I had the pleasure of exploring this breathtaking area back in July 2021, and it remains one of my most memorable hikes ever.

Hiking Season and Trail Details:

• Best Time to Hike: July to early September. I went in early July.

• Trail Recommendation: The Iwaobetsu Trail is fantastic, but it takes 10 hours, so start by 6 AM. Make sure to use the washroom at the trailhead since there are none on the trail. I highly recommend bringing a portable toilet just in case.

• Water Sources: There are three spots to refill your water along the trail. I carried 1L, which was enough for me.

• Camping: If you’re planning to camp, there are some great spots near the summit at Rausu Daira.

• Facilities: No restrooms on the trail; there is a restroom at the trailhead. Bringing a portable toilet is recommended.

Trail Details

• Distance: 15 km round trip

• Elevation Gain: 1,500 meters

• Duration: 10 hours roundtrip

• Starting Out: The first part of the trail is through a beautiful forest. After about 2 hours, you'll reach a viewpoint with stunning views of the Okhotsk Sea. From there, you’ll have unobstructed sea views for the rest of the hike.

• Rausu Daira: This flat section is perfect for a lunch break or camping. The summit is less than an hour from here, but it gets pretty steep. Even in July, I encountered some snow, so hiking poles were really helpful.

Accommodation:

• Chinohate Hotel: This is the best place to stay since it’s right at the trailhead. Even if you’re not staying overnight, you can use their day spa (closing hours vary between 4:00 PM and 6:30 PM).

Bear Safety:

• High Bear Population: Mt. Rausu has the highest concentration of bears in Japan, so bear awareness is crucial. There’s a bear sighting map at the trail entrance.

• Bear Spray: You can rent a bear spray for ¥2000 at the mountain hut near the trailhead, which I highly recommend especially if you are solo.

Access to Iwaobetsu Trailhead:

By Car:

• Parking: Free parking is available at Chinohate Hotel, but it fills up quickly, often by 6 AM on summer weekends.

By Public Transport:

1. Bus and Taxi: Take a bus to Utoro, then a taxi to the trailhead (about ¥7000). There’s also an overnight bus to Utoro from Sapporo.

2. Train and Bus: From Shari-Shiretoko Station, catch an 80-minute bus to the Iwaobetsu bus stop, then walk 40 minutes to the trailhead.

3. Hotel Shuttle: Book a night at Chinohate Onsen Hotel, and they’ll pick you up from the Iwaobetsu bus stop (¥10,000 to ¥20,000).

At the trailhead, you’ll find a notice board and a map showing recent bear sightings. If you rent bear spray, you’ll need to spend about 10 minutes filling out a form and provide ID.