Rausu
About Rausu
Rausu, on Japan’s Shiretoko Peninsula, is known for seasonal ice diving where divers can enter the water alongside drifting sea ice. The drift ice forms from freshwater that freezes and is carried in by winds, typically arriving each year from January to March. Divers may encounter unique cold-water life including kurione (shellless sea butterflies) and their prey, along with abundant invertebrates such as crabs, shrimps, nudibranchs, and anemones. Fish sightings can include sea lamprey, and the area features notable Rausu kelp underwater.
Where Is Rausu?
Rausu Planning Details
Depth range, seasonality, and planning context.
Best Season
January to March
Typical Conditions
Drift ice is present seasonally and water temperatures are below freezing.
Safety & Access At Rausu
Hazards, restrictions, and access requirements.
Key Hazards
Safety Notes
This is a sub-freezing ice-diving environment and requires appropriate exposure protection and cold-water/ice-diving procedures.
Local Intel For Rausu
Community notes to help plan your visit.
Scuba
Ice diving is possible on seasonal drift ice, a rare experience compared with typical frozen-lake ice dives.
Rausu Dive Conditions Planner
Use the planner to scan this week, inspect today in local time, and understand how exposure shapes conditions at Rausu.
Exposure Profile at Rausu
Directional shelter context for incoming swell.
Recent Logged Visits At Rausu
Community dive logs and visit reports for this site.
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Dive Spot Log Averages At Rausu
Average conditions based on logged dives & visits.
Rausu Guide - Sources and Updates
Last Updated
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