Mount Rausu

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.

Location: Rausu

Location: Shari

Elevation above the sea: 1,660 m

Made from material: andesite

Part of: 100 Famous Japanese Mountains

GPS coordinates: 44.07592,145.12223

Latest update: December 7, 2025 19:28