Muroran Port sits on Hokkaido’s Uchiura Bay, giving you easy access to Sapporo and northern Japan.
For other Japan Cruise destinations check out our Japan Cruise Ports Guide page.
Cruise ships pull into either Sakimori#6 or Shukuzu Wharf, where you’ll find decent passenger facilities. Getting around is pretty straightforward – grab the $10 hop-on-hop-off shuttles with English-speaking guides, catch a taxi, or splurge on a private ride to Sapporo ($161-324).
While you’re in the area, check out Noboribetsu’s steamy Hell Valley, visit the fascinating Ainu Museum, or soak in the hot springs at Toyako Onsen.
Our guide covers all the cool spots Hokkaido has to offer from this handy port.
Map of Sapporo (Muroran) Cruise Ship Port
Understanding Muroran’s Port Location & Facilities
When cruises list Sapporo as their port of call, they’re actually dropping anchor at Muroran Port. This natural harbor sits on Hokkaido’s Uchiura Bay at the eastern end of Etomo Peninsula, and has been serving ships since 1892 with its distinctive horseshoe shape.
Your ship will probably tie up at either Sakimori#6 or Shukuzu Wharf. Both spots have decent passenger facilities – you’ll find live ship tracking screens and tourist info booths to help you get your bearings. The port’s pretty well protected by the surrounding mountains, keeping the waters calm and deep enough (up to 15 meters) for those massive cruise ships. Just remember you’re still about 130km south of Sapporo itself.
Transportation Options From Port to Major Destinations
Transportation Options From Port to Major Destinations
Just landed at Muroran Port? Now comes the tricky part – figuring out how to see Hokkaido’s best spots from this out-of-the-way location. If you’re heading to Sapporo, private transfers are your best bet. They’ll pick you up anytime, day or night, and drop you right at your destination. Expect to shell out between $161-$324 per person though.
Want to check out local sights? Grab Muroran’s hop-on-hop-off shuttle for just $10. It’ll take you to Cape Chikyu and Hakucho Bridge, plus you get English-speaking guides. Taxis give you freedom to go wherever, whenever, but they’ll cost you more than booking something ahead of time.
Public transport? Honestly, it’s a pain – too slow and complicated if you’ve only got a few hours in port. If you don’t want the headache of planning, guided tours might be worth it. They’ll make sure you see the good stuff and get you back to the ship on time.
Top Shore Excursions for Cruise Passengers
While Muroran Port isn’t exactly next door to Hokkaido’s hotspots, you’ll still find some pretty cool shore excursions to fill your day. Most folks make a beeline for Noboribetsu’s Jigokudani (Hell Valley) – it’s pretty wild watching 3,000 liters of stinky sulfur water bubble up every minute!
If you’re into cultural stuff, check out the Ainu Museum in Shiraoi or wander around Sapporo’s Historic Village. Got the munchies? Hit up Nijo Market for those killer salmon roe bowls or chow down on some Genghis Khan lamb at the Sapporo Beer Museum. When you’re worn out from exploring, nothing beats soaking your tired bones in Toyako Onsen‘s hot springs while taking in the views of Mount Usu.
Navigating Shikotsu-Toya National Park Adventures
Craving Hokkaido’s natural beauty? Shikotsu-Toya National Park is the perfect volcanic playground just a day trip from where your cruise ship docks.
The park sprawls across 99,473 hectares with two gorgeous caldera lakes—Shikotsu and Toya—plus some seriously active volcanoes that show off the planet’s raw power. Feel up for a challenge? Hike up Mt. Yotei, what locals call “Hokkaido’s Mt. Fuji,” and you’ll be rewarded with killer views in every direction.
And you’ve gotta check out Jigokudani (Hell Valley), where you can join other travelers watching the wild show of steaming sulfur vents and bubbling hot springs. It’s pretty mind-blowing stuff.
See what’s on offer from the Port of Kochi for a different Japan Cruise destination.
Local Culinary Experiences & Shopping Opportunities
Hokkaido’s food scene is seriously amazing – it’s all about crazy-fresh seafood mixed with local specialties you simply can’t get anywhere else.
While you’re there, check out Sapporo’s beer scene. The Beer Museum has some killer limited-edition brews to taste, and the Bier Garten serves up this incredible mutton BBQ called Genghis Khan that goes perfectly with a Sapporo Classic. If you’re into seafood (and who isn’t?), make your way to Nijo Market where the ikura rice bowls and king crab sashimi will blow your mind.
Need some retail therapy? Tanukikoji Shopping Arcade has over 200 shops where you can grab those famous shiroi koibito cookies and Rokkatei sweets. For cool souvenirs, pick up some handblown glass from Muroran Glass Studio or authentic Ainu crafts to remember your trip.
Essential Tips for Maximizing Your Time in Hokkaido
Maximizing Your Time in Hokkaido – The Practical Stuff
Let’s be real – Muroran Port is pretty far from Sapporo (about 112km), so you’ll need a solid game plan for your shore excursion.
Skip the stress of trying to see everything and stick to nearby spots like Cape Chikyu (just 8km away) or catch the gorgeous Hakucho Bridge lights (only 4km). Trust me, they’re worth it.
Grab one of those shuttles with English-speaking locals for about $10/day – they know the area and it’ll save you headaches. Heading to the countryside? ToCoo! has decent rental cars with support in multiple languages.
Pro tip: download the Hokkaido Chuo Bus app to check schedules on the go, and double-check your return shuttle time with plenty of buffer (2-3 hours minimum). Nothing worse than missing your boat!
Oh, and timing matters – if you’re hoping to catch cherry blossoms or fall colors, you’ll need to plan ahead. The seasons wait for no one!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Winter Docking Available for Cruise Ships at Muroran Port?
Sorry, Muroran Port doesn’t accommodate cruise ships during winter. Ships only dock from March through October. The winter sea ice, heavy snow, and lack of cold-weather facilities make it unsafe for ships to operate there in the colder months.
Are There Luggage Storage Facilities Near the Cruise Terminal?
You won’t find luggage storage right at Muroran Cruise Terminal. If you need to stash your bags, JR Muroran Station has coin lockers about a 15-minute walk from the terminal. That said, most cruise passengers just have their tour operators handle the luggage situation instead – makes things a lot easier.
What Is the Best Currency Exchange Option Near the Port?
For quick cash, hit the temporary exchange booth right at the berth when ships dock. Sticking around longer? Local banks are about a half-hour walk from port, or just grab cash from any 7-Eleven ATM – they take foreign cards without a fuss.
Does Muroran Port Offer Free Wi-Fi for Cruise Passengers?
Don’t count on Wi-Fi at Muroran port—it’s pretty hit-or-miss for cruise passengers. You’re better off heading to the nearby cafes and restaurants where everyone else hangs out for their free internet fix.
Are There Wheelchair-Accessible Tours Available From Muroran Port?
Yes, there aren’t many wheelchair-accessible tours from Muroran Port, but you do have some options. Princess Cruises runs a “Best of Sapporo Tour” that accommodates wheelchairs, though heads up – you’ll still encounter some stairs along the way. If you want more freedom to move around at your own pace, booking a private transfer might be your best bet.
Thinking about something different? Check out the cruises leaving from Niigata Cruise Ship Port.
