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.