Lake Rausu, the largest lake on the Shiretoko Peninsula, is located right in the heart of Shiretoko, a World Natural Heritage site that celebrates its 10th anniversary of registration this year. Due to its inconvenient access, its beauty remains largely unknown, and thanks to this, it is a precious place that maintains its tranquility.

According to a local guide, you can hear the sound of cherry blossoms blooming on the quiet trail. Even the guide rarely witnesses that moment, but apparently, there's a "snap" sound when the petals of the buds open. I'd like to share my experience of walking around Lake Rausu in early spring in July, hoping to hear that sound.

Off to Lake Rausu!

The entrance to the hiking trail to Lake Rausu is located on the way down the Shiretoko Crossing Road from Shiretoko Pass to Rausu.

From there, we walked along a pathless route through the snow, stepped over the trunks of birch trees, walked through a dwarf pine forest, and crossed four ponds.
The first place you'll encounter is "Ninonuma" (Second Pond). It was still covered in snow!

(That feels so good!)
The river flowing alongside the trail is filled with a rushing stream of melting snow, and it's incredibly refreshing! The guide said that the snow melts very quickly as the temperature rises, so "you can enjoy a different landscape every day."

With no wind present this time, the reflection of Mount Rausu, one of Japan's 100 Famous Mountains, was clearly visible upside down in Lake San-no-numa.

The legendary "3.8 Lake," and the cherry blossoms...?!

In spring, depending on how far the snow has melted, parts of the boardwalk may be buried, changing the walking route, or you may be able to go to places that you would normally have to push through the bushes to reach.

The photo shows Lake 3.8 (named by a local guide), located between Lake San-no-numa and Lake Yon-no-numa, which can only be seen during the time when there is still snow on the ground.

I met two women on a girls' trip at Lake 3.8. One woman had moved to Shiretoko because she was drawn to nature, and the other had become completely hooked on nature walks since moving to Rausu after getting married. Both of them said they enjoy exploring the nature of eastern Hokkaido, including Shiretoko, whenever they have time off.

As for the cherry blossoms I was looking for...they were already past their peak bloom. Once again, I was disappointed that I couldn't hear their blossoms! However, I heard there are still some trees buried under the snow, so I'd like to try again!

It's been about an hour so far. I was getting tired, but seeing the cherry blossoms cheered me up.

Finally, we're heading to our destination, Lake Rausu.

"Ninuma" is home to plants such as cotton grass and narrow-leaved floating spurium. The scenery of the trek gradually changes, and it feels as if you are walking through a grassland.

I felt something hopping around at my feet, and it turned out to be a frog! It was a Japanese brown frog that had hatched from an egg on the Lake Rausu trail, where there is plenty of water.

Once you pass the "Fifth Pond" where the skunk cabbage grows, you'll finally reach Lake Rausu.

We finally arrived at Lake Rausu.
The sky suddenly opens up, revealing the vast Lake Rausu stretching out before me. The sky is reflected on the lake's surface, creating a truly magnificent view. Snow still clings to the mountains, and the air is cool and fresh. It blows away all fatigue and worries!

On a sunny day, Lake Rausu is bathed in a clear blue sky, creating a refreshing atmosphere. On cloudy days, however, it's even more mystical and serene. You can witness the awe-inspiring sight of sunlight shining through thick clouds, offering a truly special experience.

This hidden gem is a place we'd rather keep secret, yet it's an experience we want many people to have. Why not take a step onto the Shiretoko Peninsula and have a truly unique experience?

[Basic Knowledge for Trekking Around Lake Rausu]

Now, those of you who have read this far are probably filled with the desire to visit Lake Rausu! So, from here on, I will introduce some things you should know when enjoying trekking around Lake Rausu.

When can I enjoy it?

Trekking around Lake Rausu is generally enjoyable from June to early October. However, some tour companies also offer snowshoe trekking in May when there's still snow on the ground!
http://www.shiretokoclub.jp/rausuko-spring.html　（知床倶楽部ガイドさんＨＰ）

What kind of equipment and preparations are needed?

◎Clothing During the Rausu Lake trek, you will be walking on muddy paths and, depending on the season, on patches of remaining snow.
Rain boots are essential, and it's also recommended to wear rain pants that you don't mind getting dirty (most local tour companies will lend you rain boots).

Also, even in summer, it can get quite chilly during bad weather or in the mornings and evenings, so you'll need to bring fleece or a summer sweater. Additionally, be prepared for rainy days by bringing a two-piece waterproof rain suit (the weather can change suddenly quite often).

◎Items to bring Basically, you should bring the necessary items for mountain climbing, such as drinking water, snacks, a hat, a towel, gloves (like work gloves), and a backpack so that both your hands are free.

Is there a toilet?

Unfortunately, there are no toilets along the way. If you are concerned, please purchase a portable toilet at your destination.
For more details, please click here.

What else should I know?

There are rules known as the "Rausu Lake Rules" that everyone who enjoys Lake Rausu should know. Please read them in advance to prepare and understand them better.
http://rausu-vc.jp/lake_rausu/lake-rausu-lule.php　(Rausu Lake Visitor Center website)

How far will we be walking?

The distance from the trailhead to Lake Rausu to Lake Rausu is approximately 3 kilometers one way, taking about 90 minutes.
Although the distance isn't long, there are many muddy and difficult-to-walk sections, so it's best to think of it as a proper trek.

Is it possible to go to Lake Rausu on my own?

While it is possible to hike the trails around Lake Rausu independently, this is a unique area with no parking at the trailhead, easy to get lost in, and the possibility of encountering brown bears. Therefore, we strongly recommend that those without extensive trekking experience use a guided tour.

If you go with a guide, you can feel safer, learn more about the nature along the way, and enjoy Lake Rausu even more.

Access to Lake Rausu

There is no parking lot at the entrance to Lake Rausu. You must park at the Shiretoko Pass parking lot and then travel to the entrance by local bus (3 minutes by bus, but infrequent service) or on foot (approximately 40 minutes).

[For information about Lake Rausu and Shiretoko]
Rausu Visitor Center　Tel 0153-87-2828

[Rausu Lake Guided Tour]
Shiretoko Factory　Tel-0153 87-5885
Shiretoko Club Guide Tel-0153 89-3688

[Information regarding tourism in Rausu Town]
Shiretoko Rausu Town Tourism Association
Tel-0153 87-3360
Email info@rausu-shiretoko.com

[For more information about Rausu, please check this out!]
The king of the sea, the orca, is right before your eyes! The Shiretoko-Rausu cruise is amazing!!
Is this really Japan?! 10 Must-See Stunning White Hokkaido Sceneries You Can Only See in Winter

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