Rakusuien (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Rakusuien?
What makes it 70% Kids-Friendly: Children pay only ¥50 and can hunt koi, stone lanterns, and scarlet maples, but paths lack railings, no playground exists, and under-6s cannot enter tea rooms, so adults must guide closely.
Positives:
- Stroller-Friendly Paths: Smooth, level stone paths circle the pond, making it easy to push a stroller or use a carrier.
- Hands-On Culture: Kids can try a kid-size matcha set or join a simple tea ceremony to learn Japanese etiquette.
Challenges:
- No Play Area: This is a quiet garden without open play spaces; kids need reminders to stay close on paths.
- Compact Space: The garden is small and paths can get narrow when busy, so watch little ones carefully.
What is Rakusuien?
- A Japanese stroll garden opened in 1995 on the site of a Hakata merchant villa built in 1906
- Features a central pond, winding footpaths, moss-covered landscapes, stone lanterns, suikinkutsu (water harp) and traditional Hakata earthen walls
- Incorporates four tea houses—two accessible to the public—framed by seasonal plantings that reflect the elegance of Meiji-era tea ceremony culture
What is so special about Rakusuien for with kids?
- Short, level walk with moss, koi ponds, and a small waterfall for easy exploration.
- Interactive matcha tea set introduces kids to Japanese tea culture.
- Garden treasure hunt keeps children engaged on the paths.
- Seasonal flower and maple viewing adds colorful learning moments.
- Stroller access and baby station facilities support families with young kids.
Recommended visit duration: 1-2 hours
Why 1-2 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: A visit of 1-2 hours lets families stroll the garden, try matcha, and enjoy kid-friendly activities without rushing.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Rakusuien
Easy Garden Exploration:
Follow flat stone paths past koi ponds, moss carpets, and a small waterfall.
Tip: Give kids a simple list (koi, lanterns, flowers) to spot as you walk.
Matcha Tea Set:
Sit in a tatami tea room and enjoy matcha with sweets.
Tip: Order one for each adult and the older child; share sweets so younger kids taste flavors.
Garden Treasure Hunt:
Turn exploration into a game by searching for moss patches, stone lanterns, and koi.
Tip: Bring a small checklist and a pencil so kids mark each find.
Seasonal Maple Viewing:
In early December, see about 100 maple trees turn bright red.
Tip: Dress warmly and arrive mid-afternoon for the best light on the leaves.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Rakusuien
- Arrive at Opening: Get there at opening time to enjoy quieter paths and first pick of tea room seats.
- Use Baby Station: The garden offers a diaper-changing room and hot water station—bring your own supplies.
- Pack Light Snacks: Tea room options are limited; bring easy snacks and water to keep kids happy.
Reviews of Rakusuien
Daan Klijn
Very pretty garden. It’s not super big, but perfect to sit down and relax in the shade on a warm day. Entrance fee is 100 Yen, it seemed like they only accept cash.
JATHL
Beautiful, tranquil little space in the middle of a bustling cityscape. It costs a mere ¥100 to enter. Sitting on one of the benches and admiring the well kept trees and plants with the sound of the waterfall in the background can be therapeutic. Also, the people running the place were so friendly!
Marcos Ichinohe
Small but beautiful park with freshly made green tea.🍵 There’s a small admission fee ¥100 per adult and ¥500 for a freshly made green tea. - pay the admission fee, if you also get the matcha, you’ll get a ticket to order a matcha. - order your matcha inside, it normally takes 15min to get ready - you can either enjoy the park while waiting or wait inside over a tatami room, extremely cozy by th...
Christian Cho
Rakusuien was built in 1906 by a Hakata merchant as a villa, and in 1995, Fukuoka City renovated it into a Japanese garden with an Ikeizumi-style circling pattern and opened it. At that time, it was named Rakusuien. The walls of Rakusuien are made of stone, tile, and clay, and are called Hakata-bei. Rakusuien is not that large, so it doesn't take much time to look around, but you can enjoy a quiet...
lenny lenny
it's a small japanese garden with small koi ponds. we walked longer from subway station to arrive to this garden compare to the time we spent in here ☺️. i think we should take bus🤔. we need to pay admission ticket to enter. but here also have a tea house if you want to learn the japanese tea ritual. quite nice place to relax although honestly if you stat far from here, it's not so special
When is the best time to visit Rakusuien (Fukuoka, Japan)?
Visit in spring for cherry blossoms or early December for late autumn colors. Paths can be chilly after rain, so pack a light jacket.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Garden admission (2 adults + 1 child) | JPY 250 |
| Matcha tea set (3 people) | JPY 900 |
| Total Estimated | JPY 1,150 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve
Map of Rakusuien
Address: 2-chōme-10-7 Sumiyoshi, Hakata Ward, Fukuoka, 812-0018, Japan
Map will load when you scroll here
Scroll down to view the interactive map
Looking for other Things to Do besides Rakusuien (Fukuoka)?
About Rakusuien
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Website
Official WebsitePhone Number
+81 92-262-666510 BEST nearby Activities
Explore Popular Things to Do
🇺🇸 United States, with kids
🇬🇧 United Kingdom, with kids
How You Can Support Us
If our website helps you, please support us by booking your travel needs through this link: Book Flights, Hotels, Activities on Trip.com - New App User Promo up to 10% OFF. We may earn a small affiliate commission - at no extra cost to you!
It's a simple way to help us keep the site running and improving for everyone. Thanks for your support!
10 BEST nearby Activities