Historic Structures of Makabe

Amazing setting for a Hina Doll Festival in Ibaraki

By Sandra Isaka

Community writer

Although lovely and quaint year-round, the town truly comes to life during the Hina Matsuri.

For the entire month of February, view traditional hina doll displays like this one. There are also many creative non-traditional displays to enjoy.

Be sure to duck into this gallery which always has lovely items for purchase.

An amazing quilt and fabric art exhibit is on display every year in this lovely old 'kura' storehouse.

This small shrine has its own hina doll display.

A newly remodeled structure - the townspeople of Makabe are working hard, with limited resources, to retain the historic atmosphere of their town.

A unique hina doll display on the 2nd floor of one of the beautiful traditional wooden buildings.

A beautiful example of the local historic architecture, still functioning as a drug store.

Built as a bank in 1920, this lovely building is now the town post office.

Stop here and socialize over udon, curry and rice, or just a cup of coffee.

A beautifully restored 'kura'. Many of the buildings are over 100 years old.

A lovely new structure built to blend with the old. It holds the Makabe Denshokan - a local history museum, the town library, exhibit space, and other town facilities.

With over 250 historic structures, the small town of Makabe, Ibaraki Prefecture, has more than its fair share - 99 of them registered as national tangible cultural properties. Every year the locals open up their homes and businesses, many within these historic buildings, to host an incredible Hina Doll Festival, from February 4 to March 3. Visit the festival to enjoy a tasty lunch, shop for locally-made crafts, sip some sake, and more - all of which help support Makabe in a quest to retain its 'time-slip' atmosphere.

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By Sandra Isaka

Community writer

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Elizabeth S 4 years ago

What a treasure. It's a bit out the way, but that stretch of countryside to the west of Mt. Tsukuba is gorgeous.

Kim Bergström 5 years ago

This really does look like a wonderful spot to visit, particularly with the Hina Matsuri celebrations!

Sandra Isaka Photographer 7 years ago

My pleasure, Elena! I believe this is the best Hina Matsuri in all of Japan.

Elena Lisina 7 years ago

It's my dream to watch Hina Matsuri! Thanks for sharing!

Nicole Bauer 9 years ago

This is great! I didn't know that there is a place like this so closed to Tokyo. Looks like little Takayama, just more relaxed. Thank you!

Sandra Isaka Photographer 9 years ago

It is important to note that this town is very 'sleepy' the other 11 months of the year, and there is no mass transportation access EXCEPT during the festival. That said, I have been there twice in the 'off' season by car, and still had a nice time visiting the museum and sake breweries, enjoying lunch, and wandering around admiring the architecture.

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