Station Mitara Muroran

Where History, Sky, and Sea Meet on the Edge of Hokkaido

Mitara Muroran is a roadside station unlike any other, nestled just two minutes from the iconic Shirotori Bridge—the largest suspension bridge in East Japan. More than a rest stop, it’s a cultural landmark housing the Shirotori Bridge Memorial Museum, where the story of the bridge’s 40-year vision and 14-year construction unfolds through immersive exhibits. Overlooking the bridge, wind turbines, and the distant peaks of Mount Yōtei and Mount Usu, the station offers panoramic views from its expansive windows.

Inside, visitors enjoy a vibrant mix of local flavors at four distinct dining spots, from hearty yakitori bento to creamy quail egg soft serve made with 100% Hokkaido quail eggs. The souvenir shop features unique regional treasures like Bolt figures, iron-themed cookies, and the famed Muroran Curry Ramen—a fusion of local heritage and bold taste. Whether you're exploring the nearby marine park, catching sunset views from the Shirotori Bridge Viewpoint, or unwinding at Yurara Hot Springs, Mitara Muroran blends history, nature, and culinary delight into an unforgettable journey.

Visit Mitara Muroran to experience the only roadside station in Japan built around the legacy of the Shirogami Bridge—the largest suspension bridge in East Japan. Here, you can enjoy panoramic views of the illuminated bridge from a dedicated observation point, where the towering structure glows at night with wind-powered lights. The station’s signature treat, the quail egg soft cream made with 100% Hokkaido-raised quail eggs, is available nowhere else. For a taste of local history, try the "Bolta" iron figurines—handcrafted from bolts and nuts—and the rare "Yayan Kombu" soy sauce miso, made from a rare seaweed found only near Muroran’s Earth Cape.

• Best Arrival Time: Visit between 10:00 AM and 11:00 AM on weekdays to ensure availability of the limited-edition Mother Love Rice Balls (Muranomori Meishi), which sell out quickly due to their seasonal nature and are not restocked daily.

• Hidden Gems: At the Kujira Sōfu counter, ask for the Yayan Kombu Soy Sauce Miso and request a sample from the in-store tasting station—this exclusive product is only available at the roadside station and is not sold elsewhere.

• Weekend Special: On weekends, visit the Chicken Zanmai stall between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM to get the fresh batch of homemade marinated fried chicken before it sells out—this batch is prepared daily and not restocked.

• Best Photo Spot: Walk to the White Bird Bridge Viewpoint at 6:00 PM on clear days to capture the bridge’s illuminated wind turbine lights from the same height as the bridge, as described in the official guide—this viewpoint is only accessible via the roadside station’s path.

• Exclusive Product Timing: Visit the souvenir shop between 9:30 AM and 10:00 AM on weekdays to purchase the Iron Ore Cookie Set with the included booklet on the history of iron production in Muroran—this set is only available in limited quantities and is often sold out by noon.

• Best Food Combo: After visiting the White Bird Bridge Memorial Museum on the second floor, head to the Café Corner and order the Uzura Soft Cream and Uzura Pudding together—these two items are made with the same local quail eggs and are sold only at this location, creating a perfect flavor pairing.

• Avoid Disappointment: Check the "Announcements" section on the official website before visiting to confirm if the entire facility will be closed for electrical inspections—a full blackout was scheduled for October 21, 2025, and affected all services including restrooms and shops.

Spring (March–May): Spring brings the first blossoms around the White Bird Bridge, with the best views from the viewing platform in April.

Summer (June–August): The summer months offer full access to the White Bird Bridge’s nighttime illumination, with the best evening views from the viewing deck.

Autumn (September–November): The autumn season features the seasonal release of the Yayan Kombu soy sauce paste, available from September through November.

Winter (December–February): Winter visitors enjoy the illuminated White Bird Bridge at night, with the warmest indoor atmosphere at the roadside station from December to February.