Shiretoko in Hokkaido was the destination for our summer holiday, and the Shiretoko Goko Lake Ground Pathways (Long Loop) was one of the trails we most looked forward to exploring. The gorgeous primary forest, the Shiretoko mountain range mirrored in the lakes, along with sightings of wild deer and large birds make the trek enjoyable for both kids and adults.
The trail is well maintained, making it easy for families with young children to navigate. Our 2 -year-and-7-month-old son had a great time, walking, and we found it to one of the most toddler-friendly trekking options in the region.
How kid-friendly is the Shiretoko Goko Lake Ground Pathways (Long Loop)?
Route we took: Shiretoko Goko Lake Ground Pathways – Long Loop
Time required: 2 hours
Kid’s age: 2 years and 7 months
Walking pace of the kid: About one third of an adult’s speed
Distance walked by the kid: Two-thirds of the entire trip, including the entirely of the Elevated Wooden Path
Easiness for kids: ★★★★★
Mood of the kid on the day: ★★★☆☆
Departing from the Shiretoko Goko Field House
All trekkers begin their journey at the Shiretoko Goko Field House, following a mandatory 10-minute educational video. The short lecture covers essential guidelines and etiquette for walking in the primary forests, which are home to wild brown bears and other other wildlife.
Our 2-year-and-7-month-old son appeared to grasp the seriousness of the message – these bears were quite different from the cuddly ones in his picture books. His expression grew a little sense, and it was obvious that his enthusiasm for trekking had dampened. As parents, all we could do was put on our brightest smiles and cheerfully saying, “Let’s go!” to encourage him as we started the walk.
The forest was bathed in gentle sunlight filtering through the trees, and the trail was well organized. Our son moved slowly but steadily, navigating the bumpy path, which was comprised of both big and small stones, tree roots, and stairs made of logs.
The Shiretoko Goko Lake Long Loop passes through the five lakes in order: Lake Goko (the fifth lake), Lake Yonko (the fourth lake), Lake Sanko (the third lake), Lake Niko (the second lake) and Lake Ichiko (the first lake). Each lake was beautiful, its surface reflecting the Shiretoko mountain range and the clear blue sky in peaceful harmony.
Encountering wildlife
The trail typically takes about 90 minutes for an adult to complete, so we anticipated needing to carry our son in a baby carrier for parts of the journey. However, after watching the overwhelming educational video about wild brown video about wild bears, he was a bit hesitant to walk from the beginning and eventually asked to be carried between the fourth and the third lakes.
Once he was in the baby carrier, we were able to enjoy the walk at our own pace. One particularly unique feature of the trail that we loved was the area covered by short bamboo trees.
At around the second lake, had an exciting encounter with a wild deer and some large birds. I pointed them out to our son, saying, “Wow, look at the deer eating plants!” and “What a big and beautiful bird!” That seemed to spark his interest, and soon after, he was eager to walk again.
From that point on, he walked briskly, as if he had fully recharged after his time in the baby carrier. carrier. Eventually, we arrived at Lake Ichiko (the first lake), which stood out from the others. It was covered in water lilies, some of which were booming.
Returning to the Shiretoko Goko Field House via the Elevated Wooden Path
After a short break at the Lake Observation Deck overlooking Lake Ichiko (the first lake), we returned to the Shiretoko Goko Field House, by following the Elevated Wooden Path.
The scenery around the Elevated Wooden Path was completely different from the rest of the trail. It opened up into a field covered by low bamboo trees. It might just be a quirk of my specific kid, but he has a tendency to run in open fields, and that day was no exception. We spent the time chasing each other until we finally arrived at the Shiretoko Goko Field House.
Once we got back and changed his diaper in the car, our son peacefully drifted off to sleep.
The Shiretoko Goko Lake Ground Pathways (Long Loop) is undoubtedly one of the most recommended trails, offering the chance to encounter diverse wildlife and beautiful scenery. It’s also an easy and comfortable trail for toddlers too!