Yes today was my birthday. Birthdays are kind of weird though aren’t they?

We had breakfast at our ryokan – it looked good but the quality wasnt as good as previous places we have stayed which was a shame.

We are quite out of the way here at our accommodation- wasn’t intentional – just didn’t realise. So to get back to Kurashiki, first we had to go and try and catch a bus back to Shin Kurashiki station. The bus stop was just on the road pretty much and we weren’t entirely sure a bus would arrive. Still, we waited with hope.

Well, luckily the bus did arrive – albeit about 5 minutes late, which got us to the station. Then we caught a train for 2 stops to Kurashiki.

When we got in to Kurashiki a coffee was in order. We didn’t get one with our breakfast – only tea. Tea is nice and all, but it’s not coffee.

We found this groovy looking place in the arcade. Coffee was good. Vibes were good.

After coffee we headed back up to the Kurashiki old town. The sun was shining (finally) although still a bit cold.

First stop, Miffys Bakehouse. We missed out on delicious Miffy bakery treats when we were in Yufuin so it was exciting that there was one here. Also it’s my birthday so I get to have extra treats.

We got these cube cake things – mine was strawberry and Steve had matcha. No seating in the store so we went and sat by the canal. Tbh they weren’t the most amazing cake like products ever – mine was sort of like white bread with jam ha ha…they look cute though.

After our morning snack we did a bit of shopping and I found an awesome shop that sold all the Washi tape in the world!

For lunch we went to this cute cafe that we saw yesterday. Their food is all organic and the cafe is super cute. It was just before midday so we didn’t have to wait to go in and we got a great table in the tatami mats. Steve got the Sea Bream set and I got the Wild Boar set. They are famous for their high quality eggs that you can eat raw over rice. With the lunch set you also get a drink (we got peach juice) and a dessert (Their famous Happy Pudding)

Good lunch. Neither of us can remember the name of the cafe but when we do I will update the blog accordingly.

After lunch – wandering, shopping, temple and park viewing- that kind of thing. It’s quite nice around here.

We left the old town for a while and went to check out the shops near the station. They had some of our favourites such as Loft – but without the big city crowds. Win win!

Also Gatchapon. Many Gatchapon.

It was getting near dinner time, but I was still so full from lunch that I couldn’t face eating anymore food. And then I spotted it – a cat cafe!!!! We decided to go on to it for a bit, have a green tea, chill and recalibrate. The cats were so cute and chilled out. One came straight over and sat on my leg, but then got cross with me because i wanted to move. Kawaii!!!!

Feeling rejuvenated, we looked at some dinner options, before buying some things front the basement supermarket and eating it at the provided chairs and tables. They even provide a basin to wash your hands and drinking water. Pretty amazing stuff really. Just can’t imagine this kind of thing working at home. Best birthday dinner ever!

After dinner we went and had a Quick Look at the old town after dark – it was still looking nice but it was empty and everything was closed.

We headed back to our accommodation after that – it was a bit of a trek (train + taxi)

And thus, endeth my birthday for 2024.