Excursion Introduction to sapporo tour at Muroran

Discover the splendid traditions, art, and culture of Sapporo during this picturesque, full-day sightseeing excursion with lunch.

Muroran, Forests, Countryside, Sapporo, Historical Village of Hokkaido, Open-Air Museum

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately two-hour drive to Sapporo, the capital of Hokkaido and Japan's fifth-largest city. En route, pass by dense forests, rolling countryside, and the city of Tomakomai, famed for its paper production. Sapporo is also one of the nation's youngest major cities; in 1857, the city's population stood at just seven people. Upon arrival, your first stop is at the Historical Village of Hokkaido. This open-air museum in Sapporo exhibits about 60 typical buildings from all over Hokkaido. They date from the Meiji and Taisho periods (1868-1926), the era when Hokkaido's development was carried out on a large scale.

Folk Art Demonstrations, Specially Arranged Folkloric Performance

The Historical Village of Hokkaido is divided into four different sections: a town, fishing village, farm village and a mountain village. Enjoy folk art demonstrations and a nankin tamasudare (folkloric performance). This traditional Japanese street performance dating from the Edo Period (1603-1867). The performer holds a special screen made from bamboo sticks approximately 7.9 inches-11.8 inches (about 20 centimetres-30 centimetres) in length, and loosely woven with twine. It is then rapidly twisted, folded, and extended into various shapes whilst the performer chants an amusing poem describing the items to a distinctive rhythm. This folkloric performance is specially arranged for Silversea guests.

Lunch, Odori Park, Shopping, Gardens, Promenades, Sapporo TV Tower, Winter Olympics Ski Jump

Next, proceed for a Japanese, set-menu lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch, take a stroll through nearby Odori Park. The city’s ‘Central Park’, Odori Park divides Sapporo into north and south. Originally designated the main street, it eventually became a park spanning 13 blocks. Peruse its underground shopping town, elaborate gardens, promenades, and pushcart vendors. The Sapporo TV Tower anchors one end of the park, and the ski jump from the 1972 Winter Olympic is visible from the grounds. Many annual events are held here, including the Sapporo Lilac Festival and Sapporo Snow Festival. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach and commence the approximately two-hour drive back to the pier.  

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Hokkaido Island, Sapporo, Historical Village of Hokkaido open air museum, Japanese Set-Menu lunch, Odori Park

Note

Please note: This tour involves an extensive amount of walking for approximately 1.55 miles (about 2.5 kilometres), at times over uneven, gravel, and natural surfaces, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach and 15 steps at the Historical Village of Hokkaido. This tour is not suitable for guests prone to motion sickness, guests with limited mobility, and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear lightweight, comfortable clothing with flat, closed-toe walking shoes, and bring sun protection, insect repellent, a sweater or light jacket, bottled water, and Japanese Yen or credit cards for purchases from the ship. Although credit cards are mostly accepted, Japanese Yen is required for any purchases; guests are advised to exchange money at the airport prior to the cruise. Proper attire is required to enter temples and shrines; shorts and bare shoulders are not permitted. Guests must be at least 12 years old to participate on this tour; minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian over 18 years old. Guests must be at least 20 years old to be served alcoholic beverages. Infrastructure in Muroran may be basic, and local conditions may be challenging; coaches, guides, hotels, restaurants, equipment, and services are the best-available in the area, but may not be up to the standards of those found on other ports. Therefore, we urge flexibility and understanding as we visit unique, less-touristic destinations. The cost of providing a tour programme in this area is proportionately more expensive than in neighbouring regions, as vehicles and guides are brought in from the whole region. This may be reflected in the prices of the tours, and we thank you for your understanding. Additional beverages may be purchased at the restaurant at each guest’s own expense. Operation of this tour is subject to weather conditions. The driving time between the pier and sites visited is approximately two hours in each direction. The tour sequence may vary. Space on this tour is very limited; we suggest you book in advance to avoid disappointment.