Cape Chikyu in Muroran: The Pacific View and the Cliffs

By Chaporo, a Sapporo local Published
Cape Chikyu in Muroran: The Pacific View and the Cliffs

Quick answers

  • A big observation deck over the Pacific and the Chikyu Misaki lighthouse, with cliffs on the other side
  • Free and open at all hours, with toilets, a shop and free parking for 40 to 50 cars
  • One of the Eight Views of Muroran
  • A little over two hours from Sapporo, an hour and a half from New Chitose Airport

Cape Chikyu, in Muroran, is a lookout high above the Pacific, which once topped a Hokkaido-wide poll of natural wonders ("Hokkaido's 100 Natural Wonders"). From the observation deck you look out over the open ocean and the white Chikyu Misaki lighthouse on one side, and a line of sheer cliffs on the other. It is free, open at all hours, and has toilets, a shop and a free car park. The name comes from the Ainu word chikep, "cliff".

The view from Cape Chikyu

The Pacific Ocean and the Chikyu Misaki lighthouse seen from the Cape Chikyu observation deck

The deck looks out over the Pacific toward Honshu, and in every direction there is something to see. On New Year's morning it fills with people who come to watch the first sunrise of the year.

On the other side of the deck from the ocean, sheer cliffs run along the coast.

The sheer cliffs along the coast at Cape Chikyu

On the deck there is also the Bell of Happiness.

The Bell of Happiness, hanging under a metal globe on the upper observation deck at Cape Chikyu

Most of the other Eight Views lookouts are small, but Cape Chikyu has a big deck with toilets and a shop, so it is a good place to stretch your legs.

The Eight Views of Muroran

Cape Chikyu is one of the Eight Views of Muroran, the city's best views as chosen in 1970 partly by a public vote. They mix natural scenery with the industrial port city, and they are spread around Muroran (list from the Muroran Tourism Association):

  • The rock formations of Tokkarisho
  • The cliffs of Kinbyobu and Ginbyobu
  • The view from Cape Chikyu
  • The view from Mt. Sokuryo
  • The ocean view from Masuichi Beach
  • Cape Etomo
  • Daikoku Island, where black lilies bloom
  • The night view of Muroran port

How to get to Cape Chikyu

From central Sapporo: a little over two hours. Take the Do-o Expressway toward Tomakomai and Muroran; watch for the fork toward Obihiro and stay on the Muroran side. Exit at Noboribetsu-Muroran IC, follow Route 235 along the coast into Muroran, then turn left onto Prefectural Road 919 toward the coast. Road 919 is well kept but goes up and down and narrows in places, so drive carefully.

From New Chitose Airport: about an hour and a half, on the same expressway to Noboribetsu-Muroran IC.

On the way, Tarumae SA has an observation deck with a fine view and is worth a stop.

The free car park holds 40 to 50 cars. The deck is open at all hours.

Near Cape Chikyu

Muroran is next door to Noboribetsu, so Cape Chikyu can be added to a day of Hell Valley and a hot spring bath.

Noboribetsu Day Trip from Sapporo by Car: Hell Valley, Onsen and Where to ParkA local's day trip from Sapporo to Noboribetsu by car: Hell Valley, Oyunuma, the bear park and a day bath at Takimotokan, with tolls, parking and winter driving tips.

FAQ about Cape Chikyu

Q1. Is Cape Chikyu free?

Yes. The observation deck is free and open at all hours, and the car park is free.

Q2. How far is Cape Chikyu from Sapporo?

A little over two hours by car, or about an hour and a half from New Chitose Airport.

Q3. Are there toilets at Cape Chikyu?

Yes, and a shop.

Q4. What does Chikyu mean?

It sounds like the Japanese word for "Earth", but the name comes from the Ainu word chikep, meaning "cliff".