While it seems odd deviant to find a Chinese Garden in Japan, it is but fitting to be so in Naha. Afterall, Okinawa has been highly exposed and influenced by Chinese culture being its tributary state before it became one of Japan’s prefecture. Such influence is reflected in its art, food and architecture among many other things. What separates Fukushuen Garden from any other Chinese gardens, however, is its authenticity. The garden was designed by officials from Fuzhou, the capital of China’s Fujian province, bringing along with them “engineers” and materials all the way from Fuzhou to Okinawa. That is authenticity to a whole new level!
Fukushuen Garden 福州園 in downtown Naha was designed by officials from Fuzhou, the capital of China’s Fujian province, bringing along with them “engineers” and materials all the way from Fuzhou 福州市 to Okinawa 沖縄本島, Japan.
WATER ELEMENTS
Of all garden types, water garden is my favorite, lake and pond alike. It is a Chinese belief that water symbolizes communication and dreams. I personally believe it to symbolize life that is perhaps why I have always wanted a wall fountain at home. Sorry, but we cannot afford to buy a pond nor a lake nor a huge house to fit all those :)
The waterfall at Fukushuen Garden 福州園 in downtown Naha 那覇市 Okinawa 沖縄本島, Japan 日本国.Fukushuen Garden 福州園 in downtown Naha 那覇市 Okinawa 沖縄本島, Japan 日本国.Fukushuen Garden 福州園 in downtown Naha 那覇市 Okinawa 沖縄本島, Japan 日本国.The pond and gazebo and some parts of the small bridge with Chinese animals signs at Fukushuen Garden 福州園 in downtown Naha 那覇市 Okinawa 沖縄本島, Japan 日本国.The Chinese pagoda and the pond at Fukushuen Garden 福州園 in downtown Naha 那覇市 Okinawa 沖縄本島, Japan 日本国.A pavilion at Fukushuen Garden 福州園 in downtown Naha 那覇市 Okinawa 沖縄本島, Japan 日本国.
STONE symbolizes the abode and dwelling of the spirits or the immortals.
The artificial waterfall at Fukushuen Garden 福州園 in downtown Naha 那覇市 Okinawa 沖縄本島, Japan 日本国.Inside the hollow structure of the artificial waterfall at Fukushuen Garden 福州園 in downtown Naha 那覇市 Okinawa 沖縄本島, Japan 日本国.Looking outside from the inside the hollow structure of the artificial waterfall at Fukushuen Garden 福州園 in downtown Naha 那覇市 Okinawa 沖縄本島, Japan 日本国.Fukushuen Garden 福州園 in downtown Naha 那覇市 Okinawa 沖縄本島, Japan 日本国.A pavilion at Fukushuen Garden 福州園 in downtown Naha 那覇市 Okinawa 沖縄本島, Japan 日本国.
PLANTSare representation of the various aspects of life and each plant has a different meaning. Bamboo, for example, represents strength, endurance, flexibility, longevity.
One of the entrances to a building covered in bamboo at Fukushuen Garden 福州園 in downtown Naha 那覇市 Okinawa 沖縄本島, Japan 日本国.
ARCHITECTURE or a small temple, gazebo or a zigzag path aids the visitors in their journey to the self.
Interesting zigzag covered walkway at Fukushuen Garden 福州園 in downtown Naha 那覇市 Okinawa 沖縄本島, Japan 日本国.The beautiful Chinese architecture at Fukushuen Garden 福州園 in downtown Naha 那覇市 Okinawa 沖縄本島, Japan 日本国.The beautiful Chinese architecture at Fukushuen Garden 福州園 in downtown Naha 那覇市 Okinawa 沖縄本島, Japan 日本国.The beautiful Chinese pagoda at Fukushuen Garden 福州園 in downtown Naha 那覇市 Okinawa 沖縄本島, Japan 日本国.Chinese architecture at Fukushuen Garden 福州園 in downtown Naha 那覇市 Okinawa 沖縄本島, Japan 日本国.Chinese architecture at Fukushuen Garden 福州園 in downtown Naha 那覇市 Okinawa 沖縄本島, Japan 日本国.
And different shapes of Chinese gates is something not to miss at Fukushuen Garden!
The Moon Gate 月门 at Fukushuen Garden 福州園 in downtown Naha 那覇市 Okinawa 沖縄本島, Japan 日本国.A unique gate at Gate 月门 at Fukushuen Garden 福州園 in downtown Naha 那覇市 Okinawa 沖縄本島, Japan 日本国.Fukushuen Garden 福州園 in downtown Naha 那覇市 Okinawa 沖縄本島, Japan 日本国.
LOVE
Tranquility is what all Chinese gardens and gardens in general are for, and Fukushuen Garden is no exemption. But let me add LOVE (*wink*wink*) to the other elements of a Chinese garden. Essentially not a classic, but err, why not? I may have disappointed hubby when I didn’t agree to go to Osaka for this year’s wedding anniversary celebration. Not that I was not excited over the idea, but I have been wanting to visit Osaka or Kyoto again in autumn to see fall colors. But this day has nothing to complain for, especially that we are happy together, and in a poet’s world, is what truly matters.
TRAVELLER’S NOTE : Entrance to the garden is FREE of charge :)
Fukushuen Garden 福州園 in downtown Naha 那覇市 Okinawa 沖縄本島, Japan 日本国.
Congats!! My wife and I recently chose this for a professional photo shoot as a very unique and fitting Far Eastern backdrop. Beautiful photos; thanks for the post!
Had to share your site with others (on our Facebook NPO) as it best shows what Fukushuen Garden is about. Great job and thank you as it has raised my level of anticipation for our next visit.
i am uniquely and wonderfully made. 
Congats!! My wife and I recently chose this for a professional photo shoot as a very unique and fitting Far Eastern backdrop. Beautiful photos; thanks for the post!
Thank you Kevin and Jody! I was surprised how picturesque the Garden is, especially the gates and the pagoda. Hubby loooved the dragon pillars!
Had to share your site with others (on our Facebook NPO) as it best shows what Fukushuen Garden is about. Great job and thank you as it has raised my level of anticipation for our next visit.
Thank you Mr. Williams. I hope you enjoy your next visit Sir.
One of my most recommended places to visit in Okinawa is the Valley of Gangala. I hope you can visit it too.