COVID-19 measures »
  • Long boots may be required in deep snow conditions.
  • Prior to admission to the Ground Pathways, all visitors must attend a short information lecture.
  • In order to preserve the marshlands and vegetation, a maximum of (50) visitors are admitted at a time with (10) minute intervals. Reservations can be received (10) days to (30) min. before the lecture.
  • Should bears appear, the Ground Pathways will be closed for safety reasons.
  • The Ground Pathway is only connected to the Elevated Wooden Path at the Lakeside Observatory through a uni-directional gate.
  • Short and long duration routes are available along the Ground Pathways.
  • Both are one-way.
  • There is no charge to use the Elevated Wooden Path.
  • There is no toilet / shop inside the ground pathways.

Procedure Lecture Reservation

  1. Complete the Form

    Individuals and groups must complete the form and be approved at the Shiretoko Goko Lakes Field House when visiting during the Eco Preservation Awareness Season. (Groups require the representative's name, address, and number of group members) The form can be completed at the Field House or download, complete and submit it during your visit.

    Form Download
  2. Admission

    Admission tickets can be purchased at the vending machine in the Shiretoko Goko Lakes Field House, and presented with your completed form.
    Fees: Adults(12 years and over) 250 Yen. Children: (0 to 11 years old) 100 Yen

  3. Lecture

    Duration: (10) min. After which admission to the Ground Pathways is allowed.

Lecture Reservation

  • If less than (10) participants

    Reservations not required. Please continue to the Shiretoko Goko Lakes Field House directly.

  • If more than (15) participants

    Please inquire in advance. TEL: 0152-24-3323

Bears Active Season

  • Registered Guides offer tours along the Ground Pathways (fees apply).
  • Tours leave at (10) minute intervals and have a maximum of (10) participants allowing for a more intimate experience.
  • Registered guides are well trained to avoid and handle encounters with bears. Guides are equipped with radiophones which update bear activity for safety.
  • The tours may be cancelled if bears appear.
  • The Ground Pathway is only connected to the Elevated Wooden Path at the Lakeside Observatory through a uni-directional gate.
  • Visitors are permitted to walk freely on the Elevated Wooden Path.
  • There is no toilet / shop inside the ground pathways.

Procedure Reservation and Inquiry

Registered Guides are Available.
- reservations required
- fees applicable

  1. Tour Fees
    Route Adults
    12 years and over    		 Children
    6 to 11 years old    		 Preschool child ※ 3
    0 to 5 years old
    Long-Route
    ※ 1    		 4,500 - 5,250 Yen 2,250 - 3,500 Yen 250 - 3,000 Yen
    Negotiable
    Short-Route
    ※ 2    		 3,500 Yen 2,000 Yen 2,000 Yen
    Negotiable

    ※1 The time required for the long loop tour is 3 hours, the participation fee varies depending on the guide company.
    ※2 The short loop tour takes 1 hour and 30 minutes and can be booked in advance from the website. Please contact Shiretoko Goko Field House (TEL: 0152-24-3323) for details.
    ※3 Please contact us in advance if you are pregnant, preschoolers or infants participating in the tour. (short loops cannot accept pregnant, preschoolers or toddlers)

  2. Reservations can be made online

    - Check online for tour availability.
    - If there is no availability try contacting a Registered Guide for a reservation.

    ※ Guide reservations are not available from this site. Please refer to the Reply Mail for tour guides.

    Tour Reservation
  3. Payment

    Please "Click" Read More on the Registered Guide page for tour fees and cancellation policy.

    Registered Guide List

Eco Preservation Awareness (Summer, Fall)

COVID-19 measures »
  • Prior to admission to the Ground Pathways, all visitors must attend a short information lecture.
  • In order to preserve the marshlands and vegetation, a maximum of (50) visitors are admitted at a time with (10) minute intervals. Reservations can be received (10) days to (30) min. before the lecture.
  • Should bears appear, the Ground Pathways will be closed for safety reasons.
  • The Ground Pathway is only connected to the Elevated Wooden Path at the Lakeside Observatory through a uni-directional gate.
  • Short and long duration routes are available along the Ground Pathways.
  • Both are one-way.
  • There is no charge to use the Elevated Wooden Path.
  • There is no toilet / shop inside the ground pathways.

Procedure Lecture Reservation

  1. Complete the Form

    Individuals and groups must complete the form and be approved at the Shiretoko Goko Lakes Field House when visiting during the Eco Preservation Awareness Season. (Groups require the representative's name, address, and number of group members) The form can be completed at the Field House or download, complete and submit it during your visit.

    Form Download
  2. Admission

    Admission tickets can be purchased at the vending machine in the Shiretoko Goko Lakes Field House, and presented with your completed form.
    Fees: Fees: Adults(12 years and over) 250 Yen. Children: (0 to 11 years old) 100 Yen

  3. Lecture

    Duration: (10) min. After which admission to the Ground Pathways is allowed.

Lecture Reservation

  • If less than (10) participants

    Reservations not required. Please continue to the Shiretoko Goko Lakes Field House directly.

  • If more than (15) participants

    Please inquire in advance. TEL: 0152-24-3323

Who are the registered guides?

Registered guides are well trained specialists knowledgable on how to avoid and handle encounters with bears. Guides are equipped with radiophones which update bear activity to ensure your safety. Guides are professionally accredited for the region.

The walking tours were inaugurated in 2011.
Supervised tours by registered guides are required during the bear active season. Our guides have garnered a good reputation and are now in demand all season long.

Registered Guides List

Gallery

Preparations for Walking

Pathway Map.pdf
Walking Attire.pdf
Wildlife Calendar.pdf

Shiretoko Goko Lakes Visitor Rule Guidelines

  1. Do not feed the animals in the wild
  2. Do not litter
  3. Do not cook or eat
  4. No Smoking
  5. Keep to prescribed pathways and preserve the marshland and vegetation
  6. Do not bring any plants or animals
  7. Don't fly the drone.

Do Not Feed The Animals

Do not feed brown bear and wildlife.
It is our promise to visit Shiretoko.