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[spring][ Hokkaido Rausu Town]Mt. Rausu Spring mountain climbing and spectacular views

spring

Mount Rausu is located in Rausu Town, Menashi District, Hokkaido, and is known as a symbol of Shiretoko National Park. With an elevation of 1,661m, it is the highest peak on the Shiretoko Peninsula, and has been designated as part of the World Heritage Site due to its magnificent natural beauty and rich ecosystem. From the summit, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Sea of Okhotsk, the Nemuro Strait, and even the neighboring Kunashiri Island, making for a truly spectacular view. Located within Shiretoko National Park, you can observe a variety of flora and fauna around Mount Rausu. In spring, the snow melts and alpine plants sprout one after another, coloring the mountainside. Alpine plants such as swallow-tailed lilies and Japanese laurels bloom in full bloom, attracting visitors. Wild animals such as Ezo deer and brown bears also live here, allowing you to experience the richness of nature up close. In terms of access, the trailhead for Mount Rausu is close to Rausu Onsen, so you can soothe your fatigue in the hot springs before and after climbing. It is common to access Rausu Town via Memanbetsu Airport or Nakashibetsu Airport. After that, you can travel by public transport or rental car. By planning a trip that combines sightseeing with mountain climbing, you can fully enjoy the charms of Shiretoko.

The charm and basic information of Mt. Rausu: A majestic mountain standing in the center of Shiretoko National Park

Mount Rausu is located in Rausu Town, Menashi District, Hokkaido, and is known as a symbol of Shiretoko National Park. With an elevation of 1,661m, it is the highest peak on the Shiretoko Peninsula, and has been designated as part of the World Heritage Site due to its magnificent natural beauty and rich ecosystem. From the summit, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the Sea of Okhotsk, the Nemuro Strait, and even the neighboring Kunashiri Island, making for a truly spectacular view. Located within Shiretoko National Park, you can observe a variety of flora and fauna around Mount Rausu. In spring, the snow melts and alpine plants sprout one after another, coloring the mountainside. Alpine plants such as swallow-tailed lilies and Japanese laurels bloom in full bloom, attracting visitors. Wild animals such as Ezo deer and brown bears also live here, allowing you to experience the richness of nature up close. In terms of access, the trailhead for Mount Rausu is close to Rausu Onsen, so you can soothe your fatigue in the hot springs before and after climbing. It is common to access Rausu Town via Memanbetsu Airport or Nakashibetsu Airport. After that, you can travel by public transport or rental car. By planning a trip that combines sightseeing with mountain climbing, you can fully enjoy the charms of Shiretoko.

How to enjoy spring mountain climbing: The nature of Mt. Rausu awakens as the snow melts

The best season for spring mountain climbing on Mt. Rausu is from the end of April to around June, when the snow melts. This is a beautiful season where the mountain surface still retains traces of winter and the newly sprouted spring plants coexist, providing a special experience for climbers. Because of the high altitude, the seasons change slower than in the lowlands, so you can enjoy the breath of spring for a longer period of time. There are routes that can be enjoyed by beginners to intermediate climbers, and the standard course time is about 6 to 8 hours. There are many points that photography enthusiasts cannot miss along the way, such as streams flowing with meltwater and forests with beautiful new greenery. On the mountain trail, you can feel the refreshing wind unique to spring, and the chirping of birds will soothe your ears, allowing you to enjoy nature with all your senses. However, caution is required when climbing in the spring. It is also a time when the temperature is unstable, and mornings and evenings can drop below freezing. It is essential to take sufficient cold weather measures and anti-slip equipment such as crampons for mountain climbing. Also, be careful of brown bears, so we recommend carrying bear bells and spray. Be sure to check the weather and trail conditions in advance and be fully prepared before heading out.

spectacular view from Mt. Rausu: A special view only seen in spring

The view from the summit of Mt. Rausu is the best reward for climbers. In spring, the air is clear and the view from the summit is even clearer, so climbing in this season is especially popular. On a clear day, the blue ocean of the Sea of Okhotsk spreads out before you, and you can even see the mountains of Kunashiri Island across the sea. You will also be impressed by the majestic view of the Shiretoko mountain range below you, and you will surely be impressed by the scale of nature. The views at sunrise and sunset are particularly special, and you can enjoy the changing colors of the mountain skin and the gradation of the sky depending on the time of day. In spring, there is still snow remaining, so the contrast between white and green is beautiful, and you can enjoy a special view that you cannot see in other seasons. After climbing, it is recommended to relax your body in Rausu Onsen at the foot of the mountain and enjoy the afterglow of your trip. The starry sky seen from the hot spring is full of tranquility and beauty that you cannot experience in the city. You can relax after the spring mountain climbing and spend a luxurious time enjoying the nature of Shiretoko to your heart's content.

[Outdoor Activities]Other recommended spots

Abashiri River Spring Canoe Experience

Hokkaido Abashiri City

From Abashiri Station, take the Abashiri Bus "Yobito Line" or "Memanbetsu Airport Line" and get off at "Abashirikoso-mae" bus stop, then walk for about 10 minutes.

Mt. Rausu Spring mountain climbing and spectacular views

Hokkaido Rausu Town

It is about 1 hour 15 minutes by car from Nemuro Nakashibetsu Airport. It is about 2 hours 40 minutes to 3 hours 10 minutes by car from Memanbetsu Airport and Tancho Kushiro Airport.

Spring outdoor experiences on Mount Niseko Annupuri

Hokkaido Niseko Town

It takes about 2 hours and 45 minutes from New Chitose Airport via Otaru Station to Niseko Station. From Niseko Station you can take the Niseko bus.

Spring Cycling Experience in Furano and Biei

Hokkaido Furano City and Biei Town

Furano Station: JR Nemuro Line Biei Station: JR Furano Line ※There are bicycle rental shops around each station.

Shiretoko Five Lakes Spring Trekking Experience

Hokkaido Shari Town

From JR Shiretoko-Shari Station, take the Shiretoko Line of Shari Bus for about 1 hour and 30 minutes.

Cycling along the lake at Onuma Park

Hokkaido Nanae Town

About 5 minutes walk from Onuma Koen Station on the JR Hakodate Main Line.

Jozankei Spring River Rafting and Hiking Experience

Hokkaido Sapporo City

From JR Sapporo Station, take the Jotetsu bus (approx. 70-80 minutes)

Lake Mashu: A spring stroll around the mysterious lake

Hokkaido Teshikaga Town

It takes about 20 minutes by bus from JR Senmo Main Line "Mashu Station" to Lake Mashu No. 1 Observation Deck. It takes about 40 minutes by bus from JR Senmo Main Line "Kawayu Onsen Station" to Lake Mashu No. 1 Observation Deck.

Lake Toya Spring Walking Experience

Hokkaido Toyako Town

Take a Dounan bus from JR Muroran Main Line "Toya Station" for about 20 minutes and get off at "Toyako Onsen Bus Terminal".

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