Our second stop in Japan was Muroran, a port further south in Hokkaido. We were welcomed by the town mayor as well as locals of all ages waving the local flag.
Buses took us from the port to several local highlights, including a hike at the Mt. Usu volcano geopark, or a visit to the renowned hot springs, Noboribetsu Onsen. Those who chose to visit the National Ainu Museum were treated to a traditional Ainu dance performance. Different dances highlighted swords, red-crowned cranes, and the mouth harp (mukkuri), representing their importance to the culture. The museum houses the largest collection of Ainu artefacts, as well as several replica huts that illustrate how people once lived and protected themselves from the elements. The exhibits gave great insight into clothing, jewelry, hunting and fishing gear, cooking practices, and the ceremonial activities of the Ainu people. Also represented were people who identify as Ainu in the modern day and how they express that culture through their occupations and lifestyles.
