NAHA, Okinawa, Japan -- Naha is a busy city full of things to do and see. One of the less anticipated sight seeing spots is a Chinese-style garden park tucked away within walking distance from the shopping hub of Kokusai Street.
Fukushu-en Park is a sprawling setting with winding paths that guide visitors through carefully cultivated trees and shrubbery, small exhibits in Chinese-styled buildings, tea pavilions and several interconnecting ponds and streams.
The Chinese influence, which dates back some 600 years, illustrates the close relationship that Okinawa and China has developed through time. Other sites, such as Shuri Castle, also show the remnants of the close relationship the Ryukyu kingdom and the Chinese had.
Upon entering the garden, visitors turn along walkways migrating through three authentically crafted Chinese-themed escapes representing Light, Shadow and Brilliance. The 8,500 square meter garden was designed by officials from Fuzhou City, China who wanted to replicate elements of the city's scenic areas. This garden is not designed for visitors to stay on the path though. There are several sets of stone steps throughout the garden where visitors can attain a better view of their surroundings. This is particularly true once visitors reach a majestic waterfall.
If they follow the less obvious stone path they will be guided into a series of caves that lead behind the waterfall to a pagoda that sits atop it. The pagoda offers views of almost the entire garden as well as the city of Naha.
Visitors may want to bring some sort of bug repellent because biting insects are known to use the garden as a hunting ground and their home.
Fukushu-en is open to the public every day except Wednesday.
To get to Fukushu-en garden exit Camp Foster’s Commissary Gate and turn left on Highway 58 towards Naha. Continue about 13 kilometers to the Kumoji intersection and turn right. Travel down the road for about 400 meters until a gray wall with windows appears on the left side of the road. At the end of the wall is the entrance and across the street from it is a parking lot patrons can utilize.