Ohori Park
Ohori Park, A Large Park Built Around A Lake In The Middle Of Fukuoka, Modelled On China'S West Lake, With A 2 Km Loop Path, Boats, A Japanese Garden And The Ruins Of Fukuoka Castle Above It. A Fine Place For A Walk And A Coffee. · Fukuoka, Fukuoka
Ohori Park is a large lake park in the middle of Fukuoka, about 40 hectares - confirm - built around Ohori pond and modelled on West Lake in Hangzhou, China. A walking and jogging loop of about 2 km circles the water, passing small islands linked by bridges, and you can hire swan boats and rowboats in season. Inside the park there is the Fukuoka Art Museum and a small Japanese garden, which charges a modest fee - confirm. Next to it, Maizuru Park holds the ruins of Fukuoka Castle, with stone walls and a few turrets rather than a keep. In early August a fireworks festival lights the sky over the pond, and cherry blossom comes in late March to early April. A Starbucks sits beside the water. Locals come for jogging, picnics and quiet walks. Allow one to two hours. It is a pleasant break from the city rather than a big sight, and it is worth it in blossom season or on a clear evening, less so in midsummer heat.
1-2 Ohori-koen, Chuo-ku, Fukuoka, a short walk from Ohorikoen Station on the subway, beside the ruins of Fukuoka Castle, Fukuoka, Fukuoka, Japan
The park is open day and night and costs nothing to enter, with the loop path usable at any hour though lighting is limited late at night. The Japanese garden and the art museum keep set hours, commonly from about 9:30 to 17:00 with last entry earlier and a weekly closing day, often Monday - confirm. The castle ruins in Maizuru Park are open during the day. Take the subway to Ohorikoen Station and walk a few minutes. IC cards work on the subway but bring cash for boat hire and small shops. For the August fireworks festival, check the date and expect heavy crowds and road closures.