The one-night-only event held once a year in Mizushima has returned for the first time in three years.
Sit on a sofa set up in the park, enjoy cocktails and delicious snacks, and lose yourself in live music.
This unique event, “Mizushima Twilight Garden,” was held every year until the COVID-19 pandemic.
- We want to hold it this year
- We hope lots of people will visit Mizushima and make it lively
Thanks to the organizers’ wishes, the event was held again for the first time in three years.
This event was created by people in Mizushima who came together with a passionate vision.
Curious about what it would be like, I went along to see for myself.
The information presented was current when this article was published in October 2022. Please note that it may differ from current information.
What is “Mizushima Twilight Garden”?
“Mizushima Twilight Garden” was held on October 8, 2022.
It is organized by the Mizushima Shopping District Promotion Federation.
Among its members, the people of the “Mizushima Revitalization Team,” formed to energize the Mizushima area, play a central role in running the event.
One of their priorities is the participating shops. Most are long-established shops in Mizushima.
▼The participating shops are as follows:
- BAR TAKEMOTO
- Andante
- COCKTAIL LOUNGE Kibi
- Okabe Coffee Beans Specialty Shop
- T’s CLOVER
- Milk Crown
- Mizushima Hormone
- Shochu Bar 69’s-Rocs-
- A La Maison (pasta)
- La Fleur Handmade Goods
There are also Taiwanese food stalls, fried chicken, oden, and more. A total of 18 shops, perfect for dinner or takeout, line the grounds of Mizushima Nishi-Tokiwa-cho No. 2 Park.
Although it’s a nighttime event, it starts at 3 p.m.
I live in Mizushima, but this was actually my first time attending the event.
I thought it might be difficult to go out at night with a young child, but the event started at 3 p.m., so I went early.
I parked at Mizushima Higashi-Tokiwa-cho No. 1 Park, which had been specially opened for the event.
The grounds of Mizushima Nishi-Tokiwa-cho No. 2 Park, where the event was held, were soft and springy with grass, as the event staff had mowed the lawn a week earlier.
Long benches and sofas were spaced around the park, making it look like a relaxing place to unwind.
The performers were rehearsing on stage, and I could watch them checking the sound.
Starting at 4:30 p.m., six different acts from inside and outside Okayama Prefecture would perform one after another.
I haven’t been to many live shows lately because of the pandemic, so it was nice to hear singing and music performed live.
There was still some time before the performances began, so I set off to see what shops were there.
T’s CLOVER
I stopped by “T’s CLOVER,” which had a stall near the park entrance.
It’s a popular shop often seen at events, specializing in tea and scones.
The shop is in Mizushima, but currently only offers sales by reservation and pickup.
Since it specializes in tea, they recommended a scone made with tea.
There were also plenty of varieties with fruit, nuts, or vegetables mixed in, making it hard to choose.
Products are sold individually, and you can buy just one.
They’re said to taste good even when frozen, making them perfect as gifts for family and friends.
I took my time choosing scones I liked and bought some to take home as a gift for my family.
Cafe & Cake “Milk Crown”
Next, I visited Cafe & Cake “Milk Crown.”
It’s a shop that sells cakes in Mizushima.
It also has a cafe, so you can have lunch there, but it’s rarely seen at events.
That day, they were selling croissants, caneles, cakes, pudding, and more.
When I asked what they recommended, they said “pear tart.” I tried one right away.
A generous chunk of pear sat on top. The pastry underneath was wonderfully crisp, and it made me feel happy with every bite.
Customers had been coming to buy things one after another since early on, so it looked like they would sell out in no time.
Cocktail Bar & Craft Beer Shops
Finally, I headed to the “Cocktail Bar & Craft Beer Shops” booth, one of the highlights of Mizushima Twilight Garden.
- BAR TAKEMOTO
- COCKTAIL LOUNGE Kibi
- Andante
This cocktail bar is a joint venture by three well-known bars in Mizushima.
Cocktails freshly shaken by the bartenders cost just 500 yen—one coin.
A craft beer shop was set up in the same booth, too.
I couldn’t drink because I had driven there, but I asked someone enjoying a Belgian fruit beer what they thought of it.
- It’s sweet and so easy to drink!
- It tastes like juice and is delicious.
I wished I could try it. Beer outdoors must taste especially good, with the feeling of freedom.
From the Writer
Some people may have the impression that “Mizushima has a lot of bars and is scary.”
“Mizushima Twilight Garden” began in 2016 to dispel that image.
- Mizushima is a lovely place—peaceful and comfortable to spend time in.
- There are lots of stylish, delicious places to eat and drink.
- Let’s sit on the sofas and enjoy live music with a beer in hand.
In fact, it is a welcoming, gentle town full of friendly people.
Local businesses that are working hard get to set up stalls, so visitors can think, “I didn’t know there was such a great place here. I’ll come back,” and visit the business another time.
The event is also filled with the organizers’ desire to support Mizushima.
It is a one-night-only event, and the next one is scheduled for 2023.
Be sure to visit.
Mizushima Fureai Festival 2022: Mizushima Evening Garden Information
| Name | Mizushima Fureai Festival 2022: Mizushima Evening Garden |
|---|---|
| Date | October 8, 2022 (Saturday) 3:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m. |
| Location | 9-10 Mizushima Nishitokiwa-cho, Kurashiki City |
| Admission (tax included) | Free |
| Website | 5th Mizushima Evening Garden |
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