Rausu
“This is true remote Japan. It felt like I was the first foreigner to leave a footprint in the snow here. With bears, whales, dolphins and an array of birds, Rausu is a year round nature lover’s paradise – and about as far from Tokyo citylife as you can get”
Jarrod Stenhouse – Tour Leader/Travel Consultant
The Shiretoko Peninsula sticks out like an angry finger into the icy waters of the Sea of Okhotsk. But what exactly is it pointing at? Perhaps at Russia, who has occupied the nearby Kuril Islands, also claimed by Japan, since World War 2.
Rausu sits on the eastern coast of the Peninsula, 20 kilometres from the tip of the finger. Kunashiri Island, one of the disputed islands, is visible from the town. Locals say on still mornings the sounds of the Russian inhabitants are carried on the wind.
The Shiretoko Peninsula is only 16 km wide near Rausu, with a range of mountains formed by past volcanic activity running through the centre, the tallest being the 1660m Rausudake. Due to its harsh topography and climate, a large part of the peninsula remains accessible only by sea. The area is covered in primeval forest, and in a move to preserve this precious natural environment, 50% of the region has been designated a special preservation district, with permission required for access.
Rausu holds the lofty title of the largest town on the eastern coast of Shiretoko, but with a population of just 6000, it only just qualifies as a town. The primary industry in Rausu is fishing, and every morning scores of fishing boats head off into the Nemuro Straits and beyond for the day’s catch.
Rausu draws people for many reasons. Nature enthusiasts come during the summer for whale watching, and to catch sight of the brown bear, as well as deer and foxes. Winter brings a think blanket of snow on the town, a layer of drift ice on the sea and the chance to take an ice-breaking cruise to see dolphins and the Stellar’s Sea Eagle, the largest eagle in the world.
And of course, all year round when those fishing boats come back to shore in the afternoon you are guaranteed the very best seafood for dinner in your ryokan that night.
Back to top
Products featuring Rausu...
Small Group Tour
Japan is a unique winter holiday destination and Winter Highlights brings you the very best of the season with the Sapporo Snow festival, rare birds, the charming snow monkeys and the hauntingly beautiful shrines and temples of Kyoto. This is a winter-time holiday treat you will savour forever.
14 Nights: £3250
Self Guided Adventure
Steller's Sea Eagles, Red-Crowned Cranes, Blakiston's Fish Owl and the Whooper Swan are just some of the many rare species that await during Japan's winter season. Our flexible independent travel itinerary includes two full days with birding guides and the very best lodging locations.
10 Nights: £2000
Click on a region above to expand
Order a
-2010.jpg "The Guardian, The Observer - Travel Awards 2010 Winner - Best tour operator (small)")
.jpg "Inside Japan Tours - Silver at the British Travel Awards 2009")
