Excursion Highlights of sapporo tour at Otaru

Historical Village

Explore the history and culture of the island of Hokkaido during a visit to the Historical Village of Hokkaido which is an authentic village recreated with preserved and replicated buildings from Hokkaido's frontier days. Located in Nopporo Forest Park, this outdoor museum was opened to the public in 1983 to show the buildings and the life of Sapporo's early pioneers.

Sapporo City

Proceed to Sapporo city which is the prefectural capital of Hokkaido. The Sapporo TV Tower serves as an easily recognizable symbol of Sapporo. The height of the tower is 147.2 m and its observation level, 90.38 m gives a 360-degree panoramic view of the entire city of Sapporo. The beautiful Odori Park stretches out directly in front of the TV tower. The park is 1.5 kilometers long and plays a key role in major Sapporo tourist events. Completed in December 1888, the red brick Former Hokkaido Government Building is a beloved tourist site in Sapporo and has been designated an important cultural asset by the Japanese government which you will view from the comfort of the coach.

Japanese Lunch and Hitsujigaoka Hill

After a Japanese lunch, you will drive up to Hitsujigaoka Hill which affords a beautiful view of pastureland with grazing sheep. The hill, part of the Hokkaido Agricultural Experimental Station of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, was opened to visitors in 1959. A statue of Dr. William Clark stands on the hill. Dr. Clark, dispatched from the U.S. in 1876, taught English and botany at Sapporo Agricultural College, the forerunner of Hokkaido University. Although he was only a member of the faculty for nine months, he is remembered for his parting words, "Boys, be ambitious!"

Hokkaido Shrine

The last stop is the Hokkaido Shrine ( a Shinto Shrine) which is the largest shrine in Hokkaido built in 1869 and completed in 1871. It was originally named Sapporo Shrine. A fire destroyed the shrine in 1974 and it was rebuilt in 1978. It is in the Maruyama Park, which has a lot of greenery. A spiritual place abundant with nature, where the wild bird's tweet inside the shrine, and Hokkaido squirrels scurry about.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion may include: Historical Village of Hokkaido, Sightseeing of Sapporo from the Coach, Hitsujigaoka Observatory Hill, Hokkaido Shrine, Japanese Lunch

Note

Please note: This tour involves an extensive amount of walking of approximately 2.3kilometres or 1.4 miles at times over uneven and cobblestone surfaces and about 120 steps in total to negotiate at the visited sites and a few to get on/off the coach. It is not suitable for guests with limited mobility or those who utilise a wheelchair. Lunch served during this tour includes a Japanese style set menu. For dietary restrictions please contact the on board Shore Concierge Team upon embarkation. Please be advised that special dietary requests or menu substitutions may be not be possible to accommodate in this program. Guests must be at least 21 years old to be served alcoholic beverages. Lightweight, comfortable clothing with flat, closed-toe walking shoes and sun protection are recommended. Space on this tour is very limited; we suggest you book in advance to avoid disappointment. Local Tour Guides tend to have a strong accent therefore we urge flexibility.