Excursion Asahi beermakers & tasting tour at Otaru

Raise a glass to two of the most renowned beermakers in Japan during this fun-filled, full-day sightseeing excursion with lunch.

Scenic Drive, Asahi Beer Factory, Beer Tasting

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 1.5-hour drive to the Asahi Beer Factory. Heavily influenced by German brewers, Japan's beermaking traditions can be traced back to the late-19th-century. One of those early brewers was Asahi, founded in 1889. During a guided tour of the Asahi Beer Factory, enjoy an opportunity to touch the barley and smell the hops used to produce lagers such as Asahi Super Dry. Following your tour, proceed for a beer tasting to sample the finished product. Afterward, re-board your coach and take an orientation drive through the centre of Sapporo City, the prefectural capital of Hokkaido.

Sapporo City Drive, Sapporo TV Tower, Odori Park, Government Building

Along the way, pass by the Sapporo TV Tower, the easily-recognisable symbol of Sapporo. The Sapporo TV Tower is approximately 483 feet (about 147.2 metres) in height, and its approximately 296-foot-high (90.4 metre-high) Observation Level offers a spectacular, 360-degree view over the entire city. Stretching out in front of the Sapporo TV Tower is Odori Park. This lovely plays a key role in major Sapporo tourist events, including the Sapporo Snow Festival. 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. These landmarks can all seen from the coach window.

Sapporo Beer Museum, Guided Tour, Beer Tasting, Japanese Lunch

Next, a visit is made to the Sapporo Beer Museum, situated inside a reconstructed factory building that was built with bricks in 1890. During your guided walking tour, view exhibits, panels, and replicas spanning the approximate 140-year history of Sapporo Beer, then head to the Tasting Bar. Here, sample Sapporo Beer's signature Black Label and compare its flavour to Asahi. Following your tour, receive a tumbler with Sapporo Beer's logo as souvenir, then re-board your coach and proceed for a Japanese lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 75-minute drive back to the pier.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Sapporo City, Sightseeing Drive, Sapporo TV Tower, Odori Park, Asahi Beer Factory, Sapporo Beer Museum, Tours and Tastings, Souvenir Tumbler, Lunch

Note

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking for approximately 437 yards (about 400 metres), at times over uneven and natural surfaces, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the bus and approximately 40 steps at the sites visited. This tour is not suitable for 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 and bottled water from the ship. Guests must be at least 21 years old to participate in tastings of alcoholic beverages. The tour sequence may vary.