Mizushima Port Park has to be considered a great example of making the most of a space that could have easily been seen as unusable. This small park makes up for its size by being multi-faceted.
The stand out feature of the park is the elevated train line that intersects its southern end. This is the Mizushima Rinkai Testudo train line that starts at Kurashiki Station and serves as the commuter line for Mizushima residents. The park is located between Mizushima and Mistubishijikomae stations and if you stand around long enough you will definitely see a train speed by.
The south side of the elevated train line is painted with murals depicting animals in earth tones dominated by a giant snake that follows the length of the section of the line that runs above the park.
Another feature of the south side of Mizushima Port Park is the enormous palmetto tree with a trunk as wide as I have ever seen. Nearby is a massive half sphere sculpture that sits in the middle of a circle of brick tiles. A trellis shadows the contour of the elevated train and adds interesting vertical lines that visually support the scene.
The north side of the park is characterized by an amphitheater that is lit by lanterns along its western boundary. One lantern rises well into the upper branches of a perfectly shaped tree and produces a magical green glow as it shines through the leaves at night.
The elevated train line also serves as a shelter for several picnic tables and benches. High school students sometimes stop here on their way home for a chat and a snack. It is not unusual to see a few bicycles parked under the line, especially after sudden rainfall.
If you come to Mizushima by train with the idea of taking a walking tour, make Mizushima Port Park one of your destinations. If you get off the Mizushima Rinkai Tetsudo line at Yayoi, Sakae or Tokiwa station, you can walk south, see the shopping street and get a nice look at the industrial heart of Kurashiki City.
