Ibaraki

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

Although lovely and quaint year-round, the town truly comes to life during the Hina Matsuri. (Photo: Sandra Isaka)

Ibaraki

Historic Structures of Makabe

Amazing setting for a Hina Doll Festival in Ibaraki

Sandra Isaka Mar 12, 2015 - 1 min read

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

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

<p>Be sure to duck into this gallery which always has lovely items for purchase.</p>

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

<p>This small shrine has its own hina doll display.</p>

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

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

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

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

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

<p>A beautifully restored 'kura'. Many of the buildings are over 100 years old.</p>

<p>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.</p>

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.

Sandra Isaka

Sandra Isaka @sandra.isaka

As an intercultural consultant & Japan travel specialist with 20 years in Japan, I love sharing my favorite places with others.