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Rakusuien Garden: A Tranquil Oasis in Hakata

Discover tranquility in the heart of Fukuoka at Rakusuien Garden, a historic Japanese oasis offering serene landscapes and cultural experiences.

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Escape the urban bustle at Rakusuien, a traditional Japanese garden in Fukuoka. Originally a merchant's villa dating back to 1906, it offers a serene pond, tea house, and meticulously crafted landscapes, providing a glimpse into Hakata's rich history and culture.

A brief summary to Rakusuien

Local tips

  • Visit during the spring or autumn for the most stunning seasonal displays of cherry blossoms or colorful foliage.
  • Take a moment to appreciate the Hakata-bei walls, made from recycled materials and steeped in local history.
  • Enjoy a cup of matcha tea in the tea room to fully immerse yourself in the garden's tranquil atmosphere.
  • Listen for the soothing sounds of the Suikinkutsu, a traditional Japanese water feature.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Hakata Station, Rakusuien Garden is approximately a 10-12 minute walk. Exit the station from the Hakata Exit and walk along Sumiyoshi-dori. Turn right onto Kokutetsu Street, and the garden will be on your left. There are clear signposts in the area to guide you. No costs are associated with this final approach.

  • Public Transport

    From Hakata Station, take the Nishitetsu bus and get off at Ekimae 4-chome bus stop, followed by a 7-minute walk. Alternatively, take the Nishitetsu loop bus and disembark at the TVQ-mae stop, which is a 2-minute walk to the garden. The local ¥100 bus also stops at TVQ. A single bus fare within the city is typically around ¥100-230.

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Discover more about Rakusuien

Rakusuien Garden, nestled in Fukuoka's Hakata Ward, offers a tranquil escape from the surrounding city. This Japanese garden originated as Sumiyoshi Villa, built in 1906 by Hakata merchant Shimozawa Zenemon Chikamasa as his secondary residence. Known also by his pseudonym 'Rakusui,' Shimozawa enjoyed tea ceremonies in the villa's teahouse, Rakusui-an. After World War II, the villa was repurposed as an inn called Rakusui-sou. In 1995, Fukuoka City transformed the site into a public Japanese garden, preserving the essence of its history. The garden features a central pond, carefully arranged trees and stones, and a replica of Zenemon's original tea house. Visitors can stroll along the loop path, cross a small bridge, and admire a small waterfall. Rakusuien showcases seasonal beauty, with cherry blossoms in spring and vibrant foliage in autumn. The garden is enclosed by Hakata-bei walls, unique clay walls incorporating recycled materials like stones and tiles from buildings damaged during war, a tradition dating back to the 16th century. Visitors can also enjoy a traditional matcha tea in the tea room for an additional fee. The garden also features a suikinkutsu, a traditional Japanese water feature that creates a soothing, bell-like sound. Rakusuien offers a serene and reflective experience, providing a glimpse into the elegant lifestyle of a prosperous merchant family and the enduring beauty of Japanese garden design.

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