Walk Around Ohori Park in Fukuoka, Japan

I took a walk around Ohori Park in the beautiful city of Fukuoka in Japan.
Ohori Park, nestled in the heart of Fukuoka, Japan, offers a respite from the city’s hustle with its serene landscape and historical roots. Once an integral part of the moat system for the adjacent Fukuoka Castle, it has been repurposed into a beloved public park. The park was opened in 1929, drawing inspiration from the famed West Lake in China, and features a picturesque pond that forms the centerpiece of the park’s layout.

The park’s design is a harmonious blend of urban flair and natural splendor, offering a 2-kilometer path that is frequented by joggers, pet walkers, and those looking to enjoy a peaceful walk by the water. One of the park’s hidden gems is the Ohori Park Japanese Garden.

Though relatively new, having been completed in 1975, it stands as a beautiful representation of traditional Japanese garden aesthetics. Surrounded by white plaster walls and accessed through a large wooden gate, the garden invites visitors to explore its tranquil hills, lush groves, and reflective ponds, all anchored by a classic teahouse.

Ohori Park isn’t just a place for quiet contemplation; it serves as a cultural venue as well, hosting an annual fireworks festival in August that lights up the Fukuoka sky. The park’s location near important cultural sites like the Fukuoka Art Museum further cements its role as a cultural and scenic cornerstone of the city.