Mount Sokuryo, Mountain summit in Muroran, Japan
Mount Sokuryo is a summit in Muroran that rises 200 meters above sea level, with walking paths leading to the top. From the peak, visitors see across the industrial city and its harbor area to Hokkaido's coastline.
The mountain's name translates to 'Measurement Mountain', reflecting its past use as a reference point for surveying Hokkaido. It served as a landmark during early mapping projects of the island.
The Ainu name Hoski-sam-pe, "the thing that comes out first", refers to the mountain used as a landmark by fishers returning from offshore to Etomo and Uchiura Bay. Since 1988 the summit TV tower has been lit from sunset to midnight, funded by citizen donations of 4,000 yen per night through the Muroran Renaissance foundation; messages sent with each booking appear on its website and in local papers.
The modest elevation and well-kept paths make the hike manageable for people of different abilities and fitness levels. You can reach the summit within a short walk without excessive difficulty.
The summit's TV tower has been lit from dusk to midnight since 28 November 1988, funded by citizen donations of 4,000 yen per night. Actor Ken Yasuda, a Muroran native, donated 200,000 yen in October 2022, covering two months and keeping the streak alive. Messages from sponsors are broadcast on FM Byu and printed in local papers.
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