Sankeien Garden
Masterpiece Garden of Historic Buildings and Seasonal Beauty
Sankeien Garden was created by Tomitaro Hara (1868-1939), a wealthy silk merchant who used the art name 'Sankei.' Starting in 1906, Hara purchased a hillside property in Yokohama and spent decades creating his ideal Japanese garden. His unique vision involved relocating historic buildings from Kyoto, Kamakura, and other regions - including temples, tea houses, and residences dating from the Edo period and earlier. These structures, many of which are designated Important Cultural Properties, were carefully disassembled, transported, and reconstructed within the garden landscape.
Hara opened portions of the garden to the public in 1906, reflecting his belief that cultural treasures should be shared. The inner garden, containing his residence and more private areas, opened in 1958, nearly two decades after his death. The garden suffered damage during World War II but was painstakingly restored. In 1953, Hara's descendants donated the entire property to the City of Yokohama, ensuring its preservation. Today, the garden contains ten Important Cultural Properties and three Tangible Cultural Properties of Yokohama City, making it a repository of Japanese architectural history set within meticulously maintained landscapes.
The 175,000 square meter (43-acre) garden exemplifies the strolling pond garden (kaiyushiki teien) style, designed to reveal new vistas with each turn of the path. The garden's layout uses 'borrowed scenery' (shakkei) incorporating distant hills and the garden's own three-story pagoda as focal points. Sankeien attracts over 300,000 annual visitors seeking seasonal beauty - plum blossoms in February, cherry blossoms in spring, irises in June, lotus in summer, autumn foliage, and winter snow scenes. The garden represents one of modern Japan's finest achievements in preserving historical architecture within living landscape art.
Key Highlights
- 175,000 sq meter garden with 10 Important Cultural Properties
- Historic buildings relocated from Kyoto, Kamakura, and beyond
- Three-story pagoda overlooking pond and garden
- Seasonal flowers: plum, cherry, iris, lotus, autumn foliage
- Traditional tea houses offering matcha ceremonies
- Peaceful refuge from Yokohama's urban environment
Access Information
Location
58-1 Honmoku Sannotani, Naka-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 231-0824, Japan
Nearest Stations
- • Negishi Station (JR Negishi/Keihin-Tohoku Line) - 15 min by bus
- • Yokohama Station - 35 min by bus
Opening Hours
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (last entry 4:30 PM); Open daily except December 29-31
Admission Fee
Adults: ¥700; Ages 65+: ¥200; Elementary/Junior high: ¥200; Preschool: Free
How to Get There
From Yokohama Station
Take Yokohama City Bus #8 or #148 from East Exit to Honmoku bus stop (30-35 minutes, ¥230), then walk 5 minutes. Buses run every 20-30 minutes. This is the most direct route though requires time commitment.
35 minutes
From Negishi Station (JR)
Take Yokohama City Bus #58, #99, or #101 to Honmoku Sankeien Mae stop (10-15 minutes, ¥230), walk 3 minutes to entrance. More frequent buses than from Yokohama Station.
20 minutes
From Tokyo
Take JR Keihin-Tohoku/Negishi Line to Negishi Station (45-50 minutes from Tokyo/Shinagawa, ¥600), then bus to garden (15 minutes). Total journey 60-70 minutes. Or taxi from Negishi (10 minutes, ¥1,500).
70 minutes
Tips & Visiting Guide
Make the most of your visit with these helpful tips and guidelines.
Seasonal Flower Highlights
Plum blossoms (late February-March): 500 trees create pink and white clouds. Cherry blossoms (late March-April): Various sakura varieties bloom in succession. Irises (June): Water gardens explode in purple and white. Lotus (July-August): Large pond covered in pink blooms, best viewed early morning. Autumn leaves (mid-November-December): Maples create red and gold landscapes around historic buildings. The garden's vast size ensures beautiful flowers even during peak seasons without overwhelming crowds. Check bloom calendars before visiting to target desired flowers.
Photography Paradise
The three-story pagoda (Kyoto Lamplight Pavilion) overlooking the pond offers the most iconic composition. Historic buildings with seasonal flowers (plum blossoms framing tea houses, autumn leaves with temples) create classic Japanese aesthetics. Early morning (9-10 AM) provides soft light and minimal crowds. The strolling garden design reveals new photographic compositions around each path turn. Bring wide-angle lens for architecture and landscape, telephoto for flower details. The garden actively welcomes photographers - tripods allowed, few restrictions. Cloudy days provide even lighting ideal for flower photography.
Walking Routes & Historic Buildings
The Outer Garden (free in Hara's era, now main paid area) contains most historic structures: Rinshunkaku villa (Edo-period residence from Wakayama), Choshukaku (Edo merchant house), three-story pagoda, and multiple tea houses. The Inner Garden (Hara's private area, opened 1958) features Kakushokaku residence and intimate tea ceremony spaces. A complete circuit takes 90-120 minutes at leisurely pace. Follow the numbered route or wander freely - allpaths eventually reconnect. Wear comfortable shoes as some paths are unpaved and involve gentle slopes.
Traditional Tea Houses
Several tea houses within the garden offer matcha tea ceremony experiences. The most accessible: Sankei Memorial Hall serves matcha and wagashi (Japanese sweets) for ¥700. The experience involves traditional tatami seating overlooking the garden. Other tea houses like Shofukaku operate on specific days with advance reservation for full tea ceremony. These intimate experiences in historic settings provide authentic cultural immersion. The combination of matcha, seasonal sweets, and garden views creates perfect contemplative moment.
Best Seasons & Times
Spring (cherry blossoms) and autumn (foliage) draw the largest crowds - visit weekday mornings for more peaceful experience. Summer (lotus season, July-August) offers beautiful blooms with fewer visitors due to heat and humidity. Winter provides serene snow scenes and lowest crowds. Early morning (9-10 AM) captures best light and fewest people. The garden's large size absorbs crowds well even during peak seasons - walk to far areas for solitude. Allow 2-3 hours for thorough visit, longer if attending tea ceremony or special events.
Special Events & Exhibitions
The garden hosts seasonal events: early morning lotus viewing (6 AM openings in July), moon viewing parties (September), autumn illumination (November), and special exhibitions in the Sankei Memorial Hall. Traditional music performances and cultural demonstrations occur periodically. Check the official calendar when planning visit. Some events require separate tickets or advance registration. The New Year period features traditional decorations and special opening hours.
Dining & Refreshments
Sankei Memorial Hall has a cafe serving light meals, noodles, and refreshments (¥800-1,500). The outdoor seating overlooks the garden. Several rest houses sell drinks and simple snacks. Pack a picnic to enjoy in designated areas - the garden encourages leisurely visits. No alcohol permitted. The nearby Honmoku area has limited restaurants - most visitors eat before/after in central Yokohama or bring food. Vending machines at entrance and memorial hall.
Planning Your Visit
Sankeien requires more effort to reach than Yokohama's waterfront attractions but rewards with tranquil beauty and cultural depth. Combine with nearby attractions: Yokohama Museum of Art (20 min bus), or return to Yokohama Station for Chinatown/Minato Mirai. The garden makes an excellent morning destination (arrive at opening 9 AM), then spend afternoon in central Yokohama. English pamphlets available but signage limited - download garden map. The garden is extremely peaceful compared to Yokohama's urban areas - bring time to properly savor the landscape and historic structures. This is contemplative, not amusement tourism.
FAQ
What makes Sankeien Garden special?
Sankeien is a vast 175,000 square meter traditional Japanese garden featuring 17 historic buildings relocated from Kyoto, Kamakura, and other regions, including 10 designated Important Cultural Properties. Built by silk merchant Hara Tomitaro in 1906, it combines natural landscapes with architectural treasures. The garden showcases seasonal beauty including cherry blossoms, lotus flowers, and autumn colors in a tranquil setting rare in urban Yokohama.
How long should I spend at Sankeien Garden?
Plan for 2-3 hours to explore both the Inner Garden (private villa area) and Outer Garden at a leisurely pace. Photography enthusiasts during cherry blossom or autumn seasons may want 3-4 hours. The garden's size and number of historic buildings merit unhurried exploration. Serious garden enthusiasts could easily spend half a day appreciating the landscapes, architecture, and seasonal details.
When is the best time to visit Sankeien Garden?
Late March to early April for cherry blossoms (especially around the Three-Storied Pagoda), mid-July to early August for lotus flowers in the pond, and late November for autumn foliage are peak seasons. Early mornings offer the best light and fewer crowds. Each season has appeal: plum blossoms in February, irises in June, and camellia in winter. Spring and autumn are most popular.
What are the admission fees?
General admission is 700 yen for adults, 200 yen for elementary and middle school students, and free for seniors 65+ (with ID) and children under elementary age. Special event periods may have different pricing. The Inner Garden section is included in the admission. Annual passes are available for frequent visitors. Payment is cash only at the entrance.
How do I get to Sankeien Garden from Yokohama Station?
From Yokohama Station East Exit, take bus number 8 or 148 bound for Honmoku (approximately 35 minutes) to Honmoku Sankeien-mae bus stop, directly at the garden entrance. Buses run every 20-30 minutes and cost 220 yen. Alternatively, take a taxi for about 2,500-3,000 yen. The garden is not near any train station, so bus is the most practical option.
What historic buildings can I see in the garden?
Notable structures include a Three-Storied Pagoda from Kyoto (built 1457), Rinshunkaku villa with stunning interior rooms, Choshukaku teahouse, old Yanohara family residence (farmhouse), and Tomyoji temple's main hall (1457). Several buildings are designated Important Cultural Properties. The Inner Garden contains the most significant structures including Rinshunkaku, originally built for the Tokugawa clan. Free guided tours explain the buildings' history.
Can I enter the historic buildings?
Some buildings like Rinshunkaku villa are open for interior viewing (shoes must be removed). Others can only be viewed from outside. The Three-Storied Pagoda is not accessible inside but photographable from many angles. Seasonal openings vary, with more buildings accessible during special events. Tea ceremony experiences are occasionally offered in designated teahouses. Check the official schedule for current accessibility.
Is photography allowed in Sankeien Garden?
Yes, photography is encouraged throughout the garden for personal use. Tripods are allowed. The garden is extremely photogenic with the Three-Storied Pagoda reflected in ponds being an iconic shot. Interior photography is permitted in most open buildings. Commercial photography and wedding photo shoots require advance permission and fees. Drone photography is prohibited. Respect other visitors when photographing.
Is the garden wheelchair and stroller accessible?
Partially accessible. The Outer Garden has paved paths suitable for wheelchairs and strollers, though some areas have slopes. The Inner Garden involves hills, steps, and uneven paths making wheelchair access difficult. A wheelchair-accessible route is marked on garden maps. Wheelchair rentals are not available. Some historic buildings have step access only. Overall, visitors with mobility issues can enjoy portions but not the entire garden.
Are there restaurants or tea houses in the garden?
Yes, the main rest house serves light meals, udon, soba, and traditional sweets with matcha tea. Prices range from 500-1,200 yen. Outdoor seating offers pond views. Seasonal specialties align with blooming flowers. A smaller tea house serves snacks and drinks. Vending machines are available. You cannot bring outside food for picnics. The restaurant provides a peaceful break with traditional Japanese garden atmosphere.
What are the opening hours?
The garden opens at 9:00 AM and closes at 5:00 PM (last entry 4:30 PM). It's open daily except December 29-31. During cherry blossom season and autumn foliage, extended evening hours may be offered with special illumination events. Early morning visits right at opening provide the most peaceful experience with better photography light. Check the official website for seasonal hour changes and event schedules.
Is Sankeien Garden crowded?
Moderately crowded during peak cherry blossom and autumn color seasons, especially on weekends and holidays. However, the vast size prevents overwhelming crowds except around the most photographed spots like the pagoda. Weekday mornings are significantly quieter. Outside of peak seasons, the garden is pleasantly uncrowded. The Inner Garden section generally has fewer visitors than the Outer Garden areas.
Can I see cherry blossoms at night?
Yes, during peak cherry blossom season (usually late March to early April), Sankeien hosts special evening illumination events called 'Kangetsu-kai' (Moon Viewing Party) or cherry blossom light-ups. The pagoda and cherry trees are beautifully lit, creating magical reflections in ponds. Separate ticket purchase may be required. These evening events are popular, so expect larger crowds. Check the exact dates and times on the official website.
What should I wear when visiting?
Wear comfortable walking shoes suitable for uneven paths, steps, and potentially muddy areas after rain. The garden involves considerable walking and elevation changes. Avoid high heels. Dress in layers as the garden can be cooler near ponds and in shaded areas. Bring sun protection in summer. If visiting historic building interiors, socks are required (shoes removed at entrance). Insect repellent is useful in summer months.
Are there English signs and information?
Yes, major buildings and areas have English signage explaining historical significance and architectural features. Garden maps are available in English at the entrance. Some information boards are multilingual. Free English-speaking volunteer guides are sometimes available on weekends and holidays (check in advance). Audio guides may be available for rental. The garden is navigable for English speakers with provided materials.
Can I attend a tea ceremony at Sankeien?
Occasional tea ceremony experiences are offered in the garden's teahouses, especially during special events and seasonal celebrations. These require advance reservation and have additional fees beyond garden admission (typically 500-1,000 yen). Check the official website for scheduled tea ceremony dates. The experiences provide insight into traditional Japanese culture in an authentic historical setting. Limited spots available, so book early.
What is the Inner Garden vs Outer Garden?
The Inner Garden was Hara Tomitaro's private living area featuring Rinshunkaku villa and most of the designated Important Cultural Properties on hillside terrain. The Outer Garden was designed for public enjoyment with larger ponds, the Three-Storied Pagoda, and more open spaces. Both are included in admission, but the Inner Garden offers more intimate views and significant architecture. First-time visitors should explore both sections.
Can I combine Sankeien Garden with other Yokohama attractions?
Yes, though Sankeien is somewhat removed from central Yokohama. After visiting, return to Yokohama Station to access Minato Mirai (15 minutes), Chinatown (20 minutes), or Yamashita Park. Due to travel time to Sankeien (35 minutes from Yokohama Station), many visitors dedicate a half-day to the garden, then spend the other half-day in central Yokohama attractions. Plan accordingly for bus schedules.
Are pets allowed in Sankeien Garden?
No, pets are not permitted in Sankeien Garden except for certified service animals. This policy protects the historic buildings, delicate garden landscapes, and ensures a peaceful atmosphere for all visitors. Pet owners should make alternative arrangements. The policy is strictly enforced at the entrance. Nearby pet-friendly parks exist if you're traveling with animals.
What makes the lotus flowers special?
From mid-July to early August, the large pond in the Outer Garden blooms with hundreds of lotus flowers creating a stunning pink and white display. Early morning (before 9 AM if possible) is best as lotus flowers fully open at dawn and begin closing by afternoon. The combination of lotus flowers with historic buildings in the background makes for exceptional photography. This is one of the Kanto region's best lotus viewing spots.
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