After my month-long vacation, my friends and I planned to meet up and celebrate birthdays. My birthday fell on a weekday so to celebrate with friends, we purposely set our Saturday free from lunch time so we would be just having fun the entire day.
We met at Devilcraft Brewery, a Chicago-style pizza and craft beer restaurant. I heard they have several branches in Tokyo, but we met at Hamamatsucho. We don't usually hang out in this area but vouched for this restaurant so here we were on a Saturday noon. I came late though, as I planned to go to a clinic the hour prior to meeting up but eventually didn't push through because of stuff at home that I needed to take care of.
When I arrived, the gang already finished their 1st round of craft beers. Too early for beers? Nah, it's the weekend anyways. I ordered mine right away, and I totally forgot what it was. It was just right for me, cherry-ish so a bit on the sweeter note.
Aside from the beers, the food was already served and they just left a portion for me. How thoughtful these friends are. They even wanted me to finish all the sides but I couldn't. I had pizza though, all 3 flavors that I didn't know the names.
Devilcraft Brewery seemed cool, and we weren't the only foreigners in the restaurant. The staff had a bit of Western influence so the vibe wasn't so Japanese. It's a nice place to escape Japan. π
Our course meal ended at 2 PM and now we're walking to our next destination. For a normal Saturday, had the itinerary ready. We had a brief stop at Zozoji Temple, a Buddhist temple near Tokyo Tower. Luckily I had reviewed our itinerary for this day, or else we would be rushing to get to our next destination. A brief stop here and there to sightsee was good.
I've been to Zozoji pre-pandemic and it was so empty. It rained that day so there were only a few people out and about. This time, it was the weekend and it was a good day, so there were lots who came. Plus there's a Myanmar festival at another area of the temple's premises.
Since we only had a stopover here, we didn't stay long. I want to be back though, and explore the place and go to the museum in the basement. I read a sign and figured that would be an awesome adventure.
We crossed the street and reached our destination - The Prince Hotel. And no, we're not here to check in. We're here to have coffee in their cafe on the first floor. What a place to have coffee? Yeah, that's what I also think. It's like I needed to be prim and proper and dress nicely for this occasion. π
We came here for the desserts. , who was sitting beside me, wanted to order the cake set that comes with a small beautiful cake and a drink. I only wanted to drink though but when I saw the cakes and because of her influence, I decided to get the cake set too, with a different cake.
Everybody wanted to get the cake set too but when I confirmed their orders again, they ditched the cake and proceeded with drinks only saying excuses like they were still full from lunch. I didn't think we were that full though, and besides we already walked so those were already burned. I began to be suspicious. I knew they got a surprise cake, and probably a big one so we could share, but they failed to keep it smooth and natural. I still proceeded with my cake set order so they wouldn't suspect I knew something was up.
also ordered a cake set and I wasn't sure if he knew about the surprise. Maybe he did, maybe he didn't notice. It was his birthday the next day so this day was the celebration of both of our birthdays.
Our orders came, and only and I got the cake set. Moments later, a strawberry shortcake came and everybody was singing happy birthday. It was awkward, I didn't want to be in the spotlight like that. I didn't check the other tables because I was already embarrassed. But it was the sweetest gesture my friends did for the both of us. And I really appreciate them for surprising and celebrating this special day with us. I learned a lot from these people, and they're fun to be with. They're like my family here in Japan. Awwww, no tears.
I later revealed that I knew about the surprise because they were so obvious but pretended to not know about it so it wouldn't ruin anything. We're still fine after that but my tummy couldn't take the lactose any longer. π I like cakes but now a few bites and I'm off to the comfort room.
The cafe was until 6 PM and we were there til closing time. Seems like it's still too early to go home so we came up with a destination on the spot. People suggested activities and in the end, darts won so here we were walking to Shimbashi station because that's where the nearest darts center's located.
When we reached Shimbashi, a friend bid goodbye. I think he wasn't feeling well. It was actually a bit a blessing in disguise because the max players that could play in one game was 4. Since we're now 8 people and there was only one machine available near where we were seated, we had to play in pairs.
I wasn't sure how many games we played anymore. For every game, we had to pay 400 yen (~2.54 USD). I wasn't counting the coins anymore, we just chip in so we could play. I got paired with and we kept winning 2nd place or the last place, never the winner. A formidable combi was the pair of
and
, since the latter played so well. There was a round when
hit the bull's eye in all 3 throws.
and Razel's pair were tough to beat too, all women pair and they won a few times.
and Jellie pair scored single digits most of the town but sometimes they got lucky not to be in the last place.
Darts Up was the name of the darts center. It was probably the first time we went to such place, so we never knew how good everybody was in darts. Some were beginners, some were doing well already. It was required to have one drink each per table so we ordered alcohol. It was funny, we just had tea and coffee hours before, and prior to that, we had craft beers. Beer β Coffee/Tea β Alcohol. π
We didn't notice the time as everybody was so competitive in playing. They didn't want to let the others win. Every time there's an out, we would cheer. π Later on, we just noticed our energy draining so we decided to have dinner there. Many of us ordered fish and chips, and it was so funny the waitress was a bit surprised by the many orders of fish and chips. π
Since it was getting late and we were getting tired even after eating, we decided our last game would be done individually. There was a vacant machine beside the one we've been using so we were able to play each.
We were playing 701 game. All scores start with 701, and for every throw, it will be deducted to your score. To end the game, one must reach 0 first or after all 15 rounds, the lowest score will be declared the winner. In all games we played by pairs, no pair reached 0 ever.
Now we're playing individually, it was so much fun. It's like we're seeing the progress and how much we've learned from the hours we've been playing. I scored a few bulls eye and was cheering me at the back by shaking me. It was so funny! At that time,
was scoring the lowest score so he was first though he was in another machine. I didn't want to lose so I tried my best. π
In the end, our group ended the game at round 13 because I reached 0. π I was so overjoyed! I was so lucky! It was the first time we saw a 0 score the entire time we've been playing.
The other group had to finish all 15 rounds and won with a score of 9. He caught up with
who was now the 2nd placer in their group and 3rd placer in the entire gang.
We ended the night there and went home as some would be catching the last train already. It was a fun-filled Saturday. We weren't drunk, just happy. A nice birthday treat indeed.
Thanks for reading!
See you around! γγγγγΎγγοΌ
All photos are taken using my phone unless stated otherwise.