Sailed into a chilly and gray Kushiro, but like the peoples’ welcoming smiles, the sun also smiled and shined brightly for us.
Went into the surrounding countryside to the Kushiro Marsh Conservatory, seeing many dairy farms along the way.
After a nice hike in the Kushiro Shitsugen National Park, headed over to the Japanese Crane Reserve, getting to see Japan’s national bird up close. Due to the recovery efforts of this reserve and others, the species will survive.
Went back to town and took a look at the local fish market, referred to as the kitchen of Kushiro. I saw some of the strangest (and ugliest) fish. They better taste good, because they will not make it to the table based on their good looks. At this market they offer the katte don (as you like it bowl) – one buys a bowl of rice, then proceeds to the various fish mongers and adds whatever appeals to them before sitting down to enjoy at one of the picnic tables.
Last stop of the day was to the Kushiro City Museum. In addition to the historical and geological exhibitions, they had life-sized stuffed critters, my favorite being the massive walrus, battle scars and all.
As the ship was preparing to set sail, a saxophone player performed for us, with a group “waving” goodbye. Since we were docked right in a city park area, many of the locals came out to send us on our way as we leave Japan and begin our 3,700+ mile journey across the seas to Alaska.
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