Kurashiki Tocotoco is a media outlet launched to share the “now” of Mabi, which suffered extensive damage in the July 2018 Heavy Rains.
I moved to Kurashiki from the Kanto region in December 2023, and became a writer for Kurashiki Tocotoco around that time. I had often heard the place name “Mabi” from senior writers, but had never had the chance to visit.
Then I was told that “Mabi has many famous cherry blossom spots,” so I explored them with a friend who has lived in Mabi for many years.
This article introduces the cherry blossoms as they looked on Thursday, April 11, 2024, with photos.
The information in this article was current when it was published in April 2024. Please note that it may differ from current information.
Takahashi River Mabi Tonbo Park
Our first stop was Takahashi River Mabi Tonbo Park, along the Oda River, a tributary of the Takahashi River.
It is a small park, but it has a long avenue of cherry trees.
Seeing a group having a picnic, we decided to have lunch too, even though it was only our first stop.
We had bought our bento from GOJITOMA-ISM.
GOJITOMA-ISM is a food truck started by the daughter of the owner of Jazz Cafe Gojitoma, a long-established jazz cafe in Mabi.
My heart leapt at the sight of this generously portioned bento, packed with organic vegetables grown in Mabi.
The cold winter has finally passed, and these days the weather is getting pleasantly warm. Eating a bento outdoors for the first time in a while, with the cherry blossoms in full bloom, made it taste especially delicious.
The Ibara Railway tracks run near Takahashi River Mabi Tonbo Park. We were lucky enough to see a train pass by that day.
Makibi Park
Next, we headed to Makibi Park.
The park was created to honor Kibi no Makibi, said to be the namesake of Mabi, and pass his legacy on to future generations.
Makibi Park is distinguished by its ancient Chinese-style design, and is a spot where you can see cherry blossoms alongside ancient Chinese architecture.
Beneath the cherry trees, which were just reaching their peak, families who seemed to have just finished attending school entrance ceremonies were taking photos. The park was filled with a peaceful atmosphere.
Hatta Shrine
Climbing the slope inside Makibi Park, we came to Hatta Shrine.
The sight of a blizzard of cherry blossoms swirling in front of the torii gate was breathtaking, and I stopped in my tracks.
When taking photos at shrines and temples, be sure to pay your respects as well.
Mabi General Park
Mabi General Park is a comprehensive sports facility with tennis courts, a gymnasium, a baseball field for amateur play, a multipurpose field, and more.
During our visit, we walked from the parking lot with the statue of Kibi no Makibi toward the gymnasium.
The cherry blossoms in front of the gymnasium were in full bloom on April 11, 2024. Beneath the trees, a carpet of cherry blossoms spread across the ground.
Although cherry blossoms look whitish from a distance, when their petals gather together, they turn a lovely pink that can truly be called “cherry blossom pink.”
Mabi General Park also has playground equipment, including an athletic course, and benches, so families can enjoy a leisurely stroll.
We also spotted Sodo-zakura, a cultivated variety of mountain cherry that will soon be in full bloom. With its fluffy petals, this cherry tree looks like a temari ball.
Makibi Sakura Park
As its name suggests, Makibi Sakura Park, with its many different kinds of cherry trees, is located along the Oda River.
The Oda River, viewed from among the cherry trees, flowed so peacefully that it was hard to believe it had been raging during the July 2018 torrential rains. We cannot help but hope that these peaceful days will continue forever.
The cherry trees blooming throughout the park make it look just like a tunnel of blossoms.
Like Takahashi River Mabi Tonbo Park, Makibi Sakura Park also offers views of the Ibara Line.
The park is very close to the railway tracks, making for an impressive sight.
From the Writer
I had always thought Mabi was quite far from the area around Bikan Historical Area, but it is just across Kurashiki Ohashi Bridge. I hear that people who live in Mabi also regularly come to shop in the direction of AEON MALL Kurashiki.
Much of the route consists of new roads built since the July 2018 torrential rains, offering a glimpse of the recovery efforts.
Compared with other parts of Kurashiki City, Mabi has few tall buildings, and its broad, beautiful rows of cherry trees look wonderful against the pleasant spring sky.
Why not enjoy a picnic beneath the rows of cherry trees and take in the blossoms in peaceful Mabi?
Details: Mabi Tonbo Park, Makibi Park, Hatta Shrine, Mabi General Park, and Makibi Sakura Park
| Name | Mabi Tonbo Park, Makibi Park, Hatta Shrine, Mabi General Park, and Makibi Sakura Park |
|---|---|
| Address | Mabi, Kurashiki City |
What would you like to know about Kurashiki?
Enter a search term to find articles on this site
