We had an early wake up to eat breakfast before heading to Okayama. We went our new favorite provisioner, Lawson’s! Highlights include a mega size coffee this time (arguably too much), onigiri, and a natto handroll.

After an easy Shinkansen ride to Okayama, we dropped off our luggage into coin lockers and a storage service. We ate at a place in the stations’ food court, choosing the one that people seemed to like. That tactic hasn’t failed us yet – it’s one of the best katsu currys I’ve had, and also provided a neat service where they would keep a named bottle of sake so you didn’t have to finish bottles in one meal.

Since we arrived early, we spent our time at the local Aeon mall for lots of shopping: Muji (new suitcase), Tokyu Hands, Uniqlo, random outlets (new wallet!), Okayaman beer stall, and finally a liquor store to pick up sake and a bottle of the Mars Tsunuki 2023 for the low price of ~USD$60.

I went over early to check in to the “Panda Cottage”, which totally lived up to its’ namesake – more pandas than I could count, in a huge space and very nice and up to date facilities. After a quick rest, we headed out for a restaurant the host actually recommended. Ikiya, known for its’ Okayaman specialties, included raw beef nigiri, sake, and even in house beer. The beef was the local, legendary, and delicious phantom beef. Finally, we finished at home with a crazy yet tasty dome shaped cheese cake thing.

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