Kurashiki Tocotoco is a media outlet that started with the aim of conveying the current state of Mabi Town, which suffered significant damage from the heavy rain in July 2018.
Since moving from the Kanto region to Kurashiki in December 2023, I have also become a writer for Kurashiki Tocotoco. I have heard the name "Mabi" many times from senior writers, but I had not had the opportunity to visit.
During this time, I was told that "Mabi has many famous cherry blossom spots," so I explored the cherry blossom spots with a friend who has lived in Mabi for a long time.
In this article, I will introduce the state of the cherry blossoms as of April 11, 2024, along with photos.
Takahashi River Mabi Dragonfly Park
The first place I headed to was the Takahashi River Mabi Dragonfly Park, located along the tributary "Oda River."
It is a small park, but it has a large cherry blossom avenue.
Seeing a group having a picnic, we decided to have our lunch here as well, even though it was our first stop.
We brought our bento from GOJITOMA-ISM.
GOJITOMA-ISM is a food truck started by the daughter of the owner of the long-established jazz Coffee House Gojitoma.
Organic vegetables from Mabi Town are abundantly used in this hearty bento, which makes my heart race.
With the cold winter finally over, it has become pleasantly warm. Eating a bento outdoors for the first time in a while, combined with the full-bloom cherry blossom scenery, makes it exceptionally delicious.
Near Takahashi River Mabi Dragonfly Park, there are tracks of the Ibara Railway. On this day, we were lucky enough to see a train passing by.
Makibi Park
Next, I headed to Makibi Park.
This park was created to commemorate Kibi no Makibi, who is said to be the origin of the name of Mabi Town, and to pass it on to future generations.
Makibi Park is characterized by its ancient Chinese-style design, making it a spot where you can see cherry blossoms alongside ancient Chinese architecture.
Under the cherry trees, which were just at their peak bloom, families who seemed to have just finished their entrance ceremonies were taking photos, creating a warm atmosphere.
Hatta Shrine
As you climb the slope within Makibi Park, you will see Hatta Shrine.
The scene of cherry blossom petals dancing in the wind in front of the torii gate is breathtaking, and I couldn't help but stop.
After taking photos at the shrine, don't forget to pray as well.
Mabi Comprehensive Park
Mabi Comprehensive Park is a comprehensive sports facility that includes tennis courts, a gymnasium, a soft baseball field, and multipurpose fields.
During my visit, I took a stroll from the parking lot with the statue of Kibi no Makibi towards the gymnasium.
The cherry blossoms in front of the gymnasium were in full bloom as of April 11, 2024. A carpet of cherry blossoms spread beneath the trees.
From a distance, the cherry blossoms appear whitish, but when the petals gather, they are dyed in a lovely pink that can truly be called "sakura color."
Makibi General Park has playground equipment like athletic facilities and benches, making it a great place for families to leisurely stroll.
Additionally, I discovered the horticultural variety of Yamazakura called "Sodouzakura," which is characterized by its fluffy petals, resembling a handball-like cherry blossom.
Makibi Sakura Park
As the name suggests, Makibi Sakura Park is located along the Oda River and is planted with various types of cherry trees.
The Oda River, viewed from the cherry trees, flows so calmly that it is hard to believe it was severely affected by the heavy rain in July 2018. I can't help but wish that this peaceful time continues forever.
The cherry trees blooming throughout the park create a tunnel of cherry blossoms.
Like Takahashi River Makibi Dragonfly Park, Makibi Sakura Park also offers a view of the Ibara Line.
The proximity of the park to the railway made for a thrilling experience.
Conclusion
I had always imagined that Mabi was far from the Bikan Historical Area in Kurashiki, but it is actually located just across Kurashiki Ohashi Bridge. People living in Mabi also frequently come to shop at Aeon Mall Kurashiki.
Many of the roads along the way have been newly developed since the heavy rain in July 2018, showing signs of recovery.
Compared to other areas in Kurashiki City, Mabi has fewer tall buildings, making it a town that beautifully complements the pleasant spring blue sky and the grand cherry blossom avenues.
How about having a picnic under the cherry blossom trees in the tranquil Mabi while enjoying the cherry blossoms?
Data on Mabi Dragonfly Park, Makibi Park, Hatta Shrine, Makibi General Park, and Makibi Sakura Park
| Name | Mabi Dragonfly Park, Makibi Park, Hatta Shrine, Makibi General Park, Makibi Sakura Park |
|---|---|
| Address | Mabi, Kurashiki City |
