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Hokkaido

Roadside Station Mitara Muroran

道の駅 みたら室蘭

Enjoy this port town's Muroran yakitori and Uzuran Soft while looking out at Hakucho Bridge.

Updated Michi-no-Eki JournalRead in Japanese

Photo: Him56 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0, converted to WebP.

Location
Muroran City
Road
National Route 37
Hours
Main building: Summer 9:30–19:00 / winter 9:30–17:00
Open daily in summer (April–October); closed Thursdays in winter (November–March). If Thursday is a holiday, closed the next day. Closed December 31 and January 1; open every other day from December 30 to January 7.
Parking
Cars: 48 / Large vehicles: 6
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How to enjoy

Choose how to enjoy your visit

Eat, shop, play, take in the view or rest. Choose from the station’s strengths to suit your day.

See first
Lounge overlooking Hakucho Bridge

From the windows, look for the bridge, wind turbines, marina and Daikoku Island. In good weather, leave time to step outside after eating.

For something sweet
Uzuran Soft

The station's signature sweet is made with eggs from Muroran Uzuraen. It makes even a brief stop without a meal worthwhile.

For a meal
Kujira Shokudo, Tori Zanmai and Tetsu no Machi Coffee

Closing times differ between weekdays and weekends or holidays, and between summer and winter. Arrive early if lunch is your main reason for visiting.

To shop
Muroran curry ramen, Sōtarō, Bolta and Bokoi Meshi

Choose among sweets to eat now, noodles for home, and Muroran made confectionery or crafts to make browsing easier.

With children
Second floor kids' space and neighboring aquarium

The station alone makes a short stop; add the seasonal aquarium for a half day detour.

Yasumichi's detour notes

After the bridge view, try Uzuran Soft. Eat and shop before choosing the next viewpoint.

Yasumichi Kitami sees this as a station where you can take something of Hakucho Bridge's scenery home through food and shopping. If choosing one specialty, try Uzuran Soft; for a meal, Muroran yakitori style food. For home, consider curry ramen, Sōtarō, Bolta and Bokoi Meshi. Go beyond the view and decide what to eat and buy to make the detour to Shukuzu memorable.

Viewing order

Look at the bridge through the windows, check food service hours, and visit the shop last. Choose chilled goods separately from shelf stable souvenirs.

Sweet treat

Uzuran Soft is the centerpiece of a short break. With children, dessert before a meal can also make the stop enjoyable.

Next step

In fine weather, choose Hakucho Bridge Viewpoint; with children, the aquarium; before going home, the onsen. Continue nearby rather than trying to fit everything into the station.

Highlights

Roadside Station Mitara Muroran also houses the Hakucho Bridge Memorial Hall beside the port. Large windows frame Hakucho Bridge, wind turbines, Enrum Marina and Daikoku Island. Choose a Muroran yakitori style meal at Kujira Shokudo or chicken dishes at Tori Zanmai, then try Uzuran Soft, made with eggs from Muroran Uzuraen, at the café. For a brief stop, use the restrooms, browse the shop and enjoy the bridge view. Families can add the second floor kids' space and the neighboring aquarium. Later in the day, an onsen bath or a Hakucho Bridge viewpoint makes a distinctly Muroran detour.

  • #National Route 37
  • #Hakucho Bridge Memorial Hall
  • #Hakucho Bridge views
  • #Muroran yakitori
  • #Uzuran Soft
  • #Kids' space
  • #Next to the aquarium
  • #Port town souvenirs
Why I like it

Reasons to stop here

01

An easy sequence: eat, shop and rest with a view of the bridge

The roadside station lounge has windows overlooking Hakucho Bridge, the wind turbines, marina and Daikoku Island. Check seating and restaurant hours first, choose Muroran souvenirs in the shop, then step outside to see the bridge: even this simple visit feels distinctive to the station.

02

Uzuran Soft and Muroran yakitori offer local specialties even on a short stop

The café's Uzuran Soft, Kujira Shokudo's Muroran yakitori bento, Tori Zanmai's chicken dishes, and the shop's curry ramen, Sōtarō sweets, Bolta figures and Bokoi Meshi give clear reasons to eat and browse. Even without lunch, dessert and souvenirs make a rewarding stop. Muroran yakitori is traditionally pork and onion skewers despite its name.

03

The Hakucho Bridge Memorial Hall gives context to the port view

Exhibits on the second floor explain the construction and engineering of Hakucho Bridge, offering a brief introduction to how Muroran's port and bridge developed. The shop's locally made souvenirs complement the story of this manufacturing city.

04

Nearby aquarium and onsen give families flexible options

Muroran Minpō Minna no Suizokukan aquarium, Muroran Onsen Yurara and Hakucho Bridge Park Golf Course are within walking distance. The Shukuzu area makes it easy to adjust plans for rain, children's moods or a bath before heading home.

Route idea

Ways to plan your stop

Spend your time at the station or add somewhere nearby. These ideas help you plan around your companions and the weather.

When you want a meal at the start of a Muroran visit

Choose lunch and dessert while looking at Hakucho Bridge

If lunch is the plan, check the food vendors' hours and seats first. Eat a Muroran yakitori bento or chicken dish, then have Uzuran Soft: the port view and local flavors come together in one stop. Browse the shop last and decide whether you can carry chilled products or limited quantity Bokoi Meshi.

Park → check lounge seats and bridge view → eat → Uzuran Soft → shop → see the bridge outside

Food vendors close at different times on weekdays, weekends and holidays, and in summer and winter. Follow same day notices for sellouts or temporary changes.

Family drives with preschool and elementary school children

Let the children play briefly, then visit the aquarium

Use the baby care station, 24 hour restrooms and kids' space before walking to the neighboring Muroran Minpō Minna no Suizokukan aquarium. Its operating season is set each year; on open days from spring through autumn, the two stops make a small half day outing.

Restrooms → kids' space → sweet treat from the shop → walk or drive to the aquarium

The aquarium operates seasonally. In winter or on closed days, choose a station break and the onsen instead.

Evening drives for adults, especially after rain or on clear winter days

Link the bridge, onsen and night view in the evening

If you miss restaurant hours, have something light from the shop or café, bathe at Muroran Onsen Yurara, then see the illuminated bridge from Hakucho Bridge Viewpoint or Shukuzu Park Viewpoint. Winds can be strong in this port town, so a short viewing stop is more practical than a long stay.

Shop and have dessert at the station → Yurara → Hakucho Bridge Viewpoint or Shukuzu Park Viewpoint

The viewpoints are outdoors. In winter check road surfaces and wind; at night watch your footing and parking location.

While traveling toward Lake Tōya or Noboribetsu

Choose Muroran souvenirs quickly

When time is short, look for Muroran curry ramen, Sōtarō, Tetsu no Moto cookies, Bolta and Muroran yakitori products, then perhaps add Uzuran Soft or ice cream for the car. Even without time for the bridge exhibits, the shop's food and locally made goods convey the port town's character.

Park → 24 hour restrooms → shop → café → depart

The souvenir shop and café sometimes close earlier than the main building.

A sunny half day of sightseeing

Add one of Muroran's Eight Views

After seeing Hakucho Bridge up close at the station, head to Cape Chikyu Viewpoint if time permits: the scene changes from harbor to open sea and cliffs. Eating at the station and saving the longer view for Cape Chikyu gives a quick introduction to Muroran's landscape.

Eat and shop at the station → Hakucho Bridge Viewpoint or Cape Chikyu Viewpoint

Paid parking has been announced for Cape Chikyu Viewpoint from April 2026. In fog or strong wind, favor a closer bridge viewpoint.

Hours

Opening hours

Main building
Summer 9:30–19:00 / winter 9:30–17:00

Open daily in summer (April–October); closed Thursdays in winter (November–March). If Thursday is a holiday, closed the next day. Closed December 31 and January 1; open every other day from December 30 to January 7.

Souvenir shop and café
Summer 9:30–18:00 / winter 9:30–17:00

Use these hours as a guide for Uzuran Soft, quail egg pudding and souvenir shopping.

Food vendors
Weekdays 10:00–15:00 / weekends and holidays until 17:00 in summer or 16:00 in winter

Kujira Shokudo, Tetsu no Machi Coffee and Tori Zanmai. Last orders are generally 30 minutes before closing.

Restrooms
Open 24 hours

Available for a break even outside shop hours.

Muroran Minpō Minna no Suizokukan aquarium
2026 season: April 24–October 12; normally 9:30–16:30

Open until 17:00 during Golden Week and Obon. The operating season varies by year.

Family

Visiting with children

Stars show the editorial recommendation for each age group on a five-point scale. Read the reasons alongside each rating.

Age 1 and under
★★★★☆

The baby care station and 24 hour restrooms suit a short break.

Nursing and diaper changing facilities are available while the main building is open. A stop at the restrooms, shop and lounge may be easier than a long walk outside.

Ages 2–3
★★★★☆

Play briefly in the kids' space and enjoy a sweet treat for a change of pace.

Share the slide, picture books and blocks in the kids' space with other visitors. If adding the aquarium, keep nap time in mind and make it a shorter visit.

Ages 4–6
★★★★★

Combine the station, aquarium and onsen for a half day outing.

The aquarium's miniature train, Ferris wheel, and penguin and sea lion events are attractions on seasonal open days. In winter, focus on the station and onsen for a more dependable plan.

Elementary school children
★★★★★

Explore the bridge exhibits and views, aquarium and even Cape Chikyu.

The bridge's engineering, port, factory nightscape and cliffs above the open sea turn a rest stop into a distinctly Muroran learning experience.

Restrooms

A renovation was announced in 2023. Plan restroom breaks separately from shop opening hours.

Baby care station

Information says it can be used for nursing and diaper changes. It is unavailable after closing or on winter closure days.

Kids' space

Slide, picture books and blocks. When crowded, keep the visit brief and switch to the neighboring aquarium.

Aquarium

The announced 2026 season runs from April 24 to October 12. Outside that period, choose the onsen or viewpoints.

Event

Make an event part of your visit

Permanent spaces and dated events are listed separately. Events can change both the atmosphere and crowds; use the official links for details.

Checking event dates.

Spaces used for events

Second floor multipurpose hall

An indoor space used for exhibits, photo panels and community events. It is less affected by weather, but check official notices to see whether anything is on.

Etomo Waterfront Park and Shukuzu area

An area that has hosted wider events such as Swan Festa. Plans vary by year, including a 2026 cancellation notice, so do not assume an event is held every year.

Around Muroran Port

Around major city events such as Muroran Port Festival and Yakitori Japan Festival, the station can serve as a stop for rest and souvenirs.

Shop and café

These are places where seasonal early closures, menu additions and sales may be announced. Check official notices and X before a food focused visit.

Local feel

Reasons to return

Practical ideas and things to consider when spending time here.

Check closing times first if coming for lunch

Food vendors close at 15:00 on weekdays and generally at 16:00 even on winter weekends and holidays. If you want to eat with a bridge view, avoid a very late lunch and leave room to switch to the shop or café.

Source: Official shop opening hours

Bridge views and sweets stand out in reviews and travel accounts

First time visitors often remember how close the bridge feels, the windows with a view, Uzuran Soft and Muroran souvenirs in the shop. Even when a meal is not the goal, sweets and scenery make a brief visit worthwhile.

Source: Summary of travel site and review trends

Buy Bokoi Meshi if you find it

Bokoi Meshi at the shop is limited in quantity and may sell out. Instead of waiting for restaurant seating, you could take the boxed meal to your next viewpoint or the onsen.

Source: Official souvenir shop

For families, distinguish a station stop from a station plus aquarium outing

The kids' space and baby care station allow a brief break entirely indoors. During the aquarium's spring to autumn season, the neighboring attraction adds more play; in winter, the onsen or bridge views are more practical alternatives.

Source: Official facility and aquarium visitor information

Allow extra time for driving and parking on event days

Around the port festival or large food events, travel and meal plans around Muroran Port may be affected even when the station is not the venue. Consider a brief stop for restrooms, souvenirs and sweets instead of relying on one meal option.

Source: Summary of event information

On rainy days, focus on exhibits and the onsen

When viewpoints and outdoor walks are less appealing, visit the second floor Hakucho Bridge exhibits, shop and café, then add Muroran Onsen Yurara. Even while the aquarium is open, weather affects how practical its outdoor rides are.

Before your visit

Things to check before setting out

Opening and closure days, individual businesses and facilities for children or dogs can affect your plans.

  • The main building is generally open 9:30–19:00 in summer (April–October) and 9:30–17:00 in winter (November–March). It closes on winter Thursdays, or the next day if Thursday is a holiday, and on December 31 and January 1; it is open every other day from December 30 to January 7.
  • The souvenir shop and café are generally open 9:30–18:00 in summer and 9:30–17:00 in winter. Avoid arriving just before closing if you want the café.
  • Kujira Shokudo, Tetsu no Machi Coffee and Tori Zanmai are generally open 10:00–15:00 on weekdays; on weekends and holidays they close at 17:00 in summer and 16:00 in winter.
  • Parking information lists 48 standard spaces and six spaces for large vehicles. Allow flexibility for aquarium, onsen and viewpoint parking around weekend lunch hours and events.
  • The 24 hour restrooms and stamp locations let you plan breaks outside opening hours separately from meals and shopping during opening hours.
  • The Muroran Minpō Minna no Suizokukan aquarium has announced a 2026 season from April 24 to October 12. In winter, choose indoor exhibits or the onsen.
  • Paid parking has been announced at Cape Chikyu Viewpoint from April 2026. In fog or strong wind, a closer site such as Hakucho Bridge Viewpoint may be a better choice.
  • The port can be windy even in summer. Bring a jacket and plan a short outdoor stop for sunset or night views.
Food

Eating and shopping

Specialities, places to eat, sweets and bakeries can all give you a reason to stop. Check individual menus for current prices and availability.

  • Café and sweets
    Uzuran Soft
    A specialty made with Muroran Uzuraen quail eggs. Milk flavor costs around ¥450.
  • Café and sweets
    Uzuran Soft parfait and Uzuran ice cream
    Parfaits come with different fruit preserves; ice cream choices include fresh and fruit flavors.
  • Kujira Shokudo restaurant meal
    Muroran yakitori bento
    A way to try Muroran's pork and onion yakitori, either at the restaurant or as a boxed meal.
  • Souvenir shop
    Muroran curry ramen
    A classic Muroran souvenir to enjoy in the car or at home.
  • Limited quantity boxed meal
    Bokoi Meshi
    Consider it if you find it before it sells out; it also travels well when mealtimes do not line up.
  • Sweets and manufacturing themed souvenirs
    Sōtarō sweets, Tetsu no Moto cookies and Bolta figures
    A shelf of small take home reminders of Muroran's port and ironworking heritage.
Food mood

What would you like to eat?

A meal, a sweet treat, market shopping or something to take away: choose a focus for the day instead of trying everything at once.

Station sweets

Uzuran Soft, Uzuran Soft parfait, Uzuran ice cream and quail egg pudding

The first choice for tasting something distinctive even on a brief stop. The quail eggs from Muroran Uzuraen and Muroran milk make this more than an ordinary soft serve ice cream.

The café, like the souvenir shop, is generally open 9:30–18:00 in summer and 9:30–17:00 in winter. Follow official notices for temporary changes.

Lunch

Muroran yakitori bento, set meals, chicken dishes and light meals from Tetsu no Machi Coffee

For a meal with a bridge view. Muroran yakitori, made with pork and onion, is an approachable local specialty for first time visitors.

Food vendors generally close at 15:00 on weekdays, 17:00 on summer weekends and holidays, and 16:00 on winter weekends and holidays.

Limited quantity

Bokoi Meshi

A boxed meal worth considering if you find it. It suits busy lunch periods or a day when you want to take a Muroran meal to your next stop.

Expect it to sell out; plans are easier if this is not your only reason for visiting.

Muroran food souvenirs

Muroran curry ramen, Muroran yakitori and Hokkaido soy sauce koji Muroran Yayan kombu

An easy shelf of flavors to open at home. Even when passing through toward Noboribetsu or Lake Tōya, they give you a reminder of your Muroran stop.

Sweets and local craftsmanship

Sōtarō, Tetsu no Moto cookies, butter rice crackers, Bolta figures and Muro rankun goods

Browse for light gifts for family or colleagues, small items reflecting the ironworking city, and sweets children can choose.

Access

Location and surroundings

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1
Roadside station
Roadside Station Mitara Muroran

Enjoy this port town's Muroran yakitori and Uzuran Soft while looking out at Hakucho Bridge.

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2
Aquarium and family visits
Muroran Minpō Minna no Suizokukan Aquarium

Extend a kids' break at the station into a small aquarium outing next door during its spring to autumn season.

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3
Onsen bath and rest
Muroran Onsen Yurara

Warm up in Shukuzu before heading home after seeing Hakucho Bridge.

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4
Viewpoint and night views
Hakucho Bridge Viewpoint

See the bridge you viewed from the station again, with an almost eye level view of its night lighting.

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5
Viewpoint and harbor scenery
Shukuzu Park Viewpoint

A nearby broad view of Hakucho Bridge, the Shukuzu interchange ramp, Daikoku Island and the marina.

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6
Scenic site and viewpoint
Cape Chikyu Viewpoint

Shift from the port's Hakucho Bridge view to open sea and cliffs at a signature Muroran scenic site.

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Food outlets and the market on the station grounds share the station pin. Nearby places are separate destinations to combine with your visit.
Nearby

Places to visit nearby

Aquarium and family visits
Muroran Minpō Minna no Suizokukan AquariumJapanese guide
About 5 minutes on footAllow about 60–120 minutes at the aquarium

For families seeking more than the station's kids' space from spring to autumn. In winter, when the aquarium is generally outside its operating season, switch to the onsen or exhibits.

Onsen bath and rest
Muroran Onsen YuraraJapanese guide
About 3 minutes by car / within walking distanceAllow about 60–90 minutes for bathing

For warming up after an evening bridge view or aquarium visit. It also works as an alternative on rainy or winter days.

Viewpoint and night views
Hakucho Bridge ViewpointJapanese guide
About 5–10 minutes by carAllow about 15–30 minutes for the view

For a closer look at the bridge lighting and factory nightscape after seeing the bridge from the station. Keep the stop short in winter or strong wind.

Viewpoint and harbor scenery
Shukuzu Park ViewpointJapanese guide
About 3–5 minutes by carAllow about 15–30 minutes for the view

For another look at the bridge and port after eating. With children, leave sooner if the wind is strong.

Scenic site and viewpoint
Cape Chikyu ViewpointJapanese guide
About 25–35 minutes by carAllow about 20–40 minutes for the view

For expanding a clear day's Muroran sightseeing. In fog, strong wind or limited time, stay around Hakucho Bridge.

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Updated 2026-09-28Explore the nationwide map →