Having had three consecutive days gaining one hour and though we knew we had an early morning we awoke at around 06.30 and said we might as well get up and get ready for the Immigration and have breakfast before we head out on our tour. We were just leaving the room shortly after 0700 and heard that all those on the 08.30 Tour should go right away to the main lounge for immigration procedures and so off we went and the queue was very short and in less than ten minutes we had passed all immigration requirements.
The tour bus lady actually lived in Sapporo and had come down prepared to talk for every hour we were on the bus and so she did. We first of all went to the crane sanctuary where we spend just about an hour and visited the various cranes in there fenced off living area. From there to the Observatory which entailed a long walk over decking which did not look in good condition and so Noel decided not to do this as it would mean watching every footstep. The footpath led through some small forest and then to a viewpoint which was a bit misty which is not unusual for this town which is called ‘The Town of Mist’ . Clearly it was a bit damp and slippery in places on the walkway and two elderly people both slipped over and no doubt will visit the on bboard Doctor when they get back and so we hope they will be OK. But I was surprised when Jennifer told me that the walkway was partly rotting and covered in wet leaves, it had rained overnight, and some mould and so it no surprise that it was a bit dangerous and people fell over. I am glad I did not attempt it.To the North of Kushiro lies one of its well know attractions called the Kushiro Shitsugen, Japan’s largest marshland and accounts for about 60% of all Japans wetland. It was confirmed as a National park in 1987 . There is a considerable amount of flora and fauna in this area which is now protected.Back on the bus and this time to the City Museum which was in a purpose built building and was laid out very well and covered many aspects of Japanese life including one floor dedicated to the Ainu people who used to frequent this area who’s race was nearly stamped out by the land hungry Southern Japanese. The town now has about 200000 resident's and is a large base for deep sea fishing and fishing boats are dotted all over the harbour where we parked up for the day.
Back in the bus again to Washo Fish Market where we really had insufficient time to fully explore and enjoy but the tour was running late due to some guests not following the timing schedule proposed by the guide and hence we only had time to sample some sushi which was excellent and not expensive. Had we more time then we could have investigated the complete site and perhaps had some additional food to fill us up. One coupler ordered some prawn tempura but it took so long to make they had to bring it back to the bus to eat and boy it smelt good.
Finally back to the ship and as were still a bit hungry went to the pool patio bar for a lunchtime snack. Having a very early breakfast when you are not used to it messes you up a bit but never mind it was an entertaining morning and a lot better that the Highlight tour in Russia, in fact there was no comparison.
A quiet afternoon and to be honest we had a quick zizz after getting up so early and then dinner in our usual restaurant before retiring to the suite to finish blogs and some reading etc. Tomorrow we arrive in Hakodate where we have a tour but the ship will not leave until late evening allowing us to to some evening and night exploring
