Yusentei Park in Fukuoka 友泉亭公園
The park pond and the tea pavilion
Yusentei Park
Fukuoka Japanese Garden
If you are passing through Fukuoka to discover the beauties of Kyushu, don't miss Yusentei Garden, the city's little-known gem. Wandering among the maple trees and tea on the edge of the pond, a nice Japanese-style break...
A pond garden
Originally, the park was founded by Kuroda Tsugutaka, a lord of the Edo period (1603-1868) who had a villa built there in 1754. It was reworked and reopened in 1981 by the city of Fukuoka as a historical park and designated a "Place of Scenic Beauty" in 1998.
It follows the purest codes of Japanese-style gardens: it is also the first garden built around a central lake in Fukuoka. It is a garden in the chisen kaiyu-shiki style, that is to say, designed for strolling around a central lake of scenic beauty.
The name of the garden, Yusentei, is derived from a poem by Minamoto Michinatsu, which can be translated as: "Far from the unbearable heat of summer, water springs from the fountain (Sen) that nurtures friendship (Yu) of this house (Tei)."
- To read: The parks and gardens of Fukuoka
The entrance to the park is marked by a Kabukimon gate (with square posts). On the edges of the wide pond is a large tatami-style tea pavilion, whose large Ohiroma hall is open to the water and the garden. Visitors can enjoy a matcha tea with a pastry for 300 yen (about $$2.50/2€), enjoying the reflections on the water and the koi carp that inhabit the pond.
In the middle of the pond are two small islands, named the Horai Islands. The larger one is very popular with cranes, while the smaller one is inhabited by turtles. Finally, the park is also home to a small, very photogenic waterfall. This garden allows you to take a welcome break from nature, especially if you visit Fukuoka in summer, during the hot weather.
The discovery of Japanese gardens, whatever their style, is a good part of visits to the Land of the Rising Sun. Nature holds a large place in the hearts of the Japanese, parks, and gardens are numerous.
Thus, walking in the paths of the gardens, around the ponds, on the wooden and stone bridges, under the foliage of the pines and the maples, constitutes an activity in itself in Japan.
The parks are also taken by storm during the hanami and the koyo, as well as on Sundays in good weather to organize a picnic!
View from the tea pavilion
Wikimedia Commons
The garden paths
Wikimedia Commons
The map of the park
Yusentei Park
The Yusentei garden is no exception to the rule and is, therefore, a privileged spot, particularly in November, to admire the reddening foliage of the maple trees. Like many other gardens across the country, the places change their appearance according to the seasons and the weather...
Address, timetable & access
Address
Phone
+81 (0)92-711-0415Timetable
Bus #12: Yusentei stop then 5 min walk. Bus #13, 16, 96, and 113: Yusen Chugakko-mae stop then 10 min walk.Price
Adult ticket: 200 yen ($1.75/1.50€) Child ticket: 100 yen ($.85/.80€)Access
Open Tuesday to Sunday from 9 am to 5 pm.
