Have you heard of Takenoko Chaya, located in Makibi Park in Mabi, Kurashiki City, which was hit by the July 2018 torrential rains?
It is a place where you can buy local specialties and fresh vegetables, and enjoy light meals and refreshments such as udon, soba, ice cream, and coffee, but apparently it was not well known even among local residents.
We introduce Takenoko Chaya, a rest stop that has been attracting more visitors than before since the disaster.
The information presented was current when this article was published in November 2023. Please note that it may differ from current information.
About Makibi Park and Takenoko Chaya
Construction of Takenoko Chaya began in 1989, and it opened around the following year.
In the past, the area around Kibidera Temple, the clan temple of the Kibi clan that produced Kibi no Makibi, and Hatta Shrine to the south was apparently covered with rice paddies and fields.
Hatta Shrine got its name because Yata Village was formerly called Hatta Village.
The rice paddies and fields were developed to create Makibi Park, Makibi Memorial Hall, and Takenoko Chaya.
It was built around the shared concept of a Chinese-style building with upturned roof edges, designed to complement Makibi Park's Chinese-style garden.
At Takenoko Chaya, local seniors sell handmade vegetables, bamboo shoots, and other goods as a way to support the well-being of older residents of Mabi.
It opened as a rest stop where visitors can also dine and enjoy refreshments.
Takenoko Chaya Menu
The main menu items are as follows.
| Menu | Price (tax included) |
|---|---|
| Hot udon / chilled udon | ¥550 |
| Hot soba / chilled soba | ¥550 |
| Lunch set * Udon or soba, plus side dishes made with seasonal vegetables and brown rice | ¥800 |
| Menu | Price (tax included) |
|---|---|
| Coffee (hot or iced) | ¥400 |
| Tea (hot or iced) | ¥400 |
| Melon soda | ¥400 |
| Zenzai (with mochi) | ¥450 |
| Coffee jelly | ¥400 |
| Floats | ¥500–¥600 |
| Soft-serve ice cream | ¥350 |
| Seasonal mini parfait | ¥400 |
Drinks are available to take out, so you can enjoy them while sitting on a bench in the park.
On the day of our visit, we ordered the lunch set (¥800).
This set is appealing for its side dishes made with locally grown vegetables.
- Udon or soba
- Brown rice (a blend of black rice and regular rice when we visited)
- Side dishes made with seasonal vegetables (asparagus greens with mustard, namasu, and simmered Shogoin turnip when we visited)
The dishes are colorful and thoughtfully balanced nutritionally.
The side dishes change daily. On the day of our visit, they were asparagus greens with mustard, namasu, and simmered Shogoin turnip.
The lunch set lets you choose udon or soba, so it is recommended when you are hungry.
We also tried the seasonal mini parfait (¥400).
When we visited, it was an autumn-only chestnut parfait with cornflakes, chestnut soft-serve, and chestnut cream.
It might be nice to relax and enjoy a sweet treat while looking out over Makibi Park.
Vegetables and Mabi Specialties
In addition to meals, Mabi specialties are also sold here.
Takenoko Chaya provides Mabi specialties and meals, and has now become a gathering place for local residents.
In the second half of the article, we introduce Takenoko Chaya just after the July 2018 torrential rains.
Takenoko Chaya Information
| Name | Takenoko Chaya |
|---|---|
| Address | 3652-1 Yata, Mabi, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Contact | 086-698-1514 |
| Parking | Available General: 16 spaces Accessible: 2 spaces Buses: 2 spaces |
| Hours | Opening hours: 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. Cafe: 10:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. Meals: 11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. |
| Closed | Monday Open if Monday is a public holiday; closed the following day |
| Payment methods |
|
| Reservations | Accepted |
| Seating | 16 seats |
| Smoking | Non-smoking (smoking permitted only in designated areas) |
| Restrooms | Accessible restroom, public restroom |
| Accessibility | Ramp |
| Website | Takenoko Chaya |
What would you like to know about Kurashiki?
Enter a word to search articles on this site
