Muroran, Hokkaido

Hakucho Bridge

The largest suspension bridge in eastern Japan and the symbol of Muroran City

The Hakucho Bridge was completed on June 13, 1998. The largest suspension bridge in eastern Japan, it spans the sea in a cold and snowy region. Planning for the Hakucho Bridge began in 1955, and the project was launched in 1981, with construction starting in 1985. This was a daunting task, the first of its kind in Japan, but those involved were not intimidated by the challenge. The Hakucho Bridge is the culmination of the most advanced technology of the time, the first suspension bridge in Japan to be built in a cold and snowy climate. The bridge used model testing to ascertain snowfall conditions, and its foundations were built using a continuous underground wall, the world’s first use of this technique. The main tower was divided into 15 sections and stacked in blocks, with only 13 mm of misalignment when put together. These are just a few examples of the many other cutting-edge technologies that were incorporated into the Hakucho Bridge. Since its opening, the bridge has served as an important road link for the Muroran region. With proper maintenance and management, it will continue to serve not only as a means of transport but also a symbol of Muroran, contributing more and more to the area’s economic development.

Climb the main tower to enjoy the spectacular view
You can climb the main tower, which is usually off limits, and enjoy a spectacular view from 100 meters above the sea.
As well as Muroran’s industrial zone, you can take in a 360 degree panorama of the natural environment, including Mt. Usu and Mt. Yotei on clear days.
The Hakucho Bridge seen from various locations
The Hakucho Bridge can be seen from various locations in the city, each of which reveals a different aspect to it.
Illumination
The beauty of the bridge when illuminated is such that it was chosen as one of Japan’s “Night View Heritage Sites” in 2008.

Hakucho Bridge
Facility information

Name Hakucho Bridge
Location Muroran, Hokkaido
Outline Three-span, two-hinge steel-reinforced suspension bridge (with side towers)
Size Central span: 720 m ; Total: 1,380 m
Date construction started 1985
Start of service June 1998
Management Muroran Road Office, Muroran Development and Construction Department

Wait!
There’s so much more!

Roadside Station “Mitara Muroran” (Hakucho Bridge Memorial Hall)

In addition to the view of the bridge from the observatory, there are models and documents from the time of construction on display, allowing visitors to experience the history of this major project. The food court also underwent renovation in 2019. Here you can enjoy local specialties, such as the soft-serve ice cream made with quail eggs.
For more information, see: http://muro-kanko.com/visit/roadside_station.html

Guide to the area and sightseeing

The area around the Hakucho Bridge features many sightseeing spots where you can enjoy the kind of magnificent natural environment that only Hokkaido can offer.

  • Night Cruise

    An incredible night view from the sea!
    Seeing it up close is overwhelming!


    What makes Muroran’s night view special is the shape of the bay and the varied elevation of the terrain, presenting a different view from each perspective. The biggest draw is the illumination of the Hakucho Bridge, which spans the harbor. The night cruise not only takes you through the largest suspension bridge in eastern Japan, but also allows you to appreciate the beauty of its shape, which changes from place to place — a truly overwhelming sight.

    A private cruise with someone special
    An extraordinary atmosphere is perfect for private events. Events held on board include not just anniversary dates, but also proposals and weddings.

    Contact

    Star Marine Co., Ltd.
    TEL: 0143-27-2870
    http://www.muro-nc.com/night_cruising.html

  • Dolphin and Whale Watching

    Watching wild marine life at sea
    The calm waters and abundant food supplies of nearby Uchiura Bay make it an ideal place for dolphins and whales to raise their young, so every year they are sure to visit the waters off Muroran. You can also see orcas, fur seals, and many other kinds of wildlife. The boats operate only from June to August, when there is a very high probability — over 98% — of encountering dolphins.

    Contact

    Star Marine Co., Ltd.
    TEL: 0143-27-2870
    http://www.muro-nc.com/watching.html

  • Cape Chikiu Sightseeing

    Experience the power of sheer cliffs that can’t be seen from land
    See cliffs towering in front of you, beautiful sandy beaches, and the majestic Pacific Ocean. One of Hokkaido’s quintessential sightseeing spots, Cape Chikiu and its 14 km coastline of 100-meter-high cliffs is a spectacular sight that can’t be seen from land.
    This same route was televised on NHK’s “Bura Tamori”, and is very popular!

    Contact

    Star Marine Co., Ltd.
    TEL: 0143-27-2870
    http://www.muro-nc.com/sightseeing.html

  • Coal, Iron, and Port

    Recognized as a Japanese Heritage Site in FY 2019!
    See Japan’s industrial policy reflected in Hokkaido! — The Industrial Revolution in the North: “Coal, Iron, and Port” —

    A story linking the three cities that supported the modernization of Hokkaido
    In the short period of 150 years since 1869, when the Hokkaido Development Commission was established, Hokkaido’s population has grown from less than 50,000 to one hundred times that number, giving birth to a prosperous society. Unraveling its history reveals the story of the industrial revolution that unfolded in Sorachi (coal), Muroran (iron and steel), Otaru (port) and the railroads that connected them. “Coal, Iron, and Port” is an initiative to rediscover the origins of modern Hokkaido, based on the connection between these three areas.

    Constituent cultural properties in Muroran
    [Iron and Steel]
    1. Former thermal power station (Japan Steel Works M&E Inc.)
    2. Statues of Ebisu and Daikokuten
    3. Zuisenkaku
    4. “Muro 0” biplane engine manufactured by Japan Steel Works, Muroran Plant
    5. Landscape of factories and the company town
    [Harbor]
    6. Former Mitsubishi Limited Partnership Company Muroran Branch Office
    7. Former Hokutan Muroran Seamen’s Club
    [Rail]
    8. Muroran City Old Muroran Station Building
    *1 and 3 are not open to the general public.
    *2 can be seen at the Muroran Folklore Museum.
    *4 and 7 require inquiry in advance.

    Contact

    https://3city.net/

  • Muroran Yakitori

    “Yakitori” without chicken
    Muroran yakitori, which first appeared in the 1930s, is made with pork and onions, which were easier to obtain than chicken at the time, and is served with western-style mustard. This is Muroran’s soul food that has sustained the appetites of workers in this steel town for many years.

    Contact

    Tourism Division, Economy Department, Muroran City
    TEL: 0143-25-3320
    http://muro-kanko.com/eat-buy/yakitori.html

  • Muroran Curry Ramen

    Hokkaido’s fourth ramen?
    Muroran Curry Ramen is a new staple in the ramen world, aiming to become the fourth variety of Hokkaido ramen after miso, salt, and soy sauce. The soup, noodles, and spiciness are all unique to each restaurant.

    Contact

    Muroran Curry Ramen Association
    TEL: 0143-23-0102 (Muroran Tourism Association)
    http://muro-kanko.com/eat-buy/curry_ramen.html

Access

Contact

Regional Development Office, Muroran Development and Construction Department, Hokkaido Regional Development Bureau, Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism
1-14 Iriecho, Muroran, Hokkaido 051-8524
TEL: 0143-25-7053　FAX: 0143-22-8842
EMAIL: hkd-mr-chitaishitsu@gxb.mlit.go.jp
Muroran Tourism Promotion Liaison Council (For inquiries, Muroran City, please contact the Tourism Division, Economy Department)
1-2 Saiwaicho, Muroran, Hokkaido 051-8511
TEL: 0143-25-3320　FAX: 0143-25-2478
EMAIL: kankou@city.muroran.lg.jp
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