Muroran | Travel

Chikyu-misaki

地球岬

40min walk from Bokoi Station / 20min walk from Chikyu-misaki-danchi bus stop

Muroran’s most popular and scenic viewpoint at the southern tip of the city, Chikyu-misaki (literary meaning the ‘Earth Cape’) standing at the white-colored lighthouse on the 130m-high rugged cliff and looking out over the Pacific Ocean that the globe look around. On a clear day, you can see Koma-ga-take on the Oshima Peninsula.

Chikyu-misaki Trail

地球岬散策路

20min walk from Wanishi Station

Muroran’s most scenic trail (2km) follows the rugged cliffs and passes through the solar power plant and the glassy headland, with panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and the industrial Muroran Port. From the end of the path at the foot of the radio tower, you can continue walk to Chikyu-misaki (2km) past the impressive Tokkarisho Viewpoint (トッカリショ展望台). The trail begins near Muroran Youth Hostel.

Itanki-hama

イタンキ浜

23min walk from Higashi-Muroran Station

On the east coast of Muroran, Itanki-hama is a 1.7km scenic stretch of singing sand with shallow waters. Strong currents prohibit swimming, but it is a perfect spot to surfing, as well as picnicking on a sunny day. It is also a good starting point for hiking along the beautiful coast. It is about 1.5km south of JR Higashi-Muroran Station east gate.

Sokuryo-zan

測量山

40min walk or 10min by taxi from Muroran Station

For a bird’s-eye view over the town to the harbor and mountains beyond, climb to Sokuryo-zan (199m) behind the city center. The name means ‘survey mountain’, the American engineer AG Warfield surveyed the road here in 1872. Six broadcasting towers stand on the summit, which are lit up after sunset until midnight.

Muroran Hachiman-gu

室蘭八幡宮

10min walk from Muroran Station

Also known as the Kujira Hachiman (whale shrine), this hilltop shrine was established in 1869 and the crown princes Meiji and Taisho visited here. An atmospheric shrine building was reconstructed in 1938 and can be accessed by foot from the tourist association (Old Muroran Station). From the car park, right side of the shrine building, you can continue walk to the top of Sokuryo-zan.

Muroran Port-side Museum of Literature

港の文学館

1min walk from Muroran Station

Just a short walk from JR Muroran Station, this museum introduced manuscripts and books of local prominent writers. You can purchase picture postcards and books related to Muroran.

Hakucho-ohashi

白鳥大橋

6min by bus from Muroran Tourist Association, get off at Muroran-chikko, then 8min walk

Eastern Japan’s longest suspension bridge (longer than Tokyo’s Rainbow Bridge) across Muroran Port, the 1380m Hakucho-ohashi is the landmark of the city opened in 1998. It is lit up after dark until midnight. The bridge is only passable by automobiles. There are several observatories overlooking the bridge. The closest viewpoint is Hakucho Bridge Observatory (白鳥大橋展望台) on the southern shore.

Muroran Aquarium

市立室蘭水族館

8min by bus from Muroran Tourist Association, get off at Shukuzu-koen-iriguchi, then 8min walk

Hokkaido’s oldest aquarium opened in 1953, you can see some 120 species of marine life  around Muroran and Hokkaido. There are also penguin, seal and sea lion pools. A food stand sells tsubu-yaki (つぶやき: grilled whelk), miso oden, yakitori and beer. It is opposite the Michi-no-eki Mitara Muroran.

Muroran Onsen Yurara ♨︎

むろらん温泉ゆらら

6min by bus from Muroran Tourist Association, get off at Muroran-chikko, then 12min walk

Just a short walk from the Michi-no-eki Mitara Muroran, this harbor-front onsen is an ideal place to rest after the explore the city. From the resting room you can see Hakucho-ohashi and Daikoku-jima.

Photo: じゃらんnet

Muroran Prince Hotel

室蘭プリンスホテル

6min walk from Muroran Station

In the 1930s old department store building near JR Muroran Station, this brick tiled hotel has Western-style rooms with modern decor. There are two restaurants.

Website

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Photo: じゃらんnet

Dormy Inn Higashi-Muroran ♨︎

ドーミーイン東室蘭

7min walk from Muroran Station

A 7-minute walk straight down from Higashi-Muroran Station west gate, the hotel Dormy Inn has 196 rooms, indoor and open-air hot springs. Breakfast buffet is extra.

Website

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Photo: じゃらんnet

Muroran Youth Hostel

室蘭ユースホステル

20min walk from Wanishi Station

It is a 20-minute walk from Wanishi Station to this hillside youth hostel, designed by Tanoue Yoshiya, with tatami-mat dormitories and sweeping views over the ocean. There is a cozy communal lounge and it serves a buffet breakfast. A scenic coastal trail starts from here.

Website

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