Things to do in Muroran

Cape Chikyu

Cape Chikyu is a cliff on the Pacific coast featuring a lighthouse and a globe sculpture. From here, you can look out over the endless Pacific Ocean and see the curve of the horizon, truly feeling that the earth is round. Cape Chikyuwas once voted number one in the 100 Best Natural Sites in Hokkaido. Facing the Pacific coastline, the endless blue, clear skies, white lighthouse, and unique architecture, combined with the sea breeze, make for a very relaxing and comfortable experience. Every New Year's Day, many Japanese people come here to wait for the first sunrise of the new year, believing it will bring them good luck. When visiting, do not forget to stop by the visitor information hut to pick up a certificate of your visit.

No. 4 of Family-friendly Attractions in Hokkaido

Noboribetsu Bear Park

This is the place where you can observe bears up close, attached to the No. 1 Ranch. It is designed as if humans are in a cage, and the bears are surrounding them, so you can experience what it's like to be the prey. You can also closely observe the bears' characteristics, such as their eyes, ears, noses, and fur, up close.  The female brown bears are very active, standing on two legs, lying down, and begging for treats in silly poses. Some of them are quite skillful, standing up and spinning around to show off, and some even balance in a V shape. Here you can observe the movements, dexterity, and intelligence of the bears. From spring to autumn, the No. 2 Ranch is home to either "curious and playful young bears between the ages of 3 and 5," "unique bears between the ages of 9 and 11," or "veteran bears between the ages of 18 and 30 who are skilled at appealing their desires." During the winter, "curious and playful young bears" appear.

2026 Global 50 - Hot Springs Attractions

Noboribetsuonsencho

Noboribetsuonsencho is famous for its abundant hot spring resources and diverse water qualities. Hot spring inns, hotels, restaurants, and souvenir shops are distributed along the streets, surrounded by mountains and forests, with a distinct geothermal landscape. The hot spring water mainly comes from the Noboribetsu Jigokudani Valley area, with a daily output of approx. 10,000 tons. The water types are rich and varied, including milky white sulfur springs with a sulfurous scent, as well as salt springs, iron springs, and sodium bicarbonate springs, earning it the title of department store of hot springs. The hot spring street features an ogre theme, with statues of red and blue ogres scattered along the street, adding fun to your stroll. Inside the Enma-do Hall, there is a statue of King Enma that periodically performs a show where its facial expression changes, presenting the legendary scene of the judgment of hell. The Jigoku Matsuri held in summer is also quite unique, with King Enma and various ogres parading through the streets, filling the hot spring street with a lively festive atmosphere. In addition to soaking in the hot springs, you can also walk through the forest along the Oyunuma River Natural Footpath to enjoy the stream and surrounding vegetation, and soak your feet in the natural foot bath, feeling the warm spring water slowly flow by. When it snows in winter, the steam rising from the open-air hot springs contrasts with the white snowy scenery, adding a unique mountain charm to this place.

No. 5 of Fall Viewing Attractions in Japan

Noboribetsu Jigokudani Valley

Noboribetsu Jigokudani Valley is a volcanic explosion crater formed by volcanic activity and serves as a major source of Noboribetsu Onsen. The valley measures approximately 450 meters in diameter, with exposed gray-white and reddish-brown rocks, numerous hot spring vents, and fumaroles. Hot water continuously rises from the ground, releasing clouds of white steam and filling the air with a distinct sulfurous smell, creating a striking volcanic landscape. The valley produces a large volume of hot spring water daily, supplying nearby hot spring facilities. Walking along the wooden boardwalks offers close views of the rock walls, steam vents, and bubbling hot springs, revealing the geothermal activity beneath the surface. Tessen-ike, located in the valley, is a geyser where the water periodically boils and releases rising steam, highlighting the area's active geothermal features. An observation deck near the entrance provides panoramic views of the valley, where exposed rock formations contrast with drifting steam. In autumn, colorful foliage across the surrounding hills contrasts with the rugged terrain. In winter, snow covers the landscape, while rising steam stands out against the cold air, creating a distinctive seasonal scene.

No. 1 of Ski Resorts in Muroran

Muroranshi Danpara Snow Bowl

室蘭岳山麓総合公園（だんパラ公園）

No. 7 of Family-friendly Attractions in Hokkaido

Noboribetsu Marine Park Nixe

Noboribetsu Marine Park Nix is a marine park with a Nordic castle style. It not only has an aquarium that mainly displays northern marine life, but also wonderful animal performances and recreational facilities such as Ferris wheel and merry-go-round. The entire marine park is mainly divided into aquarium "Knicks City", dolphin show, sea lion show, penguin pavilion, land museum, Knicks amusement park and other parts. The Napoleon fish is mainly on display in the 8-meter-high tank-crystal tower. Walking in the underwater tunnel, you can see all kinds of fish of different sizes passing around. In addition, you can enjoy the lovely penguin parade and performances of dolphins and sea lions, and touch sharks, starfish and other animals with your own hands.

Noboribetsu Beach Park

Noboribetsu Beach Park is themed around Nordic style and marine fantasy. The Nixe Castle within the park is modeled after Egeskov Castle in Denmark; its red brick walls and scattered spires reflect on the surrounding water, making it look like a European castle floating on the water. The castle houses an aquarium inside, home to approx. 400 species and 20,000 marine creatures. Inside, you can take an escalator to overlook the large tank, then walk down the ramp to visit the Crystal Tower, cold and warm current tunnels, interactive touch pools, goldfish kaleidoscope, and jellyfish display area. Outside the castle, there are dolphin shows, sea lion shows, a seal ring pool, and the Galaxy Aquarium, where schools of sardines swim to the rhythm of lights and music. The penguin parade is also a signature activity in the park, where King penguins, Gentoo penguins, and African penguins walk across the plaza in front of the castle. In addition, the park features an amphibian and reptile display area, a drawing aquarium, and a Ferris wheel for visitors to explore and enjoy.

No. 4 of Activities in Hokkaido

Hot Springs in Noboribetsu

Noboribetsu Onsen is the most representative hot spring area in Japan. It is also a high-quality and popular hot spring. It is located in a small town in the southwest of Hokkaido. There are also sightseeing spots around the town, such as Hell Valley, Oyunuma, and Noboribetsu Bear Ranch. There are many types of hot springs in Noboribetsu, with 11 types of hot spring water. If it's a snowy winter day, taking a dip in the open-air hot spring will be particularly romantic and comfortable. Walking around the town, you can see many sculptures of ghosts and monsters, and there are various sacrificial activities held in different seasons.

No. 6 of Family-friendly Attractions in Hokkaido

Showa Shinzan Bear Ranch

Showa Shinzan is an active volcano that was formed by an eruption in the early Showa period, which is also the origin of its name. Originally about 270 meters in elevation, it has gradually risen due to crustal activity and now reaches 398 meters. Known as a "new mountain" that continues to grow, it is one of the rare lava dome-type volcanoes in the world. White steam still rises from its reddish-brown slopes, allowing visitors to feel the earth's energy. At the bear farm located at the foot of Mount Showa Shinzan, approximately 100 purebred Hokkaido brown bears are raised. On the vast premises, the bears live in areas divided by age group. At each entrance of the park, there are feeding stations where you can purchase apples and snacks to enjoy the experience of feeding the bears. The brown bears, accustomed to humans, display adorable gestures as they seek food. For example, they entertain visitors by standing on their hind legs and waving their front paws, bowing, or lying down to perform humorous movements. Special Observation Experience For those who want to observe brown bears up close, you can use the special observation room called the "Human Cage" located within the park. This thrilling experience allows you to face the bears through small windows and feel their powerful presence and breath at close range. Showa Shinzan is a fascinating tourist attraction that combines a rare, still-growing volcano with a bear ranch where visitors can interact with brown bears. This popular destination allows you to simultaneously experience the raw power of nature and close encounters with wildlife.