Ohori Park Japanese Garden — Attraction in Fukuoka

This garden was created in 1984 to commemorate 50 years anniversary of the Ohori Prefectural Park. This walled garden offer visitors’ chance to immerse in nature’s beauty and a quiet place to relax. It has all the important elements of a Japanese garden. It is worthy of mention that Kinsaku Nakane, who designed the landscapes is also known for his works on Adachi Museum of Art in Shimane Prefecture, Nijo Castle in Kyoto Prefecture, and Boston Museum of Fine Arts.

The entire garden landscapes are characterized by the nature elements of water-such as waterfalls, ponds and streams; forest trees for the landscaped garden space-such as black pine, cherry and maple; flowering shrubs such Satzuki azaleas. The flows of the water run from the upper ponds downwards to the largest pond epitomized the Pacific Ocean on the East of the Country. In this large pond there are stone islands Shinsen Mishima, named after three Taoist immortal Horai, Hojo, and Yeishu. They float in the middle of the pond, symbolize perennial youth, longevity and eternal prosperity. The man-made hills and dense forest wrapped around this pond on the east, south and west, along the boundaries of the earthen walls. A three-stage waterfalls on the south, a mountain stream waterfalls on the south-east, linen-falling waterfalls on the east and meandering streams run through in between, characterized the compositions of mountains, valleys and ocean. The seasonal vibrant foliage brightens the scenery like a picturesque canvas painting. The evergreen black pines emit aromatic refreshing scents and cleanse every breath we take. The sounds of waterfalls and running streams energize our inner thoughts and strengthen our desires to preserve and protect nature’s well-being.

A special theme dry landscape, a.k.a. Karisansui (means dry mountain and water) featured raked white sand represents water, but with absence of the water; distant rocks represent mountains. The rock garden layouts exemplify the simplicity and purity of the Zen practice. In my opinions, Kinsaku Nakane not only transcended his genuine efforts to realize an eco-friendly green space, his contributions also bring aesthetic pleasing for many generations to come. Within the garden space, there are two traditional teahouses that hold tea ceremonies and offer refreshments.

To get there from JR Hakata Station, take subway Airport Line K (accessible from the JR Station) and get off at Ohori-koen/ Ohori Park (Fukuoka Art Museum), then follow the direction to the Garden entrance, about 15 min walk.

Garden opens 6 days a week, 9a to 6p May to September, 9a to 5p Oct. to April. Close on Monday or Tuesday when National Holiday falls on Monday. Close on New Year holidays 12/29-1/3

Admission ¥250. Senior 65 and older free, must present age proof document for free admission, such as passport for the...

Beautiful huge park with a lake where you can go on a swan shaped boats to hire. Large play ground where kids can play. Starbucks right at the lake. Lots of families with little kids, lots of dogs and people jogging, picnicking, little flower gardens, castle ruins, also Ohori Park Fukuoka art museum, little corner where you pay to try kimono on too. There are a lot to do and see. I think we were little early but in a week time if cherry blossom are out, it would b spectacular. But even without cherry blossoms it is a worth a visit. Only the toilets...

Some people would just skipped this garden, but my advice is not to skip this Japanese Garden. For minimal fee of 250 yen, I was mesmerised by the aesthetic and zen of this Japanese Garden. Beautifully curated with mini ponds, streams and waterfall. Wished had more time to join tea ceremony held there too. I supposed good spot for wedding photos too as we bumped into a bride n her groom at the park taking photos. It was so...