Opened in 1992, The Fukushū-en or Fukushūen garden is a symbol of friendship between Naha and Fuzhou, the Chinese city with which Naha is paired. This friendship has lasted for a long time, from when generations of Fuzhou Chinese, representing the 36 surnames of Kume helped residents rebuild Naha city. It is in memory of the 36 Kume families and to remind their home town to the descendants of these families that Fukushū-en was built. The material used for the construction of the garden (wood, stones, flowers, ...) and the technical direction of the construction process, were donated by the city of Fuzhou.
Fukushū-en is in total 8,500 square meters and consists of three open spaces that are 4 seasonal landscapes, 8 majestic sights, 2 ponds and springs and 1 single continuous walking path. The colors of spring are represented by peach blossoms stream with the small river and small pond, the Lingbo corridor on the edges of that pond and the Pavilion of Spring just after the bridge of the Zodiac signs. Summer is represented by the Dong Ye Hall with its beautiful columns of dragons, the Bamboo and Pine Pavilion just in front of the Hall and the two pagodas White and Bird. Autumn and winter are represented by the SSoaring Rainbow bridge next to the waterfall, the Mount Ye & Pavilion Ye andthe Shouheki which is a huge wall carved granite and Jusengan stone. There are also plants and flowers that change with the seasons and are installed so thoughtful to follow this 4 seasons representation.
In fact, the Fukushūen garden is composed of sites and buildings representing the city of Fuzhou. We can mentioned the 3 Monts Yu, Wu Ping, but also the two pagodas Bird and White and also the representation of the Min River with the waterfall, ponds and water all around . This garden using Chinese techniques and equipment of Fuzhou, showcases many carved stone objects such as columns with dragons or monument of the 8 deities. The entrance of the Chinese garden is 200 yen for an adult. There are multilingual explanatory screens placed around the park.
If you stay in Nara few days, Fukushūen is an absolute must visit as Shuri Castle. You will not be disappointed, the garden is beautiful. But be careful, Fukushūen garden is closed on Wednesday.