Fukushuen Garden

Overview

Fukushuen (福州園) is a Chinese-style garden in central Naha, built in 1992 to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Naha's sister-city relationship with Fuzhou, China. The garden features Fujian-style pavilions, waterfalls, and ornamental rockwork.

Highlights

• Fuzhou Architecture: Whitewashed pavilions with curved roof tiles and circular moon-gate doorways.
• Waterfall and Pond: A multi-tiered waterfall cascading into a koi pond surrounded by tropical plants.
• Dragon Wall: An ornate ceramic dragon relief wall typical of Fujian temple gardens.

History

Naha and China's Fujian Province share deep ties dating to the 14th century, when Ryukyuan kings invited Chinese settlers (the 'Kume thirty-six families') to establish a trading community. Fukushuen was designed by Fuzhou architects and built with materials shipped from China, making it an authentic piece of Fujian within Naha.

Visitor Tips

• Tip 1: A peaceful escape from the bustle of nearby Kokusai Street — allow time to sit and enjoy.
• Tip 2: Closed on Wednesdays. Entry is ¥200.
• Duration: 30–45 minutes.