When you think of "autumn," what comes to mind?
Autumn is the season for appetite, reading, sports, and art.
As the heat subsides and the climate becomes neither too hot nor too cold, there are many things to enjoy.
In autumn, the green leaves gradually change to red and yellow due to the temperature differences.
Seeing this change, many people might feel that "autumn has arrived."
Makibi Park in Mabi has also deepened into autumn, gradually changing from green to vibrant red.
The sight of the Chinese-style garden and the red maple reflected in the pond is beautiful, and it's recommended to relax while feeling the season.
In the autumn of 2019, Makibi Park, which changes its atmosphere with the seasons, is introduced as we "tocotoco" (stroll) through it!
What is Makibi Park?
In 1986, a monument to Kibi no Makibi was completed within the circular park in Xi'an, China, along with a Japanese garden in the surrounding area.
To commemorate this, Makibi Park was opened in Mabi, the place of its origin, in October of the same year.
The Makibi Memorial Hall is a museum where you can learn about the great person Kibi no Makibi, who is the origin of the name of Mabi Town.
The Takenoko Tea House is also located within the park, offering light meals, tea, and local specialties from Mabi Town.
The park, designed to take advantage of the mountain's slope, has benches installed in various places, making it a charming park despite its small size.
During the heavy rain in July 2018, it avoided flooding damage and is also used as a resting place for people from Mabi Town and volunteers.
In spring, you can enjoy cherry blossoms and peonies, in autumn, the colorful leaves, and in winter, plum blossoms, all while leisurely strolling through the changing scenery of the seasons.
Let's take a leisurely walk in Makibi Park
On November 9, 2019, I took a stroll through Makibi Park, where the trees were gradually starting to change color.
The tea room "Chikuyuan" is perfect for relaxation and photographing autumn leaves and people
First, I borrowed the building "Chikuyuan," located on the west side of the Makibi Memorial Hall, to take some photos.
"Chikuyuan" is a charming building surrounded by trees.
The tea room has a size of 8 tatami mats and 4 tatami mats.
The view of Makibi Park and the garden from inside is lush and makes you feel relaxed.
Looking up from the engawa (veranda), I could see the autumn leaves starting to change color.
The green leaves, now turning red and yellow, glisten in the sunlight, and the clear sky stretches endlessly.
Taking photos while breathing in the clear autumn air naturally brings smiles.
This shot captures a gentle smile that everyone admired!
How about borrowing the tea room and taking photos with family or friends?
I think you can take pictures in a relaxed atmosphere.
The tea room is available for rent at the following rates. (As of November 2019)
| Time | Price (including tax) |
|---|---|
| 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM | 220 yen |
| 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM | 660 yen |
| 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM | 880 yen |
It is requested to make a reservation for the tea room as much as possible in advance.
For more details, please contact the Makibi Memorial Hall.
Makibi Memorial Hall
TEL: 086-698-7612
The scenery inside Makibi Park
As the sun rose a little higher, I headed to Makibi Park.
Immediately to the right upon entering is Kibi-ji Temple, the temple of Kibi no Makibi.
To the south near Kibi-ji Temple is the mausoleum said to be the grave of Kibi no Makibi.
The people of Mabi Town affectionately call it "Kibi-sama," and it is said that this temple has been referred to as "Kibi-ji" since the Edo period.
In the precincts of the shrine called "Kibi-sama," which is reached by climbing the stairs, a magnificent "Kaenoki" tree was brilliantly dyed red and was at its best.
The "Kibi no Makibi Monument" was built to convey the achievements of Kibi no Makibi and gratitude towards China to future generations.
Additionally, Kibi no Makibi is said to have invented Katakana.
Within the park, you can find numerous monuments related to Kibi no Makibi, so please take a stroll and look for them.
The entrance to Makibi Park is a classic photo spot. Try taking a picture in your favorite pose
As soon as you enter Makibi Park, there is a photo spot with an impressive round window!
While saying, "What kind of pose would be good?" "Isn't that a bit cliché?" we took some pictures.
The round window on the left side offers a view of the hexagonal pavilion and bridge.
About a year ago, in December 2018, I took a similar angle at this spot, so I couldn't help but say, "This brings back memories."
A vibrant scene of a Chinese-style garden colored by autumn spreads out before you.
The hexagonal pavilion, an iconic building of Makibi Park, evokes a sense of exoticism with its red pillars and green roof in a Chinese style.
Inside the hexagonal pavilion, there are benches where you can sit and enjoy the views from all directions.
Walking along the flowing water in Makibi Park leads to a mystical space.
Makibi Park utilizes the natural slope to arrange three ponds: the upper pond, the middle pond, and the lower pond, with water flowing between them.
As you walk along the flowing water, a mystical space reveals itself.
The blue sky and green trees are reflected on the water's surface.
If you listen closely, you can hear the sound of the trees swaying in the wind and the sound of the flowing water.
To the southwest of the hexagonal pavilion, there is a place where a green moss carpet spreads out.
Mr. Sasaki, who was in charge of the photography this time, said that the above photo is his favorite.
He mentioned, "The model Yuricheru showed me a view that I would have missed if I had visited personally, and the depth of Makibi Park. It's truly a wonderful place."
During the peak season for autumn leaves, you can enjoy the overlapping scenery of green, red, and yellow.
Moreover, the sight of a carpet of fallen red maple leaves spread all over is magnificent.
As you climb up to the upper pond, you will find a row of large trees, allowing you to enjoy an even quieter atmosphere.
"I found a little autumn!" said Yuricheru, smiling as she picked up a bright red fallen leaf.
On the day of the interview, many people were strolling around with cameras in hand.
There were also children enjoying floating leaves in the flowing water.
People were picking up acorns and fallen leaves, walking their dogs, having lunch, and taking photos.
It was impressive to see everyone enjoying their leisurely time.
A leisurely time flows at Makibi Park with the couple Tocotoco
In this article, the couple featured as models are "Yabunao" and "Yuricheru".
The atmosphere created by the two of them fits perfectly with the "relaxed" ambiance of Makibi Park.
Model Yuricheru is expecting a new life and strolled through the autumn Makibi Park with a slightly rounder belly.
In the spring of 2020, a new family member will be added to the couple.
Next time, please come for a walk at Makibi Park with your family of three.
Conclusion
In July 2018, Mabi-cho, Kurashiki City suffered significant damage from heavy rain, but now, about 1 year and 4 months later, the rice has safely completed its harvest season.
And the seasons are transitioning from autumn to winter.
The web media "Kurashiki Tocotoco" has also reached its one-year anniversary since opening, and I feel that the number of people who have come to know it has gradually increased.
I hope that by knowing the charm of Mabi-cho and visiting, people can convey that "Mabi-cho faced disasters and had a tough time, but many people are working hard, and it is such a wonderful place," which will help support the recovery of Mabi-cho.
I conducted interviews and wrote this with the hope that it would serve as a catalyst for that.
I would be happy if the charm of autumn in Mabi-cho could be conveyed through this article.
Models: Yabunao (Twitter), Yuricheru
Photography: Sasaki Toshiyuki (Instagram)