We arrived at the Kurashiki train station just too hot and tired to go searching for a place to stay, so we plopped our way down the stairs at the front of the station and promptly checked ourselves into the Japan Rail-run Hotel Kurashiki. It's not especially Japanese-y, but it's quite comfortable -- pretty typical, Western-style rooms & beds, cable TV, western bathtubs. Just like a business hotel you might find in London, Moscow, or anywhere.

The room had a lovely view of Tivoli Amusement Park through the large windows. After staring at it all evening, we couldn't resist checking it out. Thankfully, the amusement park is very easily accessibly by the cement walkway heading out the back of the main floor. The Kurashiki old town and canal aren't quite as easily accessibly, but they're still only a 20 minute walk along the busy main road.

We had the breakfast buffet ($10 per person - pretty normal for Japan), and were generally pleased. Both Western and Japanese foods were offered. After several weeks of miso soup for breakfast, we happily dived into huge platefuls of scrambled eggs. Since the hotel is attached to the train station, there are dozens of dining possibilities within a 2 minute walk. I highly recommend the Kaki-Gori and crepes stand on the main floor near the McDonald's!