Muroran

Sunday, Oct 2
After six days at sea, we reached the island of Hokkaido, Japan and the port of Muroran. Immigration took longer than expected because the Japanese government required all 2,600 of us to be finger printed and photographed.
Once off the ship the welcome reception by the people of Muroran was impressive. From free shuttles, to hosts and special activities throughout the city we were treated like royalty. The first stop was the Chuo District and the tourist office where we met the Mayor, experienced a tea ceremony, origami folding, flower arranging, calligraphy, kite making and music by the children of Muroran. At this stop we also visited a Shinto Shrine, sampled Sake, received our fortune and learned about the Shinto religion. At the Wanishi-cho District the experience included trying on a Kimono, a Samurai show, Judo experience, Japanese Archery and of course shopping. We were not able to visit the other three stops so we could catch a bus for a tour to Mount Usu and Lake Toya.
Shikotsu-Toya National Park also known as the Rim of Fire has very active volcanoes. There are sculptures all around the lake made from the lava rock of the latest eruption. We also enjoyed a dip into the footbath hot springs. Mt Usu has erupted four times in the last 100 years, the latest in 2000. We took a six minute gondola to the volcano summit where we had a breath taking view of Lake Toya. We then hiked another path including 140 steps to a second observatory where we could look down the crater created by the latest eruption and see the coast line as the sun set. Throughout the hike the mountain was smoking, reminding us it is still very much an active volcano.
We returned to the ship after dark, just in time to see the city people bid us farewell with music, waving flags and colored lights as we sailed by the largest suspension bridge in Japan all lit in the night sky. Tomorrow will be another sea day as we make our way to Russia.