What to know
Rausu (羅臼) is the largest settlement on the eastern coast of the Shiretoko Peninsula. It offers a handful of accommodations, limited dining, and a few shops. Fishing drives the local economy, and Rausu's seaweed is highly sought after by upscale restaurants throughout Japan.
Several operators run sightseeing boat tours from Rausu. From late April to September, whale and bird watching cruises last 2.5 to 3 hours and cost 8,800 yen. From February to early March, drift ice and seabird cruises are available: 1 hour for 4,400 yen or 2.5 hours for 8,800 yen. Advance reservations are recommended.
Rausu has two visitor centers. One is located 3 km inland along the road leading to Shiretoko Pass; the other is in the town center near the port.
From Rausu, Route 87 runs north along the coast for about 20 km toward the tip of the peninsula. Near the end of the road, a couple of free open-air hot spring baths await. Seseki Onsen is the more interesting, with two stone pools right on the beach.
Rausu can be reached from Utoro via Shiretoko Pass (closed in winter) or from the south. The distance from Kushiro to Rausu is about 160 km.
In July and August, infrequent buses run between Utoro and Rausu over Shiretoko Pass. The one-way trip takes 50 minutes and costs 2,000 yen. From Kushiro, Akan Bus operates 2–4 buses daily year-round; the one-way journey takes about 3.5 hours and costs 4,940 yen.
Visitor information
Practical details to check before planning this stop.
- Hours
- Closed
- Admission
- English name
- Rausu Sightseeing Boats
- Original name
- Eastern Coast
Verify details before visiting. Currency conversion is indicative and may vary over time.