I just emailed Helen and just so everyone is aware here is the situation

The JR Tower Hotel Nikko Sapporo is the last hotel on a four night package from Silversea. They will not book this for one night pre and they will not sell a guest a transfer from this hotel.

They do have a one night hotel in Otaru but that is ONLY for air/sea guests and a non air guest cannot book that hotel.

At this time are not offering ANY hotel for a one night pre stay
and they are not offering a transfer service to the pier.

It is very difficult to do a joint transfer unless everyone is at the same hotel and we all have different agendas. Some are staying in Sapporo and some are staying in Otaru and they have to get from Sapporo to Otaru as well. Also some are using points for their hotel.

I have not even looked at this yet other than the basic options but not looked for a transfer company. I set up a three day land program once in Kyoto pre cruise. I had a terrible time finding a land operator and there was a huge issue with misunderstandings due to the language barrier. I cannot do this from the Mariner but will see what I can find out when I get back.

If anyone finds a transfer service post it here and if I find one I will post it here. Might be a good idea if you have booked a hotel to enquire about the cost of a taxi or land transfer. The taxis we have used in Japan have been very clean, the drivers even wore white gloves, all metered and they would not take a tip. It truly may be the easiest way to go we just need to define costs.

UPDATE: Silversea will sell a transfer from the Sapporo Airport direct to the pier one the day of embarkation for $209 per person. Problem will be getting to the Sapporo Airiport in time for a transfer to the pier. Most of us will arrive too late for that so I think most of us are coming in one day before.