A serene Japanese garden built on the former site of a Fukuoka feudal lord's villa.
Yusentei Park is a pond-and-island strolling garden (chisen kaiyuushiki teien) that was originally built as a villa in the mid-Edo period by Nagataka Kuroda, the lord of the Fukuoka Domain. The expansive grounds feature ponds, waterfalls, artificial hills, and a variety of trees, offering beautiful scenery throughout the year. While the original buildings no longer exist, you can still find traces of the past in the remaining foundation stones, stone lanterns, and ancient trees. A particularly striking feature is the 17.5-tatami mat main room with a veranda, offering a sweeping view of the garden and a palpable sense of tranquility. Two tea rooms, Jūsuian and Shōzan'an, named after figures connected to the Kuroda family, are also located within the park. Here, you can enjoy matcha (powdered green tea) and seasonal Japanese sweets. The park's iconic Osmanthus fragrans tree is over 300 years old, filling the air with its sweet fragrance in the autumn. Yusentei Park is a perfect place for those seeking respite from the urban hustle and bustle, offering a tranquil setting to relax and recharge. Enjoy a peaceful time while appreciating the beautiful scenery that changes with the seasons.