Muroran

Muroran is a port city on Hokkaido's southwestern coast where heavy industry and coastal scenery sit side by side. The Hakuchō Bridge, one of Japan's longest suspension bridges, crosses the harbour. The name comes from the Ainu word Mo Ruerani, meaning the bottom of a little slope. The old station building houses the tourist association, where visitors can try calligraphy and kite-making. Cape Chikyu has a lighthouse on steep cliffs and is said to show the curvature of the Earth on clear days. Excursions run to Sapporo's Odori Park and Beer Garden, and to Jigokudani (Hell Valley) in Noboribetsu, a volcanic landscape of steaming vents. Fresh uni and crab lead the local menus, alongside Sapporo ramen and Genghis Khan lamb barbecue. Free shuttle buses connect the port to key stops. Taxis are available, but note that the driver operates the rear doors. Hokkaido dairy is well known, and local ice cream is easy to find.