Shiretoko and Rausu, the northernmost reaches of Japan. When you think of Shiretoko, many people probably picture the natural beauty of the mountains on the Shiretoko Peninsula, but did you know that there is a world far beyond your imagination beneath the sea?

Off the coast of Rausu, on the eastern side of the Shiretoko Peninsula, you can see not only dolphins and whales, but even the king of the sea, the orca! This time, we asked Mr. Hasegawa, the famous captain of "Shiretoko Nature Cruise," to introduce us to a cruise off Rausu, a place so amazing that tourists come from all over the world. Please take a look!

Introduction

Looking at this photo, I wonder how many people would recognize this scenery as "Japan"? With the snow-covered mountains of the Shiretoko Peninsula in the background, it's a fantastical landscape where you can almost hear the "whoosh" of an orca breathing.

In early spring, orcas migrate to the waters off Shiretoko-Rausu, a paradise for marine life that you can't reach on your own. Let's explore this vibrant, bountiful sea...

Set sail on the open sea!!

The cruise ship Evergreen was originally built as a small training vessel for a fisheries high school and is equipped with state-of-the-art fishing navigation instruments and equipment, while also prioritizing safety and environmental considerations. The second floor features a fly deck that offers excellent views of dolphins, whales, and other marine life.

If the weather is good, you can see Kunashir Island, one of the Northern Territories, right before your eyes. Kunashir Island stretches approximately 120 kilometers from left to right and is larger in area than Okinawa Island.

Machine Gun Talk

A former fisherman and captain who knows the waters of Rausu inside and out. He will not only explain the marine life, but also the history, culture, and development of Rausu's fishing industry. Enjoy his rapid-fire commentary in the fluent Rausu dialect (if you can't understand him because he speaks so fast, an interpreter will be available).
*Please note that not all Shiretoko Rausu cruises feature rapid-fire commentary.

Black and white...!?

The cetacean most frequently encountered in early spring is the Dall's porpoise.

Some people see its black and white body and ask, "Is that an orca?" but it's actually a small dolphin, about 2 meters long.

They swim at high speed, with their bodies barely above the water's surface, creating a distinctive V-shaped splash.

Pay attention to the sense of incongruity

Encounters with creatures depend on luck. We rely on the experience and data of a former fisherman and captain, as well as human eyes, to search for creatures.

Our dedicated staff will give a lecture on the creatures you might encounter off the coast of Rausu and how to spot them. Join us in trying your hand at whale and bird watching! Let's get your eyes used to what it looks like.

In early spring, when the chances of encountering orcas increase, the drift ice recedes and phytoplankton begin to bloom.
Zooplankton gather there. Small fish gather to feed on them, followed by birds and whales.
In search of these plankton, some birds migrate all the way across the equator from the Southern Hemisphere.

The slender-billed shearwater, sometimes forming flocks of tens of thousands of birds that paint the sea black, creates an overwhelming roar of wings when these massive flocks take flight all at once!

Where slender-billed shearwaters gather, minke whales, which feed on the same plankton, also gather, and they coexist harmoniously.

Encountering the King of the Sea, the Orca

Orcas always act in groups (families).

Each family of orcas has a different personality; some approach the boat out of curiosity, while others remain cautious and try to keep their distance. Baby orcas can be seen cuddling with their mothers, jumping and leaping around, and playing innocently.

I can see it from my window!

Fishing boat captains often report seeing orcas, but sometimes they also receive reports from roads and private homes saying they can see orcas from their windows.

One of the unique features of Rausu is that orcas can be spotted very close to land. At times, they are less than a kilometer from the shore.

Furthermore, the Nemuro Strait, sandwiched between the Shiretoko Peninsula and Kunashir Island of the Northern Territories, is a bay-shaped strait. While it is still the sea and therefore experiences waves, it can be considered one of the calmest whale-watching spots in Japan.

The calm sea of ​​Rausu and orcas

What's "normal" off the coast of Shiretoko Rausu is not "normal" at all—it's another world!

The charms of the seas around Shiretoko and Rausu are still largely unknown. Every spring, many orcas come to the Nemuro Strait.

With the snow-capped Shiretoko mountain range as a backdrop, a family of orcas swims majestically, exuding the dignity of royalty. Witnessing this magnificent sight is truly awe-inspiring.

Encounters with those moments, encounters with living creatures, are once-in-a-lifetime experiences. You will never encounter the same time or the same scene again. The fact that there are places in Japan where you can encounter wild orcas is not widely known.

Since we're dealing with wild animals, we can't guarantee that we'll encounter them 100% of the time, but that's precisely what makes it exciting—you never know what's going to happen.

Let's see, feel, and experience together moments that you don't usually get to see!

Make sure you dress warmly!

Even in midsummer, the temperature in Rausu is around 20 degrees Celsius. In May and June, fog is common, and when you go out to sea, the wind makes it feel colder. Therefore, we recommend bringing a warm jacket, gloves, and a hat.

Rain gear is available for rent on the boat, so please feel free to ask a staff member. The cabins are also heated.

What are the chances of seeing an orca?

Based on 2014 data, the orca sighting rates were not particularly high: May: 7%, June: 35%, July: 14%, and August: 17%. The typical orca viewing season is from late April to early July. For more detailed data, please see here .

If you absolutely want to see orcas, we recommend planning a relaxed itinerary that includes staying in Rausu for two days or more.

Furthermore, the period from July to October is the season when sperm whales , one of the world's largest animals, appear, so that's another attraction!

Dolphin, Whale & Birdwatching Cruise Basic Data

Here is some information about the cruise tours offered by "Shiretoko Nature Cruise," which was introduced to us in this article.

Summer cruises: Late April to mid-October
[The best time to see orcas is from late April to early July.]
Departure times: around 9:00 AM and 1:00 PM. Duration: approximately 2.5 hours.
*During peak seasons such as Golden Week and summer vacation, three flights will be operated.
Since this is an irregular schedule, please contact us for details.
Admission fees: Adults 8,000 yen, Children (ages 3 and up to elementary school age) 4,000 yen, Children under 2 years old free.
Operating conditions: Minimum number of participants: 5 or more

[Important points regarding cruises]
Departure times and durations may vary slightly.
・Flights may be cancelled due to weather or sea conditions.
Whales and dolphins are wild animals, so there is no guarantee that you will encounter them. No refunds will be given if you do not encounter them.
Unlike larger ships, cruisers are more susceptible to the effects of waves and will rock, so please exercise caution when moving around inside the vessel.
- You are responsible for any damage to your camera or other equipment caused by sea spray, damage due to the rocking of the boat, or loss of your belongings in the sea.
This vessel is also equipped with a toilet.
If you are prone to seasickness, please bring your own motion sickness medication. It is not sold on board or at the reception desk.

【 (KK)知床ネイチャークルーズ ]
TEL: 0153-87-4001
HP:http://www.e-shiretoko.com/

In addition, the following companies also operate cruise ships regularly in Rausu.
For more details, please click to view each vendor's page.
・Marumi Co., Ltd. (Rausu no Yado Marumi) (Arran III)
・Godzilla Rock sightseeing (Kamuiwakka boat)
・Hamana sightseeing cruise

For information about sightseeing in Shiretoko and Rausu,
Shiretoko Rausu Town Tourism Association websiteI want to meet you in RausuPlease go to ''

Access to Shiretoko and Rausu

Approximately 2 hour and 40 minutes by car from Memanbetsu Airport
Approximately 2 hours by car from JR Abashiri Station
・Approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes by car from JR Shari Station
・Approximately 30 minutes by car from Utoro
・Approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes by car from Nakashibetsu Airport

Please also check out these related articles.

• 

  A guide to getting from Sapporo to Furano. How to get to Furano by car, bus, or JR train?

• 

  Enjoy a trip to Hokkaido in December! A guide to sights, events, local cuisine, and what to wear.

• 

  If you're going to Hakodate in the summer, check out these 4 unique summer festivals in Hakodate and southern Hokkaido!

• 

  Is life in Hokkaido in winter a little different? ? Hokkaido common experiences - winter edition

• 

  Monbetsu, the town of drift ice | We'll teach you about the Monbetsu Drift Ice Festival and how to enjoy yourself in a snowy region.

• 

  Three cafes and restaurants housed in renovated storehouses that tell the story of Hakodate's thriving commercial past.

• 

  A walk through the old days of Otaru: A recommendation for a stroll along the former Temiya Line.

• 

  Of course, winter calls for a hot spring bath with a view of the snow! Here are 8 hot springs in Hokkaido where you can enjoy this dream!

Introducing our sister site (please check it out if you're interested)