Photo: MaedaAkihiko / CC0Open in Google Maps · Directions from your berth
Checked · Researched, not yet visited · times from official timetables and our estimates · Takumi Yamada
The Hakucho Bridge, finished in 1998 and 1,380 m long, is the largest suspension bridge in eastern Japan. Shukutsu Pier, where the big ships tie up, sits at its west end, so it is the first thing you see.
The Michi-no-eki Mitara Muroran beside it holds the Hakucho Bridge Memorial Hall, with models, records and an observation deck. The bridge is lit from sunset to midnight, which ships that sail after dark see from the deck.
Two things the plaques won't tell you
- Star Marine’s boats leave from the foot of the bridge on the roadside-station side: harbour cruise 60 min, Cape Chikyu cruise 90 min, and a tower climb to 100 m or 140 m.
- The aquarium next door opens only from late April to mid-October.
The bridge is lit from sunset to midnight, which ships that sail after dark see from the deck.
Questions people ask here
Can I walk from the cruise ship to the Hakucho Bridge?
From Shukutsu Pier, yes: the roadside station is about 15 minutes on foot and the bridge observatory about 20 minutes, by our estimate. From Chuo Pier it is 3.7 km; take a taxi.
When is the Hakucho Bridge lit up?
From sunset to midnight. The lights on the cables and towers run on wind power.