Ohori Park

大濠公園

A lake park created from the outer moat of Fukuoka Castle, with a lakeside path, islands and a Japanese garden. It is the most comfortable spot in the city center for a stroll or morning jog.

Ohori Park is in Chūō Ward, about 2 km west of Tenjin. Completed in 1929, this water park was built using the outer moat of Fukuoka Castle. At its center is a large pond about 2 km in circumference. Three small islands in the pond are linked by stone bridges and paths, and the path around the lake is where Fukuoka locals jog and stroll. Swan boats and rowboats can be rented by the shore. Highlights include a Starbucks on the lakeside, where you can sit on the wooden deck and look out over the water, and the Royal Garden Café. On the south side of the park is the Ohori Park Japanese Garden, a strolling pond garden that opened in 1984, with karesansui dry landscapes and a tea house. Admission is 250 yen, and it is closed on Mondays. The Fukuoka Art Museum holds works by Dalí, Miró, Yayoi Kusama and the Kuroda Memorial Hall collection. The permanent exhibition costs 200 yen, and it is closed on Mondays. Next door to the east, Maizuru Park is the site of Fukuoka Castle. Only stone walls and a few turrets remain, but about 1,000 cherry trees bloom from late March to early April. During the cherry blossom festival the grounds are lit up at night, and the castle tower base is a good spot to overlook the city. The park has autumn foliage in fall. Every year on August 1, the West Japan Ohori Fireworks Festival is held over the lake, Fukuoka's grandest summer fireworks display. The park is free to enter. Getting there: exit at Ohori Park Station on the Airport Line subway, or take the subway two stops from Tenjin, about 5 minutes. A visit takes about 1 hour, or about 2.5 hours including the Japanese garden and the museum. Notes: the lakeside path has a dedicated running track, so walk on the outer side. The Japanese garden and art museum are closed on Mondays. During cherry blossom season, Maizuru Park is crowded with stalls and visitors, so go in the morning for a quieter visit.

Ohori Park

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