Day 63 1 October Leaving Otaru for Tokoyo

Today our ship was leaving Otaru so we had to be back on board by 1.00 pm. We were able to buy some tickets online so we could visit a local museum - a Stained-glass Museum. 

On the way there Elizaeth was quite taken with this restaurant, less taken with the food but more with the "busy" architecture. We have no idea what sort of food they are serving.

The Stained Glass Museum was based in a former soya bean warehouse, and it was really quite spectacular. Most of the glass was about 100 years old, purchased from decommissioned churches in the UK. Even the exposed ceiling gave it the feel of a church.

Usually with stained glass in cathedrals, it is so high up you can't see the detail. Being so close made a huge difference. It was absolutely stunning being surrounded by so much luminous glass. It was like being in a jewel box. This was another example of an excellent local museum.  We have seen many in our travels.

We think this is a depiction of the Star of Bethlehem, which is believed to be a comet.

Not unsurprisingly, most of the visitors were locals and I did think they might have been Christians themselves, but I don't think so. Anyone could have enjoyed the museum for its art.

Commissioned perhaps for World War One.

There were also a few young solo Japanese who I thought were probably art or design students.

A scene from the Canterbury Tales.

Of course, Japan is prone to earthquakes and Tsunamis.

Elizabeth with some locals.

Here we are at the cruise port with our ship, and look at that sunshine! 

A local dance troupe farewelled us from the port.

Note that one of the dancers was injured, complete with crutches and moon boot.

The music was quite modern, almost like that of the Pacific Islanders but with a stronger beat. The costumes didn't appear too Japanese.