Rakusuien (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Rakusuien?
What makes it 67% Kids-Friendly: Children pay ¥50 and can hunt for lanterns or feed koi, yet narrow stone paths, quiet tea rooms, and lack of play equipment require close parental supervision to prevent boredom or slips.
Positives:
- Baby-Friendly Facilities: Barrier-free restroom and diaper table are free to use.
- Easy Stroller Access: Flat, wide paths circle the garden for smooth stroller rides.
Challenges:
- Tea Room Space: Rooms seat small groups; arrive early to avoid waiting.
- Formal Tea Restrictions: Children under 6 cannot join the formal tea ceremony.
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?
- Compact garden paths and koi ponds keep young kids engaged.
- Affordable admission with free entry for toddlers.
- Hands-on matcha sets introduce children to tea culture.
- Late autumn maples peak in early December for colorful strolls.
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: A half-day lets you explore the pond, tea house, and kids’ activities without rushing.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Rakusuien
Garden Exploration:
Walk flat stone paths around the koi pond and moss carpets.
Tip: Ask kids to count lanterns or spot fish near the waterfall.
Suikinkutsu Sound Listening:
Stand by the tsukubai stone basin to hear dripping water echoes.
Tip: Pause quietly and let kids feel the hidden melodies of the garden.
Matcha & Desserts in Tea Room:
Order matcha tea and wagashi sweets in a tatami tea room.
Tip: Sit near the window to watch the garden while sipping tea.
Garden Treasure Hunt:
Give kids a list of features like maple leaves, stone lanterns, and koi.
Tip: Prepare a simple checklist or map before visiting.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Rakusuien
- Book Tea Ceremony Online: Reserve 1100 yen sessions in advance to secure a spot.
- Start with Exploration: Explore the garden first for best photo lighting before noon.
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 early December to catch late maple colors two weeks later than other spots. In May, look for iris blooms near the tea rooms.
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Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Adult Admission (2 × ¥100) | JPY 200 |
| Child Admission (¥50 for 6+; 3-year-old free) | JPY 50 |
| Matcha Sets (3 × ¥300) | 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
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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
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