Rausu travel guide and discussion

Mount Rausu, the highest peak on Hokkaido's Shiretoko Peninsula, boasts an elevation of 1,661 meters and is recognized as one of Japan's 100 Famous Mountains. Known as the iconic mountain of the Shiretoko World Natural Heritage site, it is surrounded by abundant nature, including primeval forests, alpine plants, brown bears, and Ezo sika deer. From the summit, you can enjoy magnificent views of the Sea of Okhotsk and Kunashiri Island, and on a clear day, take in the breathtaking panorama of the Shiretoko mountain range. While not recommended for beginners, it is a highly popular hiking spot where you can fully immerse yourself in some of Hokkaido's most pristine wilderness.

Jun no Banya is a renowned seafood donburi restaurant in Luo. It's been the filming location for several classic Japanese dramas, most notably the classic "North Country Love: 2002 Last Words." The restaurant is reminiscent of the main character's home in the series. The nostalgic wooden decor creates a warm and inviting atmosphere, allowing fans to experience iconic scenes from the series. The food here is also excellent, especially the sea urchin donburi! The service is friendly and attentive, full of warmth and warmth! The restaurant is extremely busy during lunch, so arrive before noon to avoid the crowds. #junglia

In Hokkaido, you can observe Steller's sea eagles and white-tailed eagles, which are designated as national natural treasures, from the drift ice ship in Rausu. The ship's broadcast informs you of the direction in which the birds are flying when they are spotted, which is very helpful. I was thrilled to see a Steller's sea eagle flying overhead. Observing drift ice and wild birds is a special winter activity, so be sure to check it out. Highly recommended. ✱----------------------------------------------- 【Boarding Location】Rausu Port 【Ship Name】Evergreen 【Recommended Points】You can observe drift ice and wild birds -----------------------------------------------✱

This is Mt. Rausu on the Shiretoko Peninsula. Mt. Rausu is a stratovolcano in Shiretoko National Park, Shiretoko, which was registered as a World Heritage Site (World Natural Heritage Site) in 2005. It has an elevation of 1,661m. It has not erupted since 1996. When I visited, clouds were covering the summit at first and I couldn't see the whole picture, but the clouds gradually moved and it became like the photo. It was September at the time, and the green season was vivid✨ The second photo is Oshinkoshin Falls, and the third photo is Gensei-kaen Station on the JR Senmo Main Line♪ Access: The only public transportation to access Mt. Rausu is by taxi💦The closest station is Shiretoko-Shari Station on the JR Senmo Main Line, and the nearest airports are Memanbetsu Airport or Nemuro Nakashibetsu Airport. I went around by car with three friends. Also, Oshinkoshin Falls is a 40-minute bus ride from Shiretoko-Shari Station #Shiretoko #Waterfall #World Heritage Site #World Natural Heritage Site #Tourism #Supporting Tourism #Supporting Tourism #Amazing Views

A taste test of sea urchin rice bowls, as the season is almost over. 1st picture: Rausu → 2nd picture: Shakotan → 3rd-4th pictures: Wakkanai (Rishiri Island). They were all delicious, but the Shiretoko/Rausu sea urchin rice bowl was especially amazing. However, I ate too much, so I think I've had enough sea urchin for a while (lol). #EasternJapan

The brown bear looked so tiny (lol). After the Shiretoko cruise, I went to Shiretoko Shokudo at the roadside station in Rausu and enjoyed a sea urchin bowl with salmon roe and whelk while looking out at the Sea of ​​Okhotsk. Pure bliss! 🍺 The ventilation was done properly, and it was a moment when I felt once again reassured by Hokkaido's COVID-19 countermeasures. On this day, I first enjoyed the view of the Sea of ​​Okhotsk from the train window on the Senmo Main Line, and then mainly traveled by bus. Abashiri → Shiretoko Shari → Utoro → Shiretoko Cape Cruise → Utoro → Shiretoko Nature Center (Furepe Falls) → Rausu → Kushiro

Hokkaido is so much more than just Sapporo! ❄️🏔️ Japan's northernmost island is home to charming towns, breathtaking landscapes, vibrant flower fields, serene lakes, relaxing onsens, and unique scenery in every direction. 💙 🚆 This post breaks down the map of Hokkaido and provides a simple guide to navigating the island using JR trains. 📍 Sapporo — The capital of Hokkaido, perfect for shopping, cafe hopping, and incredible food. 📍 Otaru — A romantic port town famous for its scenic canal, historic buildings, and delightful sweets. 📍 Asahikawa — A central hub and home to the island's renowned zoo. 📍 Biei & Furano — Known for rolling hills, lavender fields, and the mesmerizing Blue Pond. 📍 Noboribetsu — A premier hot spring destination featuring the dramatic Jigokudani (Hell Valley). 📍 Lake Toya — A peaceful volcanic lake offering a tranquil atmosphere for relaxation. 📍 Hakodate — A classic port city boasting one of the most romantic night views in the world. 📍 Kushiro, Abashiri & Shiretoko — Discover the wild beauty of Eastern Hokkaido, from wetlands and drift ice to World Heritage sites. 🚉 You don't need a rental car to see it all! Many cities are accessible by JR trains, though you might need a local bus for specific attractions. ✨ Planning your first trip to Hokkaido? Save this post to help pick the destinations that fit your vibe and map out your perfect itinerary! 💬 If you had to pick just one city in Hokkaido, which one would it be?

Save this post if you're looking for the freshest seafood and authentic local dishes in Sapporo! 🐟 Kitanoaji Oosuke (北の味 大助) is a seafood izakaya specializing in charcoal-grilled dishes and fresh catches sourced directly from fishing ports across Hokkaido. From Rausu and Shiretoko to Shibetsu and Hidaka, they source premium ingredients from all over the island, offering everything from sashimi to grilled delicacies and crab. 🦀 Recommended Menu Items 🐟 8-Piece Sashimi Platter (刺身8点盛り合わせ) A signature platter featuring a variety of Hokkaido’s freshest seafood. It's a great way to taste different fish and shellfish, making it perfect for groups. 🦪 Akkeshi Oysters (厚岸産牡蠣) Famed oysters from the Akkeshi region in Eastern Hokkaido. You can order them raw or steamed—a must-try for oyster lovers. 🔥 Charcoal-Grilled Rausu Atka Mackerel (羅臼産真ほっけ開き) A hearty, savory fish from Rausu, perfectly grilled over charcoal for a rich, smoky, and delicious finish. 🦀 Okhotsk Horsehair Crab (オホーツク産毛ガニ) An iconic Hokkaido delicacy. While it's packed with sweet meat, prices and sizes vary daily, so be sure to check before ordering. 🧈 Scallops with Burnt Butter Soy Sauce (ホタテの焦가시バター醤油) Fresh scallops elevated by the savory-salty aroma of butter and soy sauce. It pairs perfectly with their charcoal-grilled selection. 🌽 Corn Butter (とうもろこしバター) A simple yet delicious Hokkaido classic featuring sweet local corn and rich butter. A perfect local snack! 🍶 Pair with Hokkaido Sake! They offer a wide selection of sake from breweries all over Hokkaido. Pairing regional sake with fresh sashimi or grilled fish makes for an unforgettable dinner. 📍 Restaurant Information · Name: Sumiyaki Kitanoaji Oosuke (炭焼き 北의味 大助) · Address: 1F Cyber City Bldg, Minami 5-jo Nishi 2-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo · Hours: 5:00 PM – 1:00 AM (Last order for food: midnight) · Phone: 011-521-8989 · Access: ~1-min walk from Hosui-Susukino Station (Toho Line), ~3-min walk from Susukino Station (Namboku Line) · Budget: ~5,000–7,000 JPY per person · Seating: Semi-private rooms available ※ Operating hours and menu prices are subject to change. Some items like crab can be pricey, so please check before ordering. 💡 Pro Tips Located in the heart of Susukino, it's a perfect spot for dinner in Sapporo. To get the full experience, try ordering both the sashimi platter and the charcoal-grilled fish. If you're in a group, sharing several dishes is highly recommended! If you want to experience the bounty of Hokkaido's seas beyond just Genghis Khan and Ramen, head to Kitanoaji Oosuke to feel the true charm of a seafood izakaya. 🦀🔥

I visited Shiretoko and Rausu in Hokkaido! The majesty of the great outdoors, fresh seafood, and encounters with wildlife. Every moment was absolutely breathtaking...! [Pic 1] Shiretoko Goko Lakes The view of the snow-capped Shiretoko mountain range reflected in the lake is simply breathtaking. [Pic 2] Unbelievably fresh seafood Plump shrimp, scallops, salmon...! You can't miss out on the seafood when visiting Shiretoko😋 [Pic 3] Oshinkoshin Falls A massive and powerful drop! Feeling so refreshed soaking up the mist and negative ions. [Pic 4] The Road to the Sky This straight road stretches on forever, truly making you feel the sheer vastness of Hokkaido...! [Pic 5] "milcream" soft serve ice cream Rich soft serve made from grass-fed cow's milk. Eating it under a clear blue sky is the absolute best🍦 [Pic 6] The Ezo deer we spotted Casually strolling through the streets or popping up on the roads at night. It made me realize just how close humans and wildlife are here. [Pic 7] Orca Cruise You can see so many orcas and whales. Definitely check out their tours! An incredibly satisfying trip to Shiretoko, both for the views and the food. Be sure to [Save] this post to look back on when planning your next Hokkaido getaway🔖 --- 📍Shiretoko, Hokkaido Five Lakes Sightseeing

#arrivalguide I based myself in Rausu and drove the winding Route 334 to Iwaobetsu Onsen (岩尾別温泉) at 6:20 am in early July. From the small unstaffed parking area, the trail to Rausu Daiichi Waterfall (羅臼第一滝) starts as a gravel forest road through boreal spruce-birch woodland, then becomes a rooted singletrack along the Iwaobetsu River. Total one-way is about 3.2 km, 70–90 minutes, 180 m gentle gain. This is inside active brown-bear habitat: from May 10 to July 31 the Shiretoko Nature Foundation requires either a certified guide or a bear bell + whistle + group of 3+, and you must register at the Utoro or Rausu visitor center before entering (paper form, no fee, but they log your plate and ETA). I wore a rented bear bell (¥300/day in Rausu), carried 2 L water, and still jumped when a woodpecker knocked a branch. The waterfall itself is a 40 m single drop into a mossy amphitheater—volume was strong after June rains, mist soaked my lens. No toilet at trailhead, no vending machine until you return to Iwaobetsu Onsen’s open-air pool (¥500 bath, cash only). Mistake I made: I wore trail runners after a rainy night and the clay sections sucked my grip—gaiters and stiff soles next time. If you have no car, the Rausu–Utoro shuttle does not stop here; you need a taxi from Rausu (¥4,000 one way, negotiate return pickup). Question for others: in peak bear season, is a guided group the only mentally relaxing way to enjoy this forest, or does solo-with-bell still count as “wild enough”?

If you're crossing the Shiretoko Pass to Rausu, this is a restaurant you absolutely must visit! It's "Hamada Shoten" ✨ As it's directly managed by a seafood processing company, you can enjoy fresh seafood caught in Rausu. They also have seasonal menus, making it a great place to discover seasonal delicacies. We arrived around 2:30 PM, so we were able to enjoy our meal without any waiting time. We ordered: ・Sashimi Set Meal ・Atka Mackerel Set Meal The sashimi set meal that day included Sakhalin trout (pink salmon), which I'd never tried before! ✨ Sakhalin trout are caught in Hokkaido, around the Sea of ​​Okhotsk and the Nemuro Strait, but in recent years, catches have been unstable, making it a rare fish that can only be enjoyed depending on the day's catch. The fat wasn't heavy, but rather refined, with a pleasant sweetness and umami, making it very easy to eat. All the sashimi was fresh, but the whelk and yellowtail were especially delicious! I still can't forget the crunchy texture of the whelk and the melt-in-your-mouth yellowtail. The mackerel set meal, a popular menu item at the restaurant, had thick, fatty mackerel that was so delicious I couldn't stop eating it with rice! ✨ After enjoying our meal, we returned home via Shiretoko Pass again. The view of Mt. Rausu from Shiretoko Pass in the evening was truly spectacular! ✨ 📍 Hamada Shoten 🕒 Business Hours: 10:30 AM - 3:30 PM (Last Order 3:00 PM) *Open from February to early October. Closed irregularly during this period. #HokkaidoTravel #Shiretoko #Rausu #ShiretokoGourmet #HamadaShoten #SeafoodLunch #SashimiSetMeal #MackerelSetMeal #ShiretokoPass #JapanTravel #HokkaidoFood

My answer would probably be Rausu in Hokkaido. I ended up in this small town by chance in 2024 and happened to catch the first day of a local industrial festival. The event name itself was memorable, and the whole experience felt unbelievably lucky. I met a lot of interesting people, saw a side of the town I would never have planned for, and ended up having a wonderfully memorable day and night.

🗺️🗺️ 【Travel Itinerary】 Day 1: Day 2: Hokkaido Hotel - Kushiro Wetlands National Park - Nusamai Bridge Day 3: Hotel Crown Hills Kushiro - Lake Mashu - Lake Kussharo Day 4: Kawayu Kanko Hotel - Shiretoko Nature Center - Kamuiwakka Onsen Waterfall Day 5: Shiretoko Nature Cruise - The northeasternmost guide place of Japan Day 6: Kiki Shiretoko Natural Resort - Abashiri Prison Museum - Okhotsk Drift Ice Museum Day 7: Domy Inn Abashiri - Cape Soya - Wakkanai Port Northern Breakwater Dome Day 8: Domy Inn Wakkanai - Haboro Town - Hokushin Memorial Hall Day 9: Y's Hotel Asahikawa Ekimae Day 10: Hokkaido Museum - Hokkaido Pioneer Village (Hokkaido Pioneer Village) Day 11: Dodaibutsu-den - Moai Statue - Hokkaido Shrine - Maruyama Park - Shiroi Koibito Park - Former Temiya Line Railway - Sakaimachi Hondori - Otaru Canal - Otaru Sushi Street Day 12: Biei Pasture Dairy Farm - Shikisai no Oka - Mild Seven Hill - Blue Pond - Shirahige Falls Day 13: Hokkaido Museum of Modern Art - Sapporo Art Forest Museum Day 14: Jigokudani (Hell Valley) - Sairo Observatory Day 15: JR Inn Sapporo Kita 2-jo 📍📍【Recommended Attractions】 1. Kushiro Wetlands National Park 2. Nusamai Bridge 3. Lake Mashu 4. Lake Kusharo 5. Shiretoko Nature Center 6. Kamuiwakka Onsen Waterfall 7. Shiretoko Nature Cruise 8. The northeasternmost guide place of Japan 9. Abashiri Museum Prison 10. Okhotsk Drift Ice Museum 11. Cape Soya 12. Wakkanai Port Northern Breakwater Dome 13. Haboro Town 14. Hokushin Memorial Hall 15. Hokkaido Museum 16. Hokkaido Pioneer Village 17. Two-Tailed Buddha Hall 18. Moai Statue 19. Hokkaido Shrine 20. Maruyama Park 21. Shiroi Koibito Park 22. Former Temiya Line Railway 23. Sakaimachi Hondori 24. Otaru Canal 25. Otaru Sushi Street 26. Biei Pasture Dairy Farm 27. Shikisai no Oka 28. Mild Seven Hill 29. Blue Pond 30. White Beard Falls 31. Hokkaido Museum of Modern Art 32. Sapporo Art Forest Art Museum 33. Jigokudani (Hell Valley) 34. Sairo Observatory 🥘🥘【Recommended Attractions】 🏠🏠【Recommended Hotels】 1. Hokkaido Hotel 2. Hotel Crown Hills Kushiro 3. Kawayu Kanko Hotel 4. Kiki Shiretoko Natural Resort 5. Dormy Inn Abashiri 6. Dormy Inn Wakkanai 7. Y's Hotel Asahikawa Ekimae 8. JR Inn Sapporo Kita 2-jo 📷📷 【Photo Spots】 📣📣【Photo Spots】

Yanao Betsu Onsen springs near the Utoro trailhead of Mount Rausu. Near the only inn, there are two wild hot springs surrounded by primeval forests. One of them is called "Sandan no Yu," which, as the name suggests, consists of three tiered pools. Hot water flows from the upper pool, gradually cooling as it moves down to the lower pools. Finding your preferred temperature while soaking is one of the joys of these baths. Each pool is directly exposed on the rocks, exuding a wild and natural atmosphere. About 50 meters further ahead is the "Waterfall View Bath." In this small pool, you can enjoy soaking while admiring a waterfall with a drop of about 5 meters. If the water feels too hot, you can adjust the temperature with stream water, adding to the rustic charm. During winter, the road to the hot springs is closed, so the baths are only open roughly from late April to late October each year.

Taipei’s summer heat is simply stifling, so I decided to take a break and head to Eastern Hokkaido to cool off. The 25°C temperature was perfect—every breeze felt refreshing. Since I don't drive, I was initially worried about getting around, but public transportation turned out to be surprisingly smooth. I took the JR to Shiretoko-Shari and then caught a bus to Utoro. During my days in Shiretoko, I felt like I had stepped into a primeval forest; the air was filled with the scent of lush greenery. The highlight of this trip was Akan-Mashu National Park. I took a summer-only sightseeing bus and saw the deep blue waters of Lake Mashu, which felt incredibly quiet and mysterious. At Lake Akan, I finally saw the unique Marimo (moss balls)—they are round, super cute, and look just like forest spirits from an anime. I couldn't help but sketch a few in my notebook. The final stop was the Kushiro Marsh. I made a point to ride the summer-only slow train; its leisurely pace was perfect for gazing out at the marshland scenery. On the return trip, I happened to catch the sunset over the wetlands. The orange-red glow in that moment was as beautiful as an animated scene, and it left me feeling so peaceful. Even though keeping an eye on the bus and train schedules was a bit stressful, it felt wonderful to slow down and take in the views at my own pace without driving. Now that I'm back in Taipei, I still find myself missing that cool Hokkaido breeze.

Exploring Rausu’s epic drift ice scenes and wildlife up close is a game-changer for adventure lovers ❄️🦅 If you’ve ever dreamed of cruising through icy seas and spotting majestic eagles, this spot on Japan’s remote Shiretoko Peninsula is for you! Must-Do: Rausu Drift Ice Cruise Hop aboard a Rausu cruise ship (departs from Rausu Fishing Port, 361-1 Honcho, Rausu-cho, Menashi-gun, Hokkaido) for an early morning ride—this is peak eagle-spotting time (Steller's Sea Eagles and White-tailed Eagles stealing the show). The highlight? Witnessing a massive eagle perched on glittering ice, clutching its fresh catch! Bring your zoom lens or binoculars for insane close-ups—the guides even slow down if they spot the birds feasting. Hot Tips: · Dress WARM. It gets crazy cold and windy on deck. Layer up, gloves and hat are a must. · Morning cruises (around 6–7am) = best light for photos + more active wildlife. Book ahead in drift ice season (Feb–March). · Seas can get rough, so prep if you’re prone to motion sickness. Getting There & Getting Around: Rausu is remote! Best bet is renting a car from Kushiro, or else take the bus from Shari. In town, everything is walkable. Foodie Note: After the cruise, refuel at a local seafood spot (like Washo Market in Kushiro if heading back), and try super-fresh king crab or uni donburi. Final Thoughts: Pack cash—many local places are cash only. Also, check your visa requirements if you’re coming from overseas, and expect freezing temps. #RausuCruise #DriftIceJapan #WildlifeWatching #HokkaidoWinter #SeaEagleSighting

📅 Travel Itinerary Day 1: Kushiro → Nemuro → Kushiro Day 2: Kushiro → Rausu Day 3: Rausu 🏨 Accommodation 🍴 Food Spots 📌 Useful Information

Eastern Hokkaido remains a natural wonder worth exploring. Rausu, the largest town on the easternmost coast of the Shiretoko Peninsula in Hokkaido, is located at the southeastern corner of the peninsula, facing the Nemuro Strait. The town stretches along a narrow strip of land for 64 km (40 miles) from southwest to northeast. This town is highly popular among tourists, photographers, and nature enthusiasts visiting Shiretoko National Park. It offers various facilities, including hotels with accommodations and restaurants, shopping stores, and a tourist information center. There is also an exhibition center showcasing the town's history and attractions for those interested. We visited here in mid-May and discovered Joutaiji Temple, the town's Buddhist temple, where various species of sakura were in bloom (though not yet at 100%). For those who missed the sakura season in April and early May, Hokkaido is the place to be! The eastern side of the island is a hidden gem with sakura still in bloom. Traveling here is most convenient by car. We had a local Thai guide who drove us around, making the trip even more comfortable. Location: Joutaiji Temple: https://maps.app.goo.gl/FGqRuFXwX2seQ34Z9

2025 Japan Christmas and New Year Bear Prevention Full Guide: Bear Sighting Maps, Recommended Safety Gear, Self-Rescue Tips, and Low-Risk Illumination Spots. Enjoy the festivities with peace of mind—everything you need to know for a safe trip to Hokkaido and Tohoku! The holiday season is here! Imagine warming up for the Sapporo Snow Festival in Hokkaido, strolling through the romantic illuminations of Roppongi in Tokyo, or making a wish under the New Year fireworks in Sendai. These dream scenes, complete with steaming ramen and hot springs, are winter heaven. However, 2025 has seen record-breaking bear activity in Japan. Especially in Hokkaido and Tohoku, even residential areas have occasionally hosted these "uninvited guests." Don't panic! This 2025 Japan holiday bear safety guide is tailor-made for you. From sighting maps to encounter protocols and gear recommendations, we’ll ensure you travel with confidence. Whether you’re a professional from Hong Kong looking for a quick spa escape or a family from Taiwan hunting for holiday lights, these practical tips are for you. Save this guide and set off safely! 🐻🛡️ Why Bear Safety is Essential for the 2025 Holidays: The Current Situation Christmas and New Year mark the peak of the festival season with markets and fireworks, but it is also the tail end of the bears' active period. According to 2025 data, from February to December, bear attacks across Japan resulted in 236 injuries, 14 deaths, and 1 person missing. Hokkaido and Tohoku account for the majority of these cases. Due to food shortages and climate change, bears have expanded their activity range into city outskirts. While bears usually hibernate in winter, there are signs of continuous activity this year. In Shiretoko or the outskirts of Sapporo, "late-hibernating" brown bears have been spotted. In Tohoku regions like Akita and Iwate, sightings have even occurred in residential zones. Travelers visiting snowy spots or remote hot springs must remain vigilant. Fortunately, most bears avoid humans; as long as you are prepared, you can go from "worried" to "ready." 2025 High-Risk Bear Zones: Popular Holiday Spots to Watch Out For Before planning your itinerary, check the 2025 bear sighting maps! High-risk areas are concentrated in Northern Japan: · Hokkaido: The home of brown bears. Be careful in Sapporo’s Chuo Ward (sightings in Oct), Shiretoko, Furano, and Mt. Rausu. Stick to city centers for the Snow Festival or Otaru lights and avoid suburban forest trails. New Chitose Airport is relatively safe. · Tohoku: The territory of black bears. Akita (70+ attacks), Iwate (40+ attacks), and Fukushima (20+ attacks) are high-alert areas. If visiting Aomori hot springs or Sendai illuminations, avoid walking alone at night in residential outskirts. · Others: Occasional reports have come from Kyoto’s Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and Wakayama’s Kumano Kodo. While Tokyo’s Okutama and Hachioji suburbs have seen many sightings, central areas like Roppongi are risk-free. · Low-Risk Recommendations: Chiba (Disney), Shikoku (Sanuki Manno Park), Kyushu (Huis Ten Bosch fireworks), and Okinawa (American Village). · Pro-tip: Search Google for "[Location] + Bear Info" (熊情報) before you leave. While winter is typically for hibernation, the 2025 attack frequency remains high, so stay cautious! 🗺️ Self-Help Tips for Bear Encounters What should you do if you encounter a bear during your 2025 trip? Stay calm and remember these steps: 1. Keep Calm and Back Away Slowly: Never run, turn your back, or scream—this triggers their chase instinct! Back away slowly while keeping the bear in your sight. Avoid getting between a mother bear and her cub. 2. Maintain Sight but Avoid Staring: Keep your eyes on the bear but avoid direct, aggressive eye contact. Open your coat or raise your bag to make yourself look larger. If the bear prepares to charge, use bear spray aimed at its face (be mindful of wind direction) and escape immediately. 3. Prevention is Priority: Check local apps before heading out and travel in groups. Avoid solo activities at dawn or dusk. Keep food sealed to prevent scents from attracting wildlife. 4. Post-Encounter: Once safe, report the incident to the police (Dial 110 in Japan). 5. Don’t Play Dead: This is a myth! Bears are omnivores and playing dead can be fatal. 🙅‍♂️ FAQ: Common Bear Safety Questions Q: Are bears really out in winter? How high is the risk? A: Yes, activity has been frequent even in December this year. Be extra cautious in suburban and rural areas. Q: Where are the best low-risk spots? A: Tokyo’s Roppongi Hills or Kyushu’s theme park fireworks are excellent, bear-free choices. Q: Why are there so many bears in 2025? A: It’s a mix of food scarcity and climate change. The Japanese government is currently implementing AI monitoring and management strategies. Don't let bear hazards ruin your holiday joy. Get your safety gear, travel with friends, and enjoy the healing vibes of Japan! Safety first, happiness second! 🇯🇵🏮

This time, we introduce five popular tourist spots in the Shiretoko area of Hokkaido✨ Experience the grandeur of nature, the sea, and the "breath of the Earth" through these breathtaking views! Use this as a reference when planning your Shiretoko trip☺️ 🌅 The Great Nature of World Heritage Site Shiretoko 🌊 Spectacular views created by the sea, mountains, and waterfalls 📸 Full of spots perfect for photography · —————— 📍① Oshinkoshin Waterfall (Shari Town) ✅ A powerful "twin-stream waterfall"💦 Standing at about 80 meters tall, this famous waterfall in Shiretoko is selected as one of Japan's Top 100 Waterfalls. You can feel the mist of the waterfall up close from the observation deck. 📍② Shiretoko Pass (Rausu Town to Shari Town) ✅ A mountain pass offering a panoramic view of the World Heritage Site🏔 From this 738-meter-high pass, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the Shiretoko mountain range and Kunashiri Island! It's also a popular spot for a scenic drive. 📍③ Shiretoko National Park (Shari Town) ✅ Registered as a World Natural Heritage Site🌿 This park is filled with untouched natural beauty. The elevated boardwalk (about 40 minutes) is free to explore, allowing you to enjoy the stunning views of the Shiretoko Five Lakes and mountain range. The ground-level trail (about 2 hours) requires a fee, and if you're lucky, you might encounter some wildlife! 📍④ Puyuni Cape Observatory (Shari Town) ✅ Shiretoko's premier scenic observatory🌅 From here, you can overlook the town of Utoro and the Sea of Okhotsk. During sunset, the sea turns orange, creating a romantic scene. 📍⑤ Road to Heaven (Shari Town) ✅ A straight road stretching about 28 km🚗 This straight road that seems to lead to the sky is truly moving! During the evening, the sky and road merge, making it a popular spot for capturing magical photos. 📍"Waterfalls, Passes, Sea, and Sky"—everywhere you look is a stunning view. Feel the nature of Shiretoko and enjoy a soul-cleansing journey✨ · —————— Be sure to use this as a reference☺️

Rausu Mountain (羅臼岳, Rausu-dake) is a renowned peak located on the northeastern peninsula of Hokkaido, within Shiretoko National Park. After an overnight ferry ride from Tokyo to Hokkaido, this mountain was the first of four peaks I climbed during my summer road trip in Hokkaido. Rausu Mountain has two trailheads: one at Rausu Onsen (羅臼温泉) and another at Iwaobetsu (岩尾別). The latter is closer to the summit, which is where we started our hike. There are restroom facilities available at the trailhead. Along the trail, there are portable toilets that you can use if you bring your own disposable toilet bags.

This was my second time here, and I finally saw orcas! I’m not even an animal lover, but seeing over 30 of them right in front of me — and so close — was absolutely thrilling and mind-blowing. They were so cool and majestic!

Last time we visited Rausu, we just stopped by for a quick check-in and left. This time, we decided to stay overnight and take our time exploring. This Shiretoko inn has been open for a few years and features only 10 twin rooms 🛏. Knowing we were tourists, they arranged a room for us on the first floor. The room was clean and simple, with standard bathroom facilities. 🍽 We opted for a package that included both breakfast and dinner. Dinner was Western-style, with delicious dishes ranging from appetizers and main courses to pasta. Additionally, we ordered half a crab 🦀, which was impressively large and incredibly fresh and sweet. We couldn’t finish it all, so we saved some for breakfast the next morning 🤣. Breakfast didn’t offer a wide variety of options, but the taste was decent and satisfying.

Summer is the peak season for whale watching in eastern Hokkaido. Many tourists will come to Shiretoko Rausu, and we are no exception. Unfortunately, the weather was unstable that day, and the whale tour boat stopped. I unexpectedly found that the Shiretoko Rausu Visitor Center is a good indoor place. This visitor center is very special. There are many wild animals found in the Shiretoko area, including: Yezo deer, brown bears, sea lions, foxes, etc. The most special thing is that these animals are real specimens😍👍🏻Adults and children can touch them in person, and there are many animal samples in the cabinet, such as deer antlers, fox skins, etc., which are usually difficult to see and touch😊The visitor center also has free movie screenings, you can learn more about Shiretoko wildlife🤟🏻

Brown bear stone and seaside hot spring in Rausu

The eruption effect is small

Get to see humpback and killer whale; incredible moments

Spring has finally come to Hokkaido! The sunshine is warm during the day, but at night it's back to winter❄️ Be sure to take precautions against the cold and enjoy the flavors of Rausu on the first night🦐