What Is Fukushū-en? A Chinese-Style Garden in Kume, Naha
An Authentic Garden Built With Traditional Fuzhou Techniques
Fukushū-en is a Chinese-style garden located in Kume, Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture.
Opened in 1992 to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the sister-city ties between Fuzhou City, Fujian Province, China, and Naha City, as well as the 70th anniversary of Naha's incorporation as a city, the garden lets you enjoy authentic Fuzhou-style scenery created using traditional Fuzhou techniques.
Renovated in 2022, the grounds, with their beautifully arranged ponds, bridges, buildings, and greenery, offer a place where you can feel a slightly different air even while in central Naha.
Unlike sightseeing around the bustling Kokusai-dōri, it is a quiet sightseeing spot suited to those who want to spend time leisurely while taking in the scenery.
A Chance to Learn About the Ties Between Okinawa and China
Okinawa is a place that has historically had deep exchange with neighboring regions, including China.
The Kume district of Naha City, where Fukushū-en stands, was known as Kuninda, and from around the 14th century it was an area where people who had migrated from Fujian Province, China, served as interpreters and navigators, supporting the prosperity of the Ryūkyū Kingdom.
Walking through Fukushū-en, you can feel firsthand the connection with Chinese culture during your Okinawa sightseeing.
If you pay attention to the shapes and decorations of the buildings and the waterside scenery, it becomes not merely a garden stroll but also a gateway to learning about Naha's history and culture.
Top Things to See at Fukushū-en: Fuzhou-Style Scenery Shaped by Ponds and Architecture
Walk Around the Pond and Enjoy the Changing Scenery
The charm of Fukushū-en is its calm scenery centered on the waterside.
As you walk around the pond, the way the buildings and greenery appear changes depending on your viewing angle.
You can stroll at your own pace, viewing the bridges and buildings from afar or examining the decorations up close.
Since it does not take much time to make a full loop of the grounds, it is a spot where you can spend time quietly even when you want a short break during your trip.
Walk With an Awareness of the "Bright, Calm, Splendid" Spaces
The grounds of Fukushū-en are composed of three spaces: "Bright, Calm, and Splendid" (Mei, On, Ka).
Walking while feeling the differences in openness, calm, and splendor at each place deepens the way you view the garden.
Rather than just passing through, stopping to look at the water surface and the arrangement of the buildings makes it easier to enjoy the scenery characteristic of Fukushū-en.
Fukushū-en Offers a Different Atmosphere by Day and by Night
By Day, the Colors and Details of the Garden Are Easy to See
In Fukushū-en by day, the colors of the buildings, the surface of the pond, and the green of the trees are easy to see.
First-time visitors can grasp the layout of the grounds more easily by first walking during the daytime.
Daytime strolling also suits those who want to take a good look at the architectural decorations, stonework, and roof shapes.
By Night, Enjoy the Illuminated Atmosphere
Fukushū-en's opening hours are 9:00am to 9:00pm.
Since the admission fee differs between the daytime and nighttime sessions, it is reassuring to check the facility's information before visiting.
At night, it takes on a calm atmosphere different from the day, and the way the lit-up buildings and waterside appear changes as well.
It is also a candidate for those looking for a place to stop by in Naha from the evening onward.
Fukushū-en Basic Information: Admission Fee, Opening Hours, Closed Days, and More
Fees and Opening Hours Are Divided Into Day and Night
The daytime session is 9:00am to 6:00pm, and the nighttime session is 6:00pm to 9:00pm.
The admission fee is 200 yen for adults and 100 yen for children for the daytime session, and 300 yen for adults and 150 yen for children for the nighttime session.
Children below elementary school age are free, and high school students and above are charged the adult fee.
There is also a group discount for parties of 20 or more, so if you visit as a group, it is good to check in advance.
Since fees and operations may change, please check the facility's information just before your visit.
Check the Closed Day and Access to Fukushū-en in Advance
The regular closed day is Wednesday; if a Wednesday falls on a public holiday, the garden opens and closes the following day instead.
The address is 2-29-19 Kume, Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture, about 15 minutes by car from Naha Airport.
If you use the bus, it is about a 5-minute walk from the Kume Kōshibyō-mae bus stop, and by car you can use the paid parking at Matsuyama Park (100 yen per hour).
If you combine this with sightseeing in central Naha, deciding your travel route for the day in advance makes it easier to get around.
Heading there after checking traffic conditions and parking availability is reassuring.
How Visitors to Japan Can Best Enjoy Fukushū-en
Add Quiet Time Between Bustling Sightseeing
Naha sightseeing tends to involve a lot of moving around with shopping, dining, and city walks.
Fukushū-en is a quiet spot easy to use when you want to add some calm time amid such sightseeing.
Within the grounds, walk quietly so as not to disturb the viewing of those around you.
Near the waterside and buildings, it is important to follow the no-entry signs and the garden rules.
Those Interested in Culture Should Also Check the Adjacent Kuninda Terrace
Fukushū-en also has, as a related facility, the adjacent Kuninda Terrace.
In the free-admission history exhibition room, you can learn about the connection between Kume Village and Chinese culture through touch panels and models.
By turning your attention not only to the garden scenery but also to the background of the Kume (Kuninda) area, the impression of Fukushū-en stays with you more deeply.
Summary | Fukushū-en: A Chinese-Style Garden Where You Can Quietly Feel Culture in Naha
Fukushū-en is an authentic Chinese-style garden located in Kume, Naha City.
You can enjoy the Fuzhou-style scenery created by its ponds, architecture, and greenery as you walk.
It is easy to fit into central Naha sightseeing and is a spot easy to drop by even on a short stay.
Since the atmosphere changes between day and night, and the admission fee and opening hours are also divided, be sure to check the facility's information before visiting.
For visitors to Japan who want to feel the connection between Okinawa and China, Fukushū-en is a place where you can quietly savor culture.
