----------------------------------- sanji Thu Jun 28, 2007 5:50 am Shiretoko Five Lakes ----------------------------------- Shiretoko Five Lakes (Shiretoko Goko, 知床五湖) A beautiful nature trail along 5 lakes forming a characteristic fingerprint attributed to a God's hand. This is a very easy walk - at least if there is no snow around - and you can really see great, untouched sceneries. This area is also a place to spot wild animals. Apart of birds and deers, which are easily seen, many bears are also living around. As a matter of fact, the trail around the lakes is sometimes closed due to increased "bear activity"... When Shiretoko peninsula was candidate to become a World Heritage site, the habits of bears was an issue, as many specialist considered that those animals are too used to men and are not afraid anymore of approach them... Access by car : from Utoro, it takes about 20 minutes to cover the 18 kilometers distance; there is a large parking lot just next to the lakes (410 yens) by bus : from Utoro Onsen Terminal (ウトロ温泉ターミナル発), there are 8 buses per day (25 minutes); check Visit Accessing the are is free of charge (apart for the parking lot is you come by car, as mentioned above). The lakes are accessible only from early April to early November.There are several itineraries around the lakes. The shortest takes 20 minutes for completion. To see all 5 lakes, you will need at least 1 hour. All paths are "one-way" only. Keep in mind that there still will be a lot of snow on the paths in May, and the place can be muddy. Good shoes are recommended. Pictures All those pictures were taken during Golden Week (first week of May) 508509510 Some panoramic pictures taken in the late afternoon : 511 512 Links - [url=http://www.mapple.net/spots/G00100132401.htm]Map of the lakes area - [url=http://www.town.shari.hokkaido.jp/shiretoko/point/8p_goko.htm]Official web site with limited information