Day Trips from SapporoTokkarisho Observatory: Green Cliffs over the Pacific in Muroran
By Chaporo, a Sapporo local Published 
Quick answers
- Green cliffs about 100 m high and sea stacks over the Pacific, one of the Eight Views of Muroran
- A roadside space for about five cars; no toilets
- The first stop on the coastal road, 10 minutes before Cape Chikyu
- A little over two hours from Sapporo via Noboribetsu-Muroran IC
Tokkarisho is a lookout on the Muroran coast, one of the Eight Views of Muroran, where cliffs about 100 meters high, covered in green, drop into the blue Pacific. The name comes from the Ainu "tokar-isho", "the rock of the seals", because seals once gathered here. It is free, open at all hours, and the road to it is a lovely drive along the cape.
The view
From the lookout, green slopes and white rock fall steeply into the sea, with rock stacks standing off the shore, and the blue of the sea and sky beyond. The road leading here runs up and down along the cape with the sea on your left, one of the nicest stretches of the drive.
Parking
The lookout is a roadside space for about five cars. There are no toilets, so stop at Tarumae SA or a convenience store on the way. It is a viewpoint only; about 10 minutes is enough.
How to get to Tokkarisho
From Sapporo: a little over two hours. Take the Do-o Expressway toward Tomakomai and Muroran; there is a fork toward Obihiro on the way, so stay on the Muroran side. Exit at Noboribetsu-Muroran IC, follow Route 235 along the coast into Muroran, and 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.
On the way, Tarumae SA has an observation deck with a fine view.
Near Tokkarisho
Tokkarisho is the first stop on the Eight Views loop, on the way in from Noboribetsu-Muroran IC, and coming early also catches Kinbyobu in the morning sun. Kinbyobu, the golden cliffs, is five minutes further along Road 919, and Cape Chikyu five minutes after that.
Cape Chikyu in Muroran: The Pacific View and the CliffsA local's guide to Cape Chikyu in Muroran, a lookout over the Pacific and the coastal cliffs: what you see, the Eight Views of Muroran, parking (paid since April 2026) and how to drive there from Sapporo or New Chitose Airport.
Things to Do in Muroran: A Local's One-Day Drive from SapporoA local's one-day drive from Sapporo around Muroran: the cliff lookouts of the Eight Views, Cape Chikyu, Muroran curry ramen at Aji no Daio, the Hakucho Bridge, and a hot spring bath in Noboribetsu on the way home.
FAQ about Tokkarisho
Q1. What does Tokkarisho mean?
It comes from the Ainu "tokar-isho", "the rock of the seals", because seals used to gather here.
Q2. Is there parking at Tokkarisho?
A roadside space for about five cars, with no toilets.
Q3. How far is Tokkarisho from Cape Chikyu?
About 10 minutes by car along Prefectural Road 919, passing Kinbyobu on the way.