Muroran Port | Cruises Hokkaido

Typical Muroran tourist spots include the precipitous cliffs of Cape Chikyu, which on fine days afford panoramic views of the horizon that remind visitors that the earth is round (120 m from sea level to the lighthouse); Mt. Sokuryo, which provides good opportunities for hiking amid the natural environment and a summit that commands a panoramic view of Muroran Port (an especially exquisite nighttime view); and Hakucho Bridge, the largest suspension bridge in Eastern Japan. Off the coast of Muroran, which is blessed with an abundant natural environment, pleasure boats are in service from early May to late August, providing opportunities for dolphin and whale watching, and the chance to see Pacific white-sided dolphins, Dall's porpoises and minke whales.

Muroran is ideally located just a two-hour drive from Sapporo, which attracts more than 1.3 million tourists per year (Sapporo Snow Festival in February, Yosakoi Soran Festival in June), and one hour from the 2008 G8 Summit venue Lake Toya, Noboribetsu and other hot-spring resorts, as well as the town of Shiraoi, which features an Ainu Museum introducing the indigenous people of Hokkaido.

In the vicinity of the Central Wharf is the Muroran Tourist Association (in the former Muroran Station building; a 10-min. walk away) with a corner where ships�f passengers and crews can experience Japanese culture.

Hakucho Bridge

Lake Toya

Sapporo
Sapporo

Hospitality in the former Muroran Station building

The area around Mt. Sokuryo, known as Sokuryozan Ryokuchi (Mt. Sokuryo Green Space), is loved by local citizens and is known as a treasure trove of wild birds. With an area of 119.5 ha, the green space is home to approximately 500 species of plants as well as countless wild birds and insects. The mountaintop commands a grand, 360-degree panoramic view and features a monument inscribed with a Japanese tanka poem by a famous poet who visited the mountain in June 1931. At night, six steel towers are illuminated with blue, green and orange lights. Although it requires time and physical strength (a 40-min. walk from the cruise ship berth), why not climb to the mountaintop to view the cruise ships from there.

View from SOKURYOUZAN