10 Things to Do in Muroran City

10 Things to Do in Muroran City

Muroran (室蘭市) is a scenic port city in the Iburi Subprefecture of Hokkaido, Japan. Its name came from the Ainu word "Mo Ruerani", which means "the bottom of a little slope". The little slope, in front of the former Senkai Temple in Sakimori-cho, is noted in connection with the name of Muroran.

For those planning to visit the city to check what it has to offer, here are the 10 Things to Do in Muroran City:

Muroran City Manhole Cover

1. Take a picture of the manhole cover of Muroran. So far, I have seen 1 unique manhole cover. It is commonly seen around the town. 

Muroran City Pokemon manhole cover

2. Take a picture of the Muroran Pokemon manhole cover. It is installed in the vicinity of the DENZAI Environmental Science Museum (DENZAI環境科学館). It features Vulpix, Alolan Vulpix, and Illumise.

Muroran Hachimangu Shrine

3. Visit the Muroran Hachimangu Shrine (室蘭郡総鎮守 室蘭八幡宮). It’s the main shrine of Muroran City. You can pay your respects and offer prayers here any time of the day. Don’t forget to avail of the shrine’s goshuin if you are collecting them.

Muroran Roadside Station

4.  Visit the Muroran Roadside Station (道の駅 みたら室蘭), formally called Road Station Mitara Muroran. Aside from buying souvenirs, you should also try the food from Kujira Shokudo Tetsunomachi Coffee. The curry ramen is highly recommended. You can also get the roadside station stamp here. 

DENZAI Environmental Science Museum

5. Are you a science buff? If yes, then you shouldn’t miss visiting the DENZAI Environmental Science Museum (DENZAI環境科学館). This museum has a planetarium, science museum, and library. If you have kids, they will surely enjoy the numerous interactive displays and hands-on experiment corners.

Miyakoshiya Coffee Mutekirou

6.  Try the coffee at Miyakoshiya Coffee Mutekirou (宮越屋珈琲 MUTEKIROU). Be sure to sit in the area facing Uchiura Bay as you will surely appreciate the scenic view from there. If it’s taken, then head to the terrace and enjoy the view and the breeze. 

Muroran Public Aquarium

7. Visit the Muroran Public Aquarium (室蘭民報みんなの水族館). There are numerous fish here on display. However, the main attraction of the aquarium is its penguin walk. If you have kids, they would enjoy the mini-carnival inside the aquarium grounds. 

Muroran Onsen Yurara 

8.  Take a dip at the onsen of Muroran Onsen Yurara (むろらん温泉 ゆらら). It’s a one-day onsen facility so you don’t need to stay overnight to use the facility. Aside from the refreshing dip, you could also buy food in its restaurant.

Muroran History Museum Tonten-kan

9. Learn about the history of Muroran City at the Muroran History Museum Tonten-kan (室蘭市民俗資料館 とんてん館). This local history museum has numerous Showa period displays and exhibits

Cape Etomo

10. Visit Cape Etomo (絵鞆岬). There is an observation deck there which allows you to admire the beautiful view of the coastline of the city. Locals would say that it’s nice to visit the place to watch the sunset but in my opinion, any time of the day would be good as long the weather is good. 

I hope my list of the 10 Things to Do in Muroran City gave you an idea and inspiration to visit this scenic port city in the Iburi Subprefecture of Hokkaido.

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