Parks｜

Rakusuien (Japanese Garden and Tea Pavillion)

Visitors Guide

There is a corner in the middle of the city lined with office buildings and hotels where the smell of clean air can be enjoyed. It is here that a Hakata merchant Shimozawa Zenemon Chikamasa built his vacation home, called "Rakusuien", in Meiji Era (1868 - 1912). In 1995, Fukuoka City overhauled the structure and reopened it as a Japanese garden where visitors can experience a tea ceremony; with four tea rooms (two of which are available for use by general visitors) it is often used for tea ceremonies and related training.
Spread out in front of these rooms is a Japanese garden blanketed in bright green moss. The sight of unspoiled Japanese flowers and a grove of trees swaying in the breeze is best taken in with a leisurely cup of green "matcha" tea and sweets. Towards the interior of the garden, visitors will find a "suikinkutsu", the garden decoration and musical device. Outdoor tea ceremonies can also be enjoyed in this garden. In the Autumn, about 100 maple trees add beautiful color to the garden. The trees are best viewed in early December (slightly later than the rest of Fukuoka).
Reference：「Fukuoka Sightseeing Information　CROSSROAD Fukuoka」
Photo provider：「Fukuoka city」