The sea by Shiretoko Rausu gets deep quickly, so it's the perfect spot for whale watching! See the spectacular sight of a 17m sperm whale diving with Kunashiri, one of the Northern Territory islands, as a backdrop! Summer in Rausu is also the best time to see minke whales, Dall's porpoises, giant beaked whales and other sea life!

In summer, an enourmous flock of petrels comes to Rausu, all the way from Australia. They are an endless source of fascination for birdwatchers, photographers and researchers.

Cast-off from Rausu Harbour! There are voluntary landing restrictions in place around the entire cape. From the open seas, the view of the World Natural Heritage site is truly magnificent. The captain gives you an informative lecture about the fishing industry in the olden days, as you look at out onto the Northern Territories of Kunashiri and the Kombu huts. For even better views of Shiretoko Cape, why not take a sightseeing boat trip?

Winter heralds the arrival of white-tailed and Steller's sea eagles, which are designated protected species and a bird-watcher's dream. During the drift ice season, around 2000 white-tailed and Steller's sea eagles come, and you have a 90% chance of seeing them. People even come from overseas to take photos! There are even early-morning cruises where you can see the sun rise over Kunashiri and the Northern Territories!

See a video of white-tailed sea eagles, a designated protected species, filmed in 2008

In March, right after the sea eagles go, the spotted seals come on a bed of drift ice. Shiretoko Rausu even sees rare animals like the ribbon seal that you can only see in the open ocean!

Whale-watching boat Aruran III is a cruise boat on a route certified by the former Ministry of Transportation.
It was certified during a time when safety regulations were particularly strict, and this is probably the only place where you can go whale watching on such a boat.
It is very carefully maintained to this day!

Enjoy a well-equipped and comfortable cruise! See the seas of Rausu for an experience you'll remember your whole life!

With a whale and dolphin expert for a guide and an experienced fisherman as captain, with Shiretoko Nature Cruise you don't just see the sea life, you learn about Rausu's lifestyle, culture and fishing history! The boat, Evergreen, is used as a training boat at a marine high school and is very safe and environmentally friendly.

As well enjoying the nature of Shiretoko Rausu to the fullest, you can fish from this boat!
How about trying for a big catch in Rausu, known as Fish Castle Town?
As well as salmon, of which Rausu's waters have more than any others in Japan, you can catch all kinds of seasonal fish.

Enjoy the Drift Ice Ramble in Shiretoko Utoro or the Drift Ice Cruise in Shiretoko Rausu. See the Shiretoko Peninsula even in winter! All of the staff look forward to seeing you.