Audio Guide of Fukushuen Garden

The garden is open every day from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., except on Wednesdays, when it is closed for maintenance. The easiest way to get there is to walk about 10 minutes from Kencho-mae Monorail Station or from the Kokusai Dori shopping area.

Yes, there is currently a very affordable admission fee: 200 yen for adults and 100 yen for children (prices subject to change). You can buy your tickets directly at the ticket window at the main entrance.

A full visit usually takes between 45 minutes and one hour, which is enough time to stroll along the paths and enjoy the waterfall. It is a compact space, ideal for a relaxing break, yet full of photogenic corners you will want to capture.

The garden opened in 1992 to celebrate the friendship between Naha and the Chinese city of Fuzhou, using materials and craftsmen brought directly from China. It is a cultural symbol honoring centuries of trade and diplomatic relations between the Ryukyu Kingdom and China.

I recommend visiting early in the morning or at sunset, when the light enhances the beauty of the pagoda and the ponds. Spring and autumn are ideal in terms of weather, although as a subtropical-style garden, it stays green and vibrant all year round.

Most of the main paths are flat and accessible, allowing visitors to enjoy the general views of the garden and the pond. However, keep in mind that reaching the top of the artificial hill or crossing certain stepped bridges may not be possible in a wheelchair.

Less than a 10-minute walk away is the famous Naminoue Shrine, spectacularly perched on a cliff beside the beach. You are also very close to Naminoue Beach if you feel like taking a quick swim after your cultural stroll.

Buy a bag of fish food at the entrance; feeding the colorful koi carp and turtles from the bridges will give you the best photos and videos. Also, do not miss the view from behind the artificial waterfall for a unique perspective of the garden.