Even in September, when the heat still lingers, it becomes more comfortable to spend time outside as evening approaches.
With a drink in hand, sitting on a bench or sofa in the park, and enjoying a leisurely time. An event where you can enjoy such moments will be held in Mizushima on Saturday, September 26, 2026.
This is the “Mizushima Evening Garden” held at Mizushima Nishi Tokiwacho Park No. 2.
This event has been held almost every year in the parks of Mizushima.
What kind of evening time awaits us in 2026? We will introduce the highlights of the Mizushima Evening Garden.
What is the “Mizushima Evening Garden”?
The “Mizushima Evening Garden” was started in 2016 by the Mizushima Promotion Team with the aim of enhancing the image of Mizushima and introducing local shops.
There were years when the event was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but it has been held almost every year in the parks of Mizushima.
Sitting on sofas lined up in the park at dusk, tasting food while listening to flowing music. This event has continued with the hope of introducing a new side of Mizushima, which is often associated with industrial areas and drinking streets.
Highlights of the 2026 “Mizushima Evening Garden”
The “Mizushima Evening Garden” changes its theme and concept every year.
The theme for 2026 is “Music and Light”
The venue, Mizushima Nishi Tokiwacho Park No. 2, has large playground equipment installed.
Around this playground equipment, we plan to install about 100 bamboo lanterns with LED lights inside to illuminate them. Additionally, we will combine this with the “Tipi,” which is a symbol of the Mizushima Evening Garden, to create an atmosphere at the venue.
A Tipi is a conical tent that will be set up as a symbol to decorate the venue of the Evening Garden.
The playground equipment that we are used to seeing in the park will likely show a different appearance with the addition of light.
A stage to enjoy music and dance
On the stage that livens up this event every year, music live performances and dances will be showcased.
Mizushima Port Festival's Mizushima Yosakoi team, formed to symbolize the festival, will perform a splendid dance, and the kids dancers who have been practicing for this day will also be a highlight.
Local performers, as well as artists from outside the prefecture, will perform on stage for free. Many repeat visitors look forward to the music live performances every year.
Delicious food from Mizushima and high school student activities
At the Mizushima Evening Garden, it is important to introduce local shops and encourage attendees to visit the actual stores, so many shops located in Mizushima will set up booths.
This year (2026), students from Okayama Prefectural Kurashiki Kojoike High School and “BAMBOO BAKERS” located in the Mizushima shopping district collaborated to develop bread using Tsurajima lotus root.
Using Tsurajima lotus root provided by local lotus root farmers, the students tasted five types of prototypes.
Three types will be commercialized: Tsurajima lotus root mentaiko mayo bread, Tsurajima lotus root curry bread, and Tsurajima lotus root gratin bread. The completed bread is scheduled to be sold at the Mizushima Evening Garden.
On the day of the event, high school students will also participate as sales staff, conveying the appeal of the products along with promotional POPs they created themselves.
Every year, the “Mizushima Evening Garden” is an event where you can enjoy local attractions without having to travel far, held in various parks in Mizushima.
Interview with the organizers of the Mizushima Evening Garden
We spoke with Ueda Mitsuhiko, a member of the organizing Kurashiki Mizushima Rotary Club and the leader of the Mizushima Promotion Team, and Nishitani Katsuhiko from the same team, about their thoughts on the event.
The production of playground equipment and bamboo lanterns
This year's theme is “Music and Light,” but how was it decided?
Ueda (no honorifics)
We hold meetings once or twice a month for more than six months before the event, where the members discuss and decide on the theme.
The Mizushima Evening Garden has a different venue each time, so the content and theme change depending on the location.
Mizushima Nishi Tokiwacho Park No. 2 has been used as a venue before, but last year (2025), new playground equipment was installed in the middle of the park.
Instead of thinking, “It’s difficult because there is playground equipment,” we thought, “Let’s make use of this equipment and combine it with light effects.”
The bamboo lanterns are being specially borrowed from Chikurin no Schole, which are used in the bamboo lantern festival. We plan to install light bulbs on the playground equipment and combine them with bamboo lanterns and Tipis to create a unified atmosphere in the park.
Nishitani (no honorifics)
Each member has their regular job, so we are preparing in between our work. There are challenges, but it's also interesting to think of different forms each time and try various things. We value creating while having fun.
Reasons for Holding Events in Mizushima Parks
The Yuyake Garden is held in different parks each year. Why do you change the location?
Ueda
In Mizushima, there are many parks that used to be places where children played but are now not used much. We want to use these parks as much as possible and first let people know that "there is a park here."
We hope that the event will encourage local people to use the parks afterwards.
Nishitani
The park we used as a venue before was overgrown with grass and hardly used. However, by holding the event, the park was maintained.
I remember feeling happy when I saw children coming to play and the park bustling with activity, thinking, "I wonder if we were of some help."
Message to Readers
How do you want visitors to enjoy the event?
Nishitani
This year, with the theme of "Music and Light", we will create a space that is a little different from everyday life. I would be happy if it helps to heal daily fatigue and gives them energy for tomorrow.
This is an event that can be enjoyed by people of all ages, so I hope it deepens connections among local residents.
Ueda
I would be happy if the Mizushima Yuyake Garden helps people realize that there are such places and shops in Mizushima. Please come and visit.
Conclusion
The park that you usually just pass by is adorned with bamboo lanterns, and people gather to enjoy pleasant music and delicious food at the "Mizushima Yuyake Garden".
Starting at 3 PM, as the evening transitions into night, the atmosphere of the venue also changes.
You can enjoy watching the stage, sitting on a sofa to chat and enjoy food, and visiting at your leisure and spending time as you like is also a charm of the Yuyake Garden.
On September 26, why not spend a slightly different evening at Mizushima Nishi Tokiwacho 2nd Park?
Mizushima Yuyake Garden 2026 Data
| Name | Mizushima Yuyake Garden 2026 |
|---|---|
| Date | September 26, 2026 (Saturday) from 3 PM to around 8 PM |
| Location | 9-10 Nishitokiwacho, Mizushima, Kurashiki City |
| Participation Fee (Tax Included) | Free |
| Website | Mizushima Yuyake Garden 2026 |
