We started disembarkation about 8:30 am with the group separating into those who were staying, those heading to the airport for home, and those like us on one of the three post-tour extensions.  Our group drove to Otaru’s preserved historic canal area to see old houses and shops that have been restored for tourists.

An hour-long bus ride took us to Sapporo, the capital of the northernmost island of Hokkaido.  We then visited the Asahi Brewery for a guided tour and tasting, followed by lunch in the same complex.  The tour was a little disappointing because it was Sunday and nothing was running.  We saw a couple of short films that showed the process in action.  I found out that I really like Asahi “Super Dry”, a very light beer.  Lunch was more food cooked on a grill, but the meat was too fatty for our taste.

An afternoon walk through Moerenuma Park, designed by Japanese-American sculptor and landscape architect Isamu Noguchi, was in perfect weather (again!).  It was a huge park built on a land fill and an old waste treatment plant.  We then checked into the Sapporo Grand Hotel with dinner left to each person.  Tom was very ready for sushi, so we found a great place nearby where he had sushi and I had tempura.

Cheryl

Here are photos of Otaru’s old canal district (note that cherry blossoms can still be seen up north here):

Here are photos of the Asahi brewery and lunch.  The stack of cartons of cans shows how many cans can be produced in one minute!

And here are photos of the park and dinner: