The Shiretoko Peninsula, a treasure trove of nature, is home to many high-quality hot springs.

Among them are Rausu Town and Shiretoko-Shari Town, which are separated on either side by Mount Rausu on the Shiretoko Peninsula.
Here you'll find an amazing hot spring that far exceeds your imagination!

So, this time, I'd like to introduce some hot springs located in the Rausu/Utoro (Shari Town) area of ​​Shiretoko, which is registered as a World Natural Heritage site.

Get ready to discover what kind of hot springs await you in this place whose name means "end of the earth" in the Ainu language!

<Table of Contents>

1. [Rausu area] Hot spring spots
1-1. Aidomari Onsen
1-2. Kumanoyu Onsen
1-3. Seseki Onsen
2. [Utoro area] Hot spring spots
2-1. Kamuiwakka Hot Spring Waterfall
2-2. Iwaobetsu Onsen
Final thoughts

Rausu is a port town that attracts whales in winter.
Maccauss Cave is famous for its bioluminescent moss and for being visited by endangered and protected species such as the Steller's sea eagle and white-tailed eagle.

Located on the Shiretoko Peninsula, Rausu is a town where you can enjoy a variety of activities that allow you to experience unspoiled nature!

Now, I'd like to introduce some hot spring spots you can visit in Rausu Town.

1-1. Aidomari Onsen

Aidomari Onsen is the easternmost hot spring in Japan, and it takes about an hour to get there by car from Rausu Town.

There are rows of huts along the coast, and if you peek inside... that's right! Hot springs are bubbling up.
This is the perfect location to enjoy a hot spring bath with the ocean right in front of you!

At high tide, the waves come right up to the edge of the bathtub, making it a truly unique and appealing experience.

Also, from mid-June to mid-September, there are partitions between the huts, so men and women can enter separately.
*The equipment will be removed during typhoons or high waves.
Ladies, it's reassuring to know that it's not a mixed-gender bath!

Now, regarding the water quality, this is a weakly saline spring.

While it is said that the hot spring water is primarily effective for treating rheumatism and neuralgia, the salt content, which is unique to the spring's properties, also has the effect of coating the skin and preventing sweat evaporation.
Therefore, a major feature is that it stays warm for a long time and has a high heat retention effect, making it less likely for you to get cold after bathing.

However, since it's a natural hot spring, it's very hot, so if it's not crowded, you'll probably feel nice and warm.
In that case, you can adjust the temperature using the tap water, so if you don't like hot water, be sure to manage the temperature carefully.

And another thing you shouldn't miss is the scenery on the way to the hot springs.
The scenery of the mountains and the sea is truly breathtaking, a testament to its natural heritage. It's one of those driving spots where the time you spend there will be well worth it.

Instead of rushing straight to the hot springs, please take your time and enjoy the scenery at the edge of the world!

[Aibetsu Onsen]
Address: Aibetsu, Rausu-cho, Menashi-gun, Hokkaido MAP
Phone: 0153-87-3360 (Shiretoko Rausu Town Tourism Association)
Fee: Free
Opening hours: Sunrise to sunset (bathing is not possible in case of rough seas)
Operating period: Mid-May to early September
Official HP:http://www.rausu-shiretoko.com/

1-2. Kumanoyu Onsen

Now then! For those who prefer mountains to the sea, there's a hot spring you absolutely must see.

Kumanoyu Onsen is a hot spring located on the banks of the Rausu River, and it truly is a hidden hot spring that springs up in the middle of the forest.

Thanks to the meticulous care taken by local enthusiasts, the hot spring water remains incredibly fresh, and its excellent quality has earned it such a reputation that even fishermen come here to warm up!

Now, regarding the water quality, which is what you're probably wondering about, it's a "sulfur-containing sodium chloride spring (hydrogen sulfide type)."
The main indications for this treatment are cuts, chronic skin diseases, and poor circulation.

Furthermore, because it improves blood circulation and has antibacterial properties, it can be expected to have a calming effect on skin diseases, which are among its indicated conditions, as well as a pain-relieving effect.
Furthermore, the chloride spring water contained in the spring water has moisturizing effects, so you should be able to feel your skin becoming more hydrated.
And sulfur also has a preventative effect against blemishes!

However, since you'll be warm and sweating profusely, be sure to drink more fluids than usual.

I highly recommend it because you can experience the nature of Shiretoko and recharge with negative ions!

[Kuma-no-yu Onsen]
Address: Yunosawa-cho, Rausu-cho, Menashi-gun, Hokkaido
Phone: None
Fee: Free
Opening hours: 7:00 AM to 5:00 AM (Bathing is unavailable from 5:00 AM to 7:00 AM due to cleaning)
Business period: All year round

1-3. Seseki Onsen

Seishi Onsen is a historic hot spring resort that is said to have been discovered during the Meiji era.

For those of you who noticed, "Hey, there's a hot spring in the middle of the ocean!"
That's right, as you can see, it's located in the middle of the sea, and when the tide comes in, it's submerged and becomes inaccessible, making it a truly secluded hot spring.

This makes you wonder where the source of the hot spring is coming from, doesn't it?
Actually...it's bubbling up from the reef!!

And there's one more thing I'd like to highlight about this hot spring.
It turns out that it was a filming location for "2002 Testament," an episode from the famous TV drama series, "From the North Country."

In the movie, there's an open-air bath that Jun and Todo enter, and apparently that was actually here at Seishi Onsen!
Please check it out ♪

Next, let's talk about the quality of the hot spring water.

This spring is a "sodium chloride spring," and its main indications include neuralgia, lower back pain, and chronic rheumatism.
As mentioned earlier, chloride springs have moisturizing effects.

In other words, since it's mainly composed of salt, when you put it in your mouth, it creates a film-like layer on your body, which helps prevent sweat from evaporating.
This is the secret behind its moisturizing effect!

With a short bathing season from July to September, this is truly a hidden gem of a hot spring, so please give it a try!

*The kelp hut is managed by the fishermen, so please let them know before using the bath.
*Although it is a mixed-gender bath, swimwear is permitted.

[Seseki Hot Springs]
Address: Seishi, Rausu-cho, Menashi-gun, Hokkaido
Telephone: (Summer: Seishi Ban'ya) 0153-89-2654, (Other seasons) 0153-88-2384
Fee: Basically free (There is a "Donation Box" available, so while it's not mandatory, please feel free to leave a donation after your bath.)
Opening hours: Bathing is possible approximately 2 hours after low tide.
Business period: Early March to mid-December
Official HP:http://www.seseki-onsen.com/

Utoro is located in Shari-cho, Shari-gun.
Located on the Sea of ​​Okhotsk, it is also famous as a town where drift ice washes ashore in winter.

The area boasts numerous tourist attractions, including Osingosing Falls and Hurepee Falls, as well as hotels, attracting many visitors.
Now, let me introduce you to the hot springs you can enjoy in Utoro town.

2-1. Kamuiwakka Hot Spring Waterfall

Among the World Natural Heritage sites, Kamuiwakka Hot Spring Waterfall is particularly unique.

What's so unusual about it is that the waterfall on the Kamuiwakka River is actually a hot spring!
The reason is that Shiretoko Iwozan is an active volcano.

The hot spring water that gushes from the mountain flows into the river, hence the name "flowing hot spring."

However, this area is also remote and not easily accessible.
Now, let me explain how you can enjoy the hot springs.

That involves... climbing a waterfall.

Many of you may be thinking, "Huh?", but actually, if you climb up the waterfall, you'll find that the pool at the bottom of the falls is like an open-air bath, so you can take a bath there!

*Note: You can reach the hot springs by climbing up to the "First Waterfall," but it is a popular tourist spot and will be crowded. The path beyond that point is currently impassable, so please do not proceed further.
*Since this is untouched nature and has not been touched by human hands, please climb slowly and carefully.

The hot spring water at Kamuiwakka is "highly acidic," making it a rather unique type of hot spring.
That being said, acidic springs are indicated for conditions such as chronic skin diseases and diabetes, and their quality is so excellent that some people even use them for therapeutic purposes.

However, children, the elderly, and those with sensitive skin should avoid taking long baths.

Since the water temperature is around 40 degrees Celsius, even people with healthy skin tend to soak for a long time, but if your skin starts to feel even slightly tingly, it's best to get out of the bath and see how it feels.

Make sure to check the information carefully beforehand so you can have a safe and enjoyable exploration of this hidden gem!

[Kamuiwakka Hot Spring Waterfall]
Address: Iwaobetsu, Shari-cho, Hokkaido (within Shiretoko National Park)
Phone: 0152-22-2125 (Shiretoko Shari Town Tourism Association)
Fee: Free
Opening hours: No specific regulations
Operating period: From early June to early November each year (tentative)

2-2. Iwaobetsu Onsen

Iwaobetsu Onsen is a hot spring located within the Shiretoko World Heritage Site.

This is another hot spring resort considered a hidden gem, where you can enjoy an open-air bath amidst a lush primeval forest. What a luxurious experience! There are three huge pools of hot spring water!

The spring water is a "pure saline spring," and its indicated uses mainly include frozen shoulder, chronic digestive diseases, and neuralgia.
"Pure saline spring" is an old classification for chloride springs, so this hot spring is a chloride spring.

Huh? There are surprisingly many chloride springs... If you're thinking that, you're right!
Actually, this type of hot spring water is the second most common type in Japan! (Incidentally, the most common is simple hot spring water.)

And guess what! If you go another 50 meters or so from Sandan-no-yu, you'll find Takimi-no-yu.
You can enjoy a bath while watching a waterfall with a drop of about 5 meters right in front of you!
Wow, it was totally worth the effort to come here... It's a truly wonderful place.

Guests staying overnight can use the "Hotel Chino Hate" located right in front of the hotel.
Although there is a fee, they have a large garden bath and a large public bath, and day-use bathing is also available.

If you're interested in hiking in Rausu or exploring the magnificent nature of Shiretoko, this is the perfect place for you!
Why not combine both and enjoy a hot spring tour?

[Iwaobetsu Onsen "Sandan-no-yu", "Takimi-no-yu", "Hotel Chino-no-hate"]
Address: Iwaobetsu Onsen, Shari-cho, Shari-gun, Hokkaido
Phone: 050-2017-8989
Admission: Free (Hotel Chinohata Public Bath: 800 yen for adults)
Opening hours: No specific hours for Sandan-no-Yu and Takimi-no-Yu; Hotel Chino-no-Hate: 11:30 AM - 18:00 PM
Operating period: Irregular closing days (closed in winter due to road closures and draining of the hot spring water)
Official HP:http://iwaobetu.com/spa/

Final thoughts

There are many other hot springs in Shiretoko.
While I've only introduced secluded hot springs here, most hotels and inns in the Shiretoko Utoro and Shiretoko Rausu areas also have their own hot springs.

But since we're there, it wouldn't be a bad idea to visit some hot springs where we can enjoy the magnificent nature of a World Heritage site!
In fact, there's a kind of dynamism that you can only experience here in Shiretoko.
Take a break from sightseeing and enjoy a visit to a hidden hot spring that's free to enter.

I'm sure your trip will leave you feeling warm and happy, both in mind and body!

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