The Shiretoko Five Lakes is a special place of silence in the winter, where only a limited number of people can enter. It is only during this season that we are able to walk upon the frozen, snow-covered surfaces of the lakes using snowshoes.
Reservations are scheduled to open around November, once the Shiretoko Five Lakes’ winter opening period is officially announced.
We kindly ask for your patience until then.
Even if the tours are fully booked, don’t be discouraged! We recommend our Primeval Forest Snowshoe Tour, where you might even spot some wildlife. Learn more here!
Period
From Late January to Mid March, 2026.
*Reservations will open once the Five Lakes' winter schedule is announced. Thank you for your patience.
Time
Morning 8:00 am - 12:30 pm (-4.5h)
Afternoon 12:30 pm - 5:00 pm (-4.5h)(January 23 to February 9)
Afternoon 1:00 pm -5:30 pm (-4.5h)(February 10 to March 23)
Price
Adults (13 years old or older) 7,000 JPY ~
*Prices change depending on the date. For details, please refer to the reservation calendar.
Requirement
13 years or older.
Meeting place
We will pick you up at the lobby of your accommodation or the road station Utoro Shirietoku. (Utoro area only)
Pick up time
The meeting time is different depends on the meeting place you requested.
For detailed meeting time, please confirm below.
Detailed Meeting Time
-People who chose "Your Accommodation"-
*Yuhino Ataru Ie ONSEN HOSTEL/KIKI Shiretoko Natural Resort/Shiretoko Dai-ichi Hotel/Hotel Shiretoko/
25-20min before the starting time of the tour
*Shiretoko Village/Shiretoko Hostel Hanare/ Bon's Home/ Shiretoko Pereke/ Kiraku / Shiretoko Lantern/ Ishiyama/ Iruka Hotel/ Shiretoko Noble Hotel/ Shyutyo no Ie/
20-15min before the starting time of the tour
*Kitakobushi Shiretoko Hotel& Resort
15-10min before the starting time of the tour
*Hotel Kifuu club Shiretoko
10-5min before the starting time of the tour
-People who chose "Drive Resting Area, Utoro-Shirietoku"-
10-5min before the starting time of the tour
*We might be late due to other guests' situations.
*Please come to the agreed place on time. If late, you might be cancelled.
Booking
Please book by 6:00 pm of the day before of the tour day.
Head
Woolen hat, neck-warmer
Tops
Waterproof jacket (or ski jacket), fleece jacket, sweater and long sleeve shirts.
Bottoms
Waterproof overtrousers (or ski trousers). It is strongly recommended to wear thick fabric trousers or tights underneath.
Shoes
Warm winter boots
Others
Gloves
Sunglasses or goggles are useful.
Bottle of water
Free rental items
Waterproof gloves, woolen hat, neck-warmer, rain boots, ski wear (jackets and trousers).
*These items are available on a first come, first serve basis. You can reserve items in advance if necessary.
- Please note that encounters with wildlife are not 100% guaranteed.
- Depending on natural conditions, the end time may vary slightly. Please join our tours with time to spare.
- There is no restroom available in the field. Please keep this in mind before starting the tour.
- It can be -20 degree Celsius in mid-winter. Please prepare warm clothing beforehand.
- As the field conditions can change, we cannot be fully responsible for and prevent nature-caused incidents. Also, please be responsible for your own body condition. If you do not feel good, please consider cancelling the tour.
- Please come to the agreed place on time. If you are late on the day, we might cancel you so that the other guests can go on tour.
For more information please refer to “Frequently Asked Questions”.
