In the cool, cool, cool of Fukushuen Garden

For two Canadian prairie people, more used to the “dry cold” of April in their home province, Okinawa’s moist heat comes as a bit of a surprise

Not that we dislike hauling out our summer wear to tour Naha, Okinawa Island’s business capital. But after walking around for a while, we’re ready for a cool down.

We find it in Fukushuen Garden, which celebrates Naha’s historic relationship with Fuzhou City in China. It dates all the way back to the 14th century and the Ryukyu kingdom’s prosperous trade era. The people from the province where Fuzhou City is located brought with them to Naha their interpretation and navigation skills, and influenced the establishment of the Ryukyu’s first public school.

Without further words from me, enjoy your ramble through what the Fukushuen website calls the “walkable art” of this serene garden.