Rausu, Hokkaido

Rausu
羅臼町
Town
Rausu town hall
Location of Rausu in Hokkaido (Nemuro Subprefecture)
Rausu
Location in Japan
Coordinates: 44°1′N 145°11′E / 44.017°N 145.183°E / 44.017; 145.183
CountryJapan
RegionHokkaido
PrefectureHokkaido (Nemuro Subprefecture)
DistrictMenashi
Area
  Total
397.88 km2 (153.62 sq mi)
Population
 (September 30, 2016)
  Total
5,395
  Density14/km2 (35/sq mi)
Time zoneUTC+09:00 (JST)
ClimateDfb
Websitewww.rausu-town.jp

Rausu (羅臼町, Rausu-chō) is a town located in Nemuro Subprefecture, Hokkaido, Japan. As of September 30, 2016, it has an estimated population of 5,395, and an area of 397.88 km2.

The word "Rausu" originates from the Ainu word Raushi, roughly meaning "Low-land" or "Place of men with beast-like spirit".

The town occupies the southern half of the Shiretoko Peninsula. Kunashir Island, one of the four disputed Kuril Islands, can be seen from the town.