10 Things to Do in Rausu

10 Things to Do in Rausu

Rausu (羅臼町) is a scenic coastal town located in Hokkaido's Nemuro Subprefecture, Japan.
It is well known for its stunning ocean views and thriving fishing industry. The town's name is believed to come from the Ainu word Raushi, which roughly translates to “low land” or “place of men with beast-like spirit.”

For those planning to visit this scenic coastal town to check what it has to offer, here are the 10 Things to Do in Rausu:

 

Rausu manhole cover

1. Take a photo of Rausu's manhole cover design. I have seen a manhole cover, but the design seems to be common to some towns as well.

 

Rausu Shrine

2. Visit Rausu Shrine (羅臼神社), the town's main shrine, to pay respects and offer prayers. It is located in the heart of the town. You can get a goshuin here for your collection.

 

Jappina Cafe

3. Dine at the cozy Jappina Café. It is owned and operated by a Filipina. You can try some Filipino dishes here. The cake is also a must-try. If you’re a Filipino, you’d be amazed that they offer San Miguel Beer and Red Horse here.

Shiretoko Rausu Visitor Center

4. Visit the Shiretoko Rausu Visitor Center (知床羅臼ビジターセンター). It’s a great place to learn about the flora and fauna of the region. This place is also within walking distance of the Rausu Geyser, which locals once considered a “hidden” tourist spot.

 

Seseki Waterfall

5. Check out the Seseki Waterfall (セセキの滝). This is a scenic waterfall, but be careful as there are no nearby parking slots here.

 

Aidomari Hot Spring

6. Take a dip at the Aidomari Hot Spring (相泊温泉). It’s a natural outdoor hot spring facing the Kunashiri Strait. There is a nearby parking space, but it can only fit a few vehicles. There are no changing areas here. From time to time, this hot spring is covered with a tarp. 

 

Shiretoko Rausu Roadside Station

7. Visit the Shiretoko Rausu Roadside Station (道の駅 知床·らうす). This roadside station has a souvenir shop and a fresh fish store worth checking out. If you collect roadside station stamps, then don’t forget to bring your stamp book when visiting.

 

Shiretoko Pass

8. Stop at Shiretoko Pass (知床峠). This pass is the boundary between Shari and Rausu. There is a parking area here with clean toilets and a fantastic view of Mt. Rausu.

 

Kamanoyu Hot Spring

9. Take a dip at the onsen of Kamanoyu Hot Spring (熊の湯). It’s a natural hot spring surrounded by nature. Locals would say that this is one of the best natural hot springs in the region.

 

Mt. Rausu

10. Hike Mt. Rausu (羅臼岳). It takes around 9+ hours to hike and get back to the jump-off point, depending on your pace, so it’s possible to do a day trip hike. This mountain has an amazing view of the Shiretoko Peninsula. 

I hope my list of the 10 Things to Do in Rausu gave you an idea and inspiration to visit this scenic coastal town in the Nemuro Subprefecture of Hokkaido.

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