Sankeien Garden is a large traditional Japanese garden in southern Yokohama, at 58-1 Honmokusannotani. Created by silk merchant Tomitaro Hara and opened to the public in 1906, it brings together ponds, streams, bridges and historic buildings relocated from around Japan. Follow the paths through the outer and inner gardens, and look for the three-story pagoda above the pond. Cherry blossoms, lotus flowers and autumn leaves give the grounds a different character through the year, so the garden suits a slow visit focused on scenery and architecture.
Two gardens in one
Sankeien is divided into an outer garden and an inner garden. The outer garden opened to the public in 1906; the inner garden was once Hara’s private retreat. Their different settings give a walk through the grounds a changing rhythm, from broad views across seasonal trees to more intimate scenes framed by historic structures.
The garden covers about 17.5 hectares. Its paths pass ponds, streams, bridges, bamboo groves and small waterfalls. Rather than following a single route, you can wander between the buildings and water features, taking time to notice how the scenery changes from one part of the grounds to another.
Historic buildings from across Japan
Hara brought historic structures from places including Kyoto and Kamakura and arranged them within the garden. Seventeen buildings are mentioned across the grounds, including tea houses, a feudal lord’s residence and the three-story pagoda associated with the former Tomyo-ji Temple. Ten of the structures are designated Important Cultural Properties, and three are recognized as Yokohama Tangible Cultural Properties.
The pagoda is one of the garden’s key landmarks, set on a hill above the surrounding trees. From beside the pond, it forms a striking view across the water. For another perspective, make time to find Choshukaku Pavilion, which looks out over the garden.
Rinshunkaku is another notable building. It is said to have been built as a villa for the Kishu Tokugawa family in the mid-17th century. Its pavilions and rooms were adapted to sit within the garden setting, with views toward the pagoda and a covered bridge.
Seasonal visits and a slower pace
Flowers and foliage change the garden’s appearance through the year. Cherry blossoms are a spring highlight, while lotus flowers bloom in summer. Autumn brings colorful leaves, and plum blossoms appear in late winter. The garden also has azaleas and irises in summer, so there is more to look for than the best-known spring and autumn displays.
The grounds are spacious enough for an unhurried walk, with benches along the paths for breaks. If you are visiting for the seasonal scenery, choose the time of year that matches what you hope to see; each season brings a different view of the same paths, ponds and buildings. The garden is in Yokohama’s Honmoku area, away from the city’s central waterfront districts.
FAQ
How long should I spend at Sankeien Garden?
Allow about two to three hours to walk the grounds and see the historic buildings. The garden is large, with paths linking its two sections.
What is the best season to visit Sankeien Garden?
Spring is known for cherry blossoms, summer for lotus flowers, and autumn for colorful foliage. Plum blossoms appear in late winter.
What can you see at Sankeien Garden?
The grounds include ponds, streams, bridges, small waterfalls and historic buildings relocated from around Japan. The three-story pagoda and Rinshunkaku are among the notable structures.
