Rakusuien (Japanese Garden and Tea Pavillion)

楽水園

There is a corner in the middle of the city lined with office buildings and hotels where the smell of clean air can be enjoyed. It is here that a Hakata merchant Shimozawa Zenemon Chikamasa built his vacation home, called “Rakusuien”, in Meiji Era (1868 - 1912). In 1995, Fukuoka City overhauled the structure and reopened it as a Japanese garden where visitors can experience a tea ceremony; with four tea rooms (two of which are available for use by general visitors) it is often used for tea ceremonies and related training.
Spread out in front of these rooms is a Japanese garden blanketed in bright green moss. The sight of unspoiled Japanese flowers and a grove of trees swaying in the breeze is best taken in with a leisurely cup of green “matcha” tea and sweets.
Towards the interior of the garden, visitors will find a “suikinkutsu”, the garden decoration and musical device. Outdoor tea ceremonies can also be enjoyed in this garden.
In the Autumn, about 100 maple trees add beautiful color to the garden. The trees are best viewed in early December (slightly later than the rest of Fukuoka).

Address (Japanese)	812-0018　福岡県福岡市博多区住吉2-10-7
Address	2-10-7 Sumiyoshi, Hakata Ward, Fukuoka City, Fukuoka
Telephone Number	092-262-6665（楽水園）
Contact	Rakusuien
Closed	Tuesdays (Wednesdays in the event of a holiday) *Open January 2 and 3 as well as May 4 and 5; closed December 29 - January 1
Car Park	Available; 12 vehicles, 300 Yen/use
Access	By bus - A 2 minute walk from the Nishitetsu “TeleQ Mae” bus stop
Website	https://rakusuien.fukuoka-teien.com/

Duration for Experience	【Rakusui-en Tea Ceremony Experience】 Approximately 60 minutes 【A Cup of Matcha in the Tea Room:】Approximately 30 minutes
Eligible Person	Open to both domestic and international visitors
Reservation for Experience	【Rakusui-en Tea Ceremony Experience:】 Advance reservation required. Please make your reservation through the booking form on the official website. 【A Cup of Matcha in the Tea Room】 Same-day registration is available at the reception desk. No advance reservation is required.
Date & Time	【Rakusui-en Tea Ceremony Experience】 Held twice a month, on the second and fourth Fridays. Session 1: 1:30 PM Session 2: 3:00 PM Please arrive at least 15 minutes before the start of your session. 【A Cup of Matcha in the Tea Room】（Morning Sessions）10:00 AM, 10:40 AM, 11:20 AM （Afternoon Sessions）2:00 PM, 2:40 PM, 3:20 PM Sessions are held on an irregular schedule. Please check the official website for upcoming dates.
Experience Fee	【Rakusui-en Tea Ceremony Experience】 ¥7,000 per person (garden admission not included) 【A Cup of Matcha in the Tea Room】 ¥1,100 per person (garden admission not included) Please note that the garden admission fee is charged separately.