Muroran - Japan

Muroran was another city that looked economically depressed.  Even so, tulips, cherry trees and other gardens helped make the place look a little more friendly, despite the grey sky.

In one of the few small shopping centres, there was a special event “Try on a Kimono” which we believe the people of Muroran (near Sapporo) set up for the swarm of tourists from Celebrity Millennium. We asked the lady who was helping us if she always wore a kimono and she answered “Practically never!”

We found one shrine and there no one around.  The bell was too tempting and I rang it.  The resonant sound was low and suspended in the air.  Minutes later, a man appeared and offered to open the shrine for us to pray in.  Not being Buddhists, we declined.  I felt a bit bad that the bell must have summoned him, but it sure sounded lovely and noble.

Another event in the local tourism/community centre that was prepared specially for us cruisers was a flea market and two ladies playing the traditional instrument named - ??? It was mesmerizing and very authentic sounding.  I also bought a 2^nd hand kimono for myself for about $10, I couldn't resist!

In these small towns it is hard to see anyone on the street.  We found out where they were hiding: The Pachinko Casinos.  The noise inside is DEAFENING!

Another thing the people of Muroran did was to host a little pavilion at the port with crafts, painting, local food.  It was fun.

After the pavilion, it looked like every school kid came out and performed dance and acrobatics on the pier in front of the ship, which we watched from one of the higher decks.  How sweet!

Inside the Oceanview restaurant of the ship, there are holes in the floor.  In this photo, it looks close, but it is 10 floors down to view the sea! We let ourselves eat whatever we wanted on this trip and are confident that we will be able to drop the spare tires when we get home… Yum!