SOME people take the ferry to Russia when visiting Hokkaido. If you don’t have the time to go through the visa procedures you can climb Rausu volcano on a clear day and get a great view of Kunashiri and Etorofu islands.
Controlled by Russia and claimed by Japan you might witness some political discussions on the summit. At 1660m Rausu is the highest peak of the Shiretoko volcanic mountain range and one of Japan’s 100 Best Mountains.