Hokkaido. Shiretoko Peninsula. Part 3. Aug 2022

The word "Rausu" originates from the Ainu word Raushi, roughly meaning "Low-land" or "Place of men with beast-like spirit" (Wikipedia).

RAUSU

I visited Rausu twice during this trip. On my first trip I only had 2 hours before the last bus to Utoro. I liked the place immediately and returned the next day. Infrequent buses run to Rausu from Utoro taking around 50 min through already familiar to me landscape: Lake Rausu entrance, Rausu Pass – a very beautiful ride on its own.

Here is Rausu town from the hill. Looks a bit bigger than Utoro. But nearly same population of 5300 people.

Quite a sizeable port. The port area on the picture is just for travel boats. It runs further behind the travel piers for a good km or so.

Interesting architecture. Not typical Japanese. East European, Christian (seen similar a lot in Korea, hence I mention Korea with so many churches around)? Not a specialist, but catches the eye.

Main street with Town Office. I wonder how does it feel to be a mayor of a place like Rausu town.

Bridges crossing Rausu river.

On my second trip to Rausu I decided to walk towards the Whale Watching Park. Near Chitorai Bridge I passed a nice spot along the Strait of Nemuro which could be a good swimming place. But… Occupied by fishermen. Again, you can see Kunashir Island ahead.

Actually Russia is really close. Even some maps in town feature Russian language.

Used to be ferries to Nemuro from Russia if I remember it right. Now, from Vladivostok to Wakkanai only. Near Wakkanai you can find Cape Soya, the northernmost place of Japan.

I walk pass the commercial port, then small Shiokaze Park. Liked it here for a short tea break.

Finally I see the sign pointing to the Whale Park, have to climb up another 15 minutes or so. The viewing platform signs explain about different types of whales and that one needs to be patient to spot one. I have seen whales a few times before when swimming in Sydney beaches:really a magnificent view. Not today though…

Getting hot. I have been walking around 2 hours already. I need to find a spot for my first swim in the Sea of Okhotsk.

There is a small house near the road and a walkable path behind towards the sea. Here it is, my personal swimming area in the Sea of Okhotsk! So happy: water fresh and clear. Just need to be careful, as the ground is all small pebbles. Who cares, I will swim, not walk. On your knees, and off you go.

Refreshed, I am taking a bus back to Rausu town. Bus # 21. Empty. If I go opposite way, I can reach Aidomari Onsen in 40 minutes, or I can walk there along the coast, around 4 hours. Also there is a bus to Kushiro City from Rausu which takes about 3 hours. Sounds like a good place to come again..

Next highlights. I MUST mention one more place in Rausu, which is Kumanoyu Onsen (Bear Hot Spring). It is maintained by locals. Free of charge. If you are heading from Rausu town, it will take 50 minutes on foot. If you are on the bus from Utoro, get off at Rausu Onsen bus stop and walk back. 15 minutes.

This is the sign you will see from the road.

And this is onsen itself. On the picture you can see entry to women’s area. Men’s is just behind that droopy wooden fence. All guys leisurely sitting around were naked as Adam.

As you can see, a very rustic wooden hut split in two parts: men and women. Few shelves inside to put your clothes. Take a round washing basket at the bottom of the shelves and use it to wash yourself. Many people bring soap, shampoo, etc. You are supposed to, but I did not have any. So, just washed myself with my hands.

A very bonhomie atmosphere. Where are you from? Kanagawa, but originally Sydney. You? Saitama prefecture. And you? Tokyo. Around 6 people there, all visitors, not many locals (public holidays). The water is very hot, around 45 degrees, and has a strong sulphur smell. I plunge in and out chatting with other “boys” in between. Some people saw bears while biking, some climbed Mount Rausu. Stories… Seeing I am hot, one local points me into the direction of a hose with a cold running water. Great! I pour cold water on myself before going back to the hot bath again alternating a few times.

One more reason to try to find good accommodation in Rausu next time!

(to be continued)