Hafen
Muroran

Embrace the stunning panoramic beauty of Lake Toya and Mt. Usu via boat and cable car during this unforgettable, full-day sightseeing excursion with lunch.

Muroran, Rolling, Forested Countryside, Lake Toya, Large Caldera

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 45-minute drive through the rolling, forested countryside en route to Shikotsu-Toya National Park, which lies along the fabled ‘Rim of Fire’. Hokkaido abounds with volcanic activity, resulting in crystalline lakes, towering peaks, and bubbling natural hot springs. Your first stop is at beautiful Lake Toya. This large caldera measures approximately 26.7 miles (about 43 kilometres), and was formed when an eruption of a volcano about 100,000 years ago diverted a stream to create this vast pool.

Scenic Cruise, Tranquil Lake, Pristine Islands, Nakajima Island, Forest, Nature Stroll, Free Time

Lake Toya is ice-free year-round due to geothermal heating, and trout and smelt fishing here is plentiful. The surrounding scenery is spectacular and best-appreciated from the water. Upon arrival at Lake Toya, embark a pleasure-boat for a cruise around this tranquil, picture-perfect lake and some of its pristine islands. Along the way, marvel at the exquisite beauty and photo opportunities of your surrounds, and even land at Nakajima Island for a guided nature stroll around its forest and some free time.

Mt. Usu, Active Volcano, Cable Car-Ride, Breath-Taking Views, Hokkaido Coast

Following your cruise on Lake Toya, disembark the boat, re-board your coach, and head to nearby Mt. Usu, which formed on the southern end of the caldera containing Lake Toya. One of the most active volcanoes in Japan, Mt. Usu has erupted four times within the last 100 years (in 1910, 1944, 1977, and 2000). This towering volcano stands approximately 2,404 feet (about 733 metres) above sea level. Upon arrival at Mt. Usu’s Cable Car (Ropeway) Station, a cable car-ride offers breath-taking views of the Hokkaido coast and brings you close to the volcano’s summit in approximately six minutes.

Summit, Observation Decks, Lake Toya, Showa Shinzan, Pacific Ocean, Largest Crater, Lunch

Upon arrival at the upper-station’s Observation Deck, de-board the cable car and enjoy breath-taking panoramic views of Lake Toya and neighbouring Showa Shinzan, Japan's youngest volcano, which was ‘born’ in 1945. A short walk away, a second Observation Deck offers exquisite views of the Pacific Ocean and Mt. Usu's largest crater. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board the cable car for the short ride back down to the Cable Car Station, then re-board your coach and proceed for lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch, re-board your coach and commence the picturesque, approximately 50-minute drive back to the pier.

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.  

(Please acknowledge the 'Important Note' section reported down below)

Experience one of the most beautiful and popular spa towns in Hokkaido, and a traditional Japanese onsen, during this immersive, half-day sightseeing excursion to Noboribetsu.

Muroran, Noboribetsu Town & Hell Valley, Crater, Fumaroles, Mineral Springs, Spectacular Views

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 40-minute drive to Noboribetsu, one of most popular spa towns in Hokkaido and Japan. Noboribetsu offers 11 different thermal waters, including those infused with sulphur, alum, and radium. Each water has specific therapeutic properties believed to address a variety of ailments, including high blood pressure, arthritis, poor circulation, rheumatism, and digestion. Take a guided walking tour of the Noboribetsu Hell Valley, which lies along the fabled ‘Rim of Fire’ and is one of several areas of intense volcanic activity. Walk to the approximately 1,476-foot-high (about 450-metre-high) crater, and its surrounding fumaroles and mineral springs, and enjoy spectacular views and photo opportunities en route.

Sulphur Springs, Noboribetsu Onsen, Onsen Preparation

Next, re-board your coach and head to the sulphur springs of the Noboribetsu Hell Valley. Milky-white in colour, they feature a very distinct smell, slightly pungent at first, but you quickly grow accustomed to it. Sulphur spring waters enhance general well-being, and are known to help ease chronic bronchitis, hardening of the arteries, and chronic skin irritation. Following the traditional customs of an onsen enhances this authentic experience and shows respect to the other bathers. Prepare for the onsen by taking a Japanese bath before entering the hot springs. Sit on a small stool, and scrub yourself with water and soap to ensure that you are very clean. When it is time to enter the onsen, a small towel may be used for modesty.

Onsen Bath, Hot Springs, Relaxing Soak, Gift Shopping

Traditionally, this towel is placed on your head upon entering the onsem (hot spring), but it is acceptable to set it on a rock beside the bath as well. Never submerge your towel in the onsen (hot spring) or wring it out, as this is considered rude. Upon entering the bath without any clothes or towels, enjoy this wonderful Japanese experience. An onsen is a quiet place for relaxation and contemplation, so it is important to enter the hot spring slowly, without any splashing, and to avoid conversation. As you soak in this serene environment, feel a sense of calm take over and your cares float away. Following your visit, stop by the gift shoppe, then re-board your coach and commence the approximately 45-minute drive back to the pier.

Authentic Japanese onsen (hot springs) baths are enjoyed naked; swimsuits are not permitted. To enhance your onsen experience and out of respect to the other bathers, participating guests are required to follow the traditional customs of a Japanese onsen bath. Prepare for the onsen by taking a Japanese bath before entering the hot springs. Sit on a small stool, and scrub yourself with soap and water to ensure that you are very clean. When it is time to enter the onsen, you are permitted to bring a small towel into the bathing area to enhance your privacy whilst out of the water. Traditionally, this towel is placed on your head upon entering the onsen, but it is acceptable to set it on a rock beside the bath as well. Once you have entered the bath, the towel must be kept outside of the water. Never submerge your towel in the onsen or wring it out, as this is considered rude. An onsen is a quiet place for relaxation and contemplation, so it is important to enter the hot spring slowly, without any splashing, and avoid conversation. A bath towel, face towel, shampoo, conditioner, body soap, a hair dryer, and storage are provided at the hot springs’ location. The relaxing room after the onsen experience is Japanese-style (seated on tatami mats on the floor). The onsen bathing area is not exclusive to Silversea guests. The hot springs are separated for female-only and male-only. Guests who have consumed alcoholic beverages are not permitted inside the onsen. Guests with tattoos are not permitted inside the onsen. Photography/videography is not permitted inside the onsen, its changing rooms, and/or bathrooms. Guests are advised not to bring valuables, or wear accessories, as the colour may change due to the water from the hot springs.

Explore Muroran at your leisure during your full-day (8-hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned car and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Muroran at your leisure during your half-day (4-hour) sightseeing tour via private car. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned car and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Muroran at your leisure during your full-day (8-hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned van and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Explore Muroran at your leisure during your half-day (4-hour) sightseeing tour via private van. Customise your own itinerary or choose to see an overview of the area's highlights.

Depart the pier with your English-speaking guide in an air-conditioned van and discover the city and surrounding areas at your own pace. Your exclusive tour concludes back at the pier.

Experience the traditional Ainu culture and lifestyle from a unique perspective during this immersive, half-day sightseeing excursion. 

Cape Chikyu

Departing from Muroran port, drive to Cape Chikyu, which is located south urban area of Muroran city. You can get to an observatory and a white lighthouse and enjoy a scenic view of wide Pacific Ocean. The word ’Chikyu’ means ‘earth’ in Japanese, and originally means ‘cliffs’ in Ainu language.

Muroran, Seaside Drive, Upopoy Park, National Ainu Museum, Video Theatre, Permanent Exhibition

Next re-board your coach for the scenic, approximately one-hour seaside drive to Upopoy Park. Located next to Lake Poroto, Upopoy consists of the National Ainu Museum, which was founded out of respect and dignity of indigenous people in north Japan, along with several other facilities dedicated towards helping visitors learn about and experience the Ainu culture first-hand. During your guided tour, learn about the history and culture of the Ainu. In addition, a video theatre explains the Ainu culture and traditional lifestyle, and a permanent exhibition chronicles the history of the Ainu people. Afterward, stop by the gift shop to browse for a souvenir of your visit.

Lakeside Park, Optional Performances of Traditional Ainu Dance & Music & Crafts

Outside of the museum, you can stroll about the flora of the surrounding lakeside park. For an additional fee payable at the venue, you may opt to participate in hands-on, interactive experiences related to Ainu music, dance, and crafts, which take place in three of the buildings located in the park. Enjoy performances of Ainu ancient rite dancing, as well as the sounds the mukkuri (mouth harp) and tonkori (five-stringed instrument), which are designated as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Experience Exchange Hall, Lake Poroto, Traditional Ainu Village, Reconstructed Houses, Costumes

In the Experience Exchange Hall, view Lake Poroto and the traditional Ainu village past the glass windows that form the backdrop to the stage, and the rich flora surrounding Upopoy. There are also several reconstructed Ainu houses that you can enter. Traditional ceremonies are performed there occasionally, and you can try on some of the costumes. At the conclusion of your tour, re-board your coach and commence the approximately one-hour drive back to the pier.

Explore the amazing volcanic origins and scenery of Japan during this captivating, half-day sightseeing excursion.

Muroran, Rolling, Forested Countryside, Lake Toya, Large Caldera, Photo Stop

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 45-minute drive through the rolling, forested countryside en route to Shikotsu-Toya National Park, which lies along the fabled ‘Rim of Fire’. Hokkaido abounds with volcanic activity, resulting in crystalline lakes, towering peaks, and bubbling natural hot springs. Your first stop is at beautiful Lake Toya. This large caldera measures approximately 26.7 miles (about 43 kilometres), and was formed when an eruption of a volcano about 100,000 years ago diverted a stream to create this vast pool. During a photo stop here, marvel at the exquisite beauty and photo opportunities of your surrounds.

Mt. Usu, Active Volcano, Cable Car-Ride, Breath-Taking Views, Hokkaido Coast

Leaving Lake Toya, re-board your coach and head to nearby Mt. Usu, which formed on the southern end of the caldera containing Lake Toya. One of the most active volcanoes in Japan, Mt. Usu has erupted four times within the last 100 years (in 1910, 1944, 1977, and 2000). This towering volcano stands approximately 2,404 feet (about 733 metres) above sea level. Upon arrival at Mt. Usu’s Cable Car (Ropeway) Station, a cable car-ride offers breath-taking views of the Hokkaido coast and brings you close to the volcano’s summit in approximately six minutes.

Summit, Observation Decks, Lake Toya, Showa Shinzan, Pacific Ocean, Largest Crater

Upon arrival at the upper-station’s Observation Deck, de-board the cable car and enjoy breath-taking panoramic views of Lake Toya and neighbouring Showa Shinzan, Japan's youngest volcano, which was ‘born’ in 1945. A short walk away, a second Observation Deck offers exquisite views of the Pacific Ocean and Mt. Usu's largest crater. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board the cable car for the short ride back down to the Cable Car Station, then re-board your coach and commence the picturesque, approximately 50-minute drive back to the pier.