Buried in the heart of Naha, Okinawa, the Fukushu-en Chinese Garden is a gem of a park with lush greenery, classical Chinese buildings, and keyhole gates built around a lovely pond. Be sure to explore the cave-like tunnels in the rocks under the waterfall, which provides relaxing background noise for the setting. Fukushu-en was designed and constructed in collaboration with Fuzhou city in China to celebrate the 10th anniversary of their sister city relationship with Naha. The garden was dedicated in 1992.
Fukushu-en Chinese Garden
All the materials used in the Fukushu-en Chinese Garden’s construction came from Fuzhou, including the wood and stone. The 8,500-square meter garden, designed by experts from Fuzhou, is divided into three sections: Light, Shadow and Brilliance.
Fukushu-en Chinese Gardens
The latticed windows of the corridors and pavilions and that run through the gardens along with the moon-shaped entrances in walls, are designed to show the reality of the landscaping seen through them as framed paintings. Many of these openings, carved with flower, plant and bird motifs, are regarded as art works in themselves.
Fukushu-en Chinese Garden pool
Several bridges in a variety of classic Chinese styles extend over the pond, which houses koi and turtles, a symbol of longevity and wisdom in Chinese culture.
Fukushu-en Chinese Garden building
The Fukushu-en Chinese Garden also has gates on the four cardinal directions, a number of six-sided pavilions, sculptures, bells, several inscriptions painted large on wood and stone, and in one building, a small exhibit of Chinese paintings and of a model of the style of ship that would have journeyed to Fuzhou during the time of the Ryūkyū Kingdom to bring tribute and to engage in trade.
Fukushu-en Chinese Garden gate
Some visitors have commented that the visit to Fukushūen alone was worth the trip to Okinawa. The serenity and amazing architecture and designs leave people breathless with the beauty forged in the heard of Naha.
Fukushu-en Chinese Garden pond
It is free to visit Fukushu-en, which is open 9 am to 6 pm every day except Wednesdays. Food for the koi and turtles in the pond is 100 yen; feeding the animals is a fun diversion for children.
Fukushu-en Chinese Garden carved pillars
This video gives a nice overview of Fukushu-en which the pictures are attempting to capture!
Fukushu-en Chinese Garden building 2
The garden is near Naminoue Beach and Naminoue Shrine within walking distance of Kokusai-dori. The closest public transportation is the Kume Yubinkyoku bus stop.
Fukushu-en Chinese Garden statue
