What’s ferocious, cuddly, strong, fluffy, terrifying and cute? Have any guesses? No? Here’s one more clue: it can make a good coffee. That’s right. It’s a bear.

This past week left me feeling utterly exhausted. Midterms are coming up at my host college, so I’ve been hunkering down inside to study. 

Final presentations have been so anxiety-inducing that the usual methods to cheer me up don’t seem to be working. 

I was rotting in my bed one morning, having woken up at noon after a late-night study session, when all these emotions came crashing over me. 

I thought of all the studying I had to do to catch up in class. I felt immensely sorry for myself. 

Then I remembered something vital. I’m in Japan. I’m in the one country that’s been on my bucket list since I was a little girl.

Why sit around moping when I could go out and do something? I wasn’t going to get anything done in that mood anyway. 

With that thought, I hopped out of bed, dressed, went to the station and caught the first train to my destination. 

I felt some semblance of tranquility and normalcy return to me while riding on the train. When I can do it safely, I like traveling alone. 

It’s nice to be alone with my own thoughts, not needing to entertain anyone but myself. Plus, I get complete control over my whole trip and don’t have to stick to a set plan. 

While on my way to transfer between trains, I passed the station exit and glimpsed a towering cityscape overlooking a gorgeous river. 

It took my breath away, but I had no reason to stop. Then I realized I had no reason not to. 

The quick stop and breath of fresh air was just what I needed before continuing with my journey. 

When I emerged from my final station, I scanned the buildings around me. I turned around to find directions on my phone, only to see the cafe was right next to the station.

This destination has been at the top of my bucket list since before going to Japan but I never thought I would be able to attend. However, a quick Google search revealed it was only an hour-long train ride away. This wonderful place is The Bear Paw Cafe.  

I was greeted by a wall painted to look like stone with a small window fashioned as the entrance to the bear’s cave. To the side was another window for customers to order and pay from. 

I heard of influencers going there to order coffee, but with one quick look at the menu, I deduced that the cafe’s specialty was parfaits. 

I ordered the bear paw parfait and a cookie and waited for the woodland creature to make my sweet treat. 

All transactions at the cafe are done without ever having to talk face-to-face. The order window only shows the hands of the employees and leaves enough room for them to hand you the menu, which is nice if face-to-face interactions make you nervous. 

After waiting for a few moments, I heard the ring of a bell. My order was ready. From behind a black curtain in the cave hole, a fuzzy bear paw came popping out holding my scrumdiddlyumptious parfait. 

I was so excited that in my haste to grab my treat, I nearly forgot to say “thank you.” 

After I received my parfait and said my farewells to the kind bear, I made my way around the side of the building and found some indoor seating. The cafe’s seating looked much cozier than the cave opening outside. 

I was greeted by a host of stuffed bears inside the warmly lit area and sat down at one of only six chairs available. 

I’m glad I was able to get out that day and appreciate life. I forget to take care of myself sometimes. It may cost me some precious study time but I’m bear-y happy to have visited the Bear Paw Cafe.

Curtin can be reached at [email protected].