Mount Rausu, Stratovolcano on Shiretoko Peninsula, Japan
Mount Rausu is a stratovolcano on Hokkaido's Shiretoko Peninsula, rising to 1,660 meters with steep andesite slopes. Multiple established hiking routes crisscross the mountain and lead to its summit.
The volcano had major activity roughly 1,400 years ago with a significant eruption, followed by pyroclastic flows around 500 years later. These events shaped the mountain's current form.
The mountain ranks among Japan's 100 Famous Mountains and sits within Shiretoko National Park, a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site. This designation reflects how the place is valued as a symbol of the region's natural power and beauty.
The climbing season opens with a festival on July 3, and hikers can reach the summit via established routes from Rausu and Shari towns. Visitors should be ready for changing weather and wear sturdy footwear for the steep terrain.
The mountain marks the northeasternmost point of active volcanism in Hokkaido, offering views across the Kuril volcanic arc and the Sea of Okhotsk. On clear days, visitors can see these distant volcanic landscapes stretched along the horizon.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
