The Japanese and Chinese cultures and architecture share many similarities, and Naha is probably the Japanese city that has received the most impact from China. In fact, Naha’s sister city is Fuzhou in China. So if you would like to kill two birds with one stone by visiting a Chinese garden in Japan, Fukushūen (福州園) in Naha’s city center would be your top choice.
Fukushūen was constructed in 1992 to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the sister-city relationships between the two cities and the 70th anniversary of Naha’s municipalization. The garden was built to image the magnificent nature of China and Fuzhou’s scenic spots.
The Relationship Between Naha and Fuzhou City
But why Fuzhou and not other Chinese cities? It might surprise you, but the Kume (久米) area in Naha City was where the Chinese people from the Fujian Province first settled. Many departed for Okinawa from Fuzhou, the entrance to China at the time. The migrants in the Kume village played an important role in Ryūkyū’s international trading and diplomatic matters with China. It is said that many kingdom’s important figures in education and medical fields were derived from Kume village too!
Fuzhou City is in the Fujian Province.
When You Are at Fukushūen
Fukushūen isn’t all that big, so it will probably only take 20 to 30 minutes to explore.
If you want to know more about the garden, grab one of the English pamphlets at the entrance. Also, the garden has three touch panel guides for more information about Fukushūen. QR codes are also set up across the garden for you to scan for a more detailed introduction to various spots in Fukushūen.
One of the most exciting spots for young children is probably the waterfall at the far back of the garden. While a waterfall in a garden may sound ordinary, it is possible to get into the cave at the back of the water curtain.
Remember to head up to the observation pavilion too!
Fun fact: The Okinawan Bureau of Meteorology uses the plum trees in the garden to announce the blooming state of the plum blossom in Okinawa.
Tip: Remember to apply insect repellent!
Fukushūen Garden’s Opening Hours, Admission Fee, and Access Information
- Fukushūen Garden is open daily from 9 am to 9 pm except for Wednesdays.
- If Wednesday is a public holiday, the garden will close on the next business day.
- The admission fee between 9 am and 6 pm is
- 200 yen for adults
- 100 yen for elementary and junior high school students
- The admission fee will increase by 100 yen (50 yen for children) if you visit between 6 pm and 9 pm.
- Fukushūen is around an 8-minute walk from Yui Rail’s (県庁前駅).
Discover Other Attractions in Naha
Your visit to Naha obviously won’t stop at Naminoue Beach and Naminoue Shrine. The city is filled with a wide range of attractions for you to discover! But which attractions are worth your time?
If that is the question on your mind, our Naha City article has got you covered! Whether it is shopping on the famous Kokusai-dōri Street or visiting a shrine located atop a cliff next to a local beach, you will find all the information you need in the article (=ﾟωﾟ)ﾉ.
