20 May 2025

Muroran Magic

Early risers were out on deck as Heritage Adventurer sailed under Muroran’s famous Hakucho (Swan) Bridge. Once ashore guests split up, with one half starting their chosen adventure with a scenic drive to Lake Toya to enjoy another mountain viewpoint. Mount Usu was next and our ascent to its summit, via the Usuzan Ropeway cable car, provided a memorable hike in the clouds. After lunch on board we travelled to Hell Valley, a bubbling landscape of steam vents, hot springs, and sulphurous streams.

Those opting for the alternative itinerary crossed over the Sawn Bridge to reach the Upopoy National Ainu Museum and Park. There we learned about the rich culture, and difficult history, of the Ainu people, the indigenous inhabitants of Hokkaido before enjoying a traditional Japanese meal of sukiyaki – a hotpot of broth, noodles, and pork. After lunch our group split again with some taking to the waters of Noboribetsu Onsen, to experience a Japanese bathhouse and relax in the mineral-rich waters, while the rest of us joined our friends at Hell Valley.

Making our way back to our trusty expedition vessel we took the opportunity to visit a nearby grove of cherry trees still in blossom due to the cooler northern climate, before setting sail and passing under the Swan Bridge and bound for Sakaiminato.

Images © C. Perry, Heritage Expeditions