Kushiro, Hokkaido

On Friday we flew from Tokyo to Kushiro, a city in Northern Japan. It is very lush, with rolling green mountains. We are staying at a not springs spa resort hotel on Lake Akan. We visited an Ainu village. The Ainu people are indigenous Japanese, and their cultures and traditions are much like Native Americans and indigenous peoples throughout the world.

We participated in a circle dance and saw a fire ceremony. It was very exciting and fun. Every moment continues to be an adventure!

 Our Group of 12 on the way to Kushiro - "The Wild Cranes"

 Boarding Pass

 Watching Japan v. Greece World Cup in the airport

 Japanese fans hope for the best

 At the Ainu Cultural Center in Lake Akan

 An Ainu dancer

 Am Ainu woodcarver and storyteller

 Incredible dinner

 The Wild Cranes at dinner at our hotel in Lake Akan