The northern land, Rausu Town in Hokkaido. This place retains a strong influence of Ainu culture and still feels the atmosphere of the pioneering spirit from the Showa era. The main industry is fishing, with an abundance of fresh seafood, while its natural beauty also contributes to the development of tourism. Life here is built on coexisting with nature, and the food culture born from the fresh seafood captivates visitors. Dialects and traditional Ainu customs are alive in daily life, deeply rooted in the lives and culture of the local people. Throughout the year, various festivals are held, among which the “Rausu Onsen Festival” and “Rausu Lake Winter Festival” are particularly unmissable events for visitors. We will now introduce the charm of Rausu Town in detail. Its beautiful landscapes vividly depict the colors of the four seasons, soothing the hearts of those who visit. Additionally, the warmth of the local people, shaped by the harsh natural environment, along with the history and culture that breathe in this land, will surely remain in your travel memories.
Culture and Customs
Rausu Town, located in the eastern part of Hokkaido, is deeply influenced by Ainu culture and embodies the pioneering spirit of the Showa era. Due to its historical background, the local people live in harmony with nature and enjoy a unique food culture centered around fresh seafood. Fishing is the town’s main industry, and the waters of Rausu are rich in a variety of seafood, including salmon and surf clams. In recent years, tourism has also developed, with whale watching being particularly popular, captivating visiting tourists with its spectacular sights. In daily conversations, the Hokkaido dialect is used, and traditional Ainu customs still remain vibrant. Additionally, local festivals keep this culture alive. For example, at the “Rausu Onsen Festival,” Ainu dances are performed, and at the “Rausu Lake Winter Festival,” snow and ice sculptures are displayed. Rausu Town is an attractive place where nature and culture are intertwined. If you visit, you will experience its unique environment and make new discoveries. The local people respect Ainu traditional customs and incorporate that spirit into their daily lives. Moreover, dishes made with locally sourced seafood offer visitors new culinary experiences.
Local Specialties
- “Rausu Kombu”: Rausu kombu, nurtured by cold ocean currents, is thick and has a strong umami flavor with a distinctive sweetness. It is used in cooking, allowing for a rich taste experience.
- “Rausu Seafood”: The seafood from Rausu, grown in nutrient-rich deep seawater, is fresh and has a rich flavor, making it exceptional in taste.
- “Rausu Onsen”: Rausu Onsen, boasting a plentiful flow of hot spring water, is gentle on the skin and features a pleasant quality. It is effective for relaxation and health improvement.
- “Rausu Venison”: Venison from deer raised in Rausu’s great nature has a mild gamey flavor and is packed with the unique umami of red meat. It can be enjoyed in roasts or stews.
- “Rausu Diamond Dust”: The diamond dust that can be seen in winter in Rausu is a sign of clean air. Its sparkling appearance resembles stars in the night sky.
Annual Events
- Rausu Onsen Snow Lantern Festival: Held every February, this event decorates the hot spring town with beautiful snow lanterns, creating a magical atmosphere.
- Okhotsk Rausu Marathon: This marathon, held in June, allows participants to enjoy the natural beauty of the heavy snowfall area while running.
- Rausu Shrine Summer Festival: This festival, held in the height of summer in July, features floats gathered from various parts of the town, allowing visitors to enjoy a lively festival atmosphere.
- Whale Watching: A limited summer event where you can observe whales off the coast of Rausu. It is an experience not to be missed.
- Rausu Port Festival: Held in August, this festival features a fireworks display over the sea and various gourmet booths, allowing visitors to taste local seafood.
Access Methods
- By Air: There are no direct flights from Hokkaido’s New Chitose Airport or Asahikawa Airport to Rausu Town, so you will need to fly to the nearest Kushiro Airport.
- By Bus: From Kushiro Airport, Kushiro Bus operates services that take about 4 hours to reach Rausu Town. Note that the number of services is limited.
- By Car: Using a rental car allows you to set your own schedule for travel. However, be cautious of road conditions in winter.
- By Train: You can take the JR Senmo Line from Kushiro Station to the nearest Monbetsu Station. From there, you will need to use a bus.
- By Ferry: It takes about 3 hours by boat from Nemuro, Hokkaido, to reach Rausu Town. Be sure to check for operational changes due to seasons and weather.
Tourist Attractions
- Shiretoko Five Lakes – A group of lakes rich in nature. The views from the walking paths are breathtaking.
- Rausu Onsen – Popular for its open-air baths with stunning views of the sea.
- Shiretoko Pass – A scenic spot offering a panoramic view of the Shiretoko Peninsula.
- Shiretoko Nature Center – A facility where you can learn about the nature and ecosystem of Shiretoko.
- Oronko Rock – A viewpoint overlooking Rausu Bay. A legendary site.
