A traditional Japanese landscape garden created by silk merchant Hara Sankei in 1906, featuring 17 historical structures relocated from Kyoto and elsewhere, including farmhouses, tea pavilions, and a three-story pagoda. One of Yokohama's most peaceful green escapes.
Sankeien is a traditional Japanese landscape garden in the Honmoku district of Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture, created between 1898 and 1906 by Hara Sankei, a Meiji-era silk merchant who amassed a fortune trading Yokohama's most important export commodity. Covering approximately 175,000 square metres, the garden is divided into an Inner Garden (open on select dates) and an Outer Garden accessible year-round. Across both areas, Sankei relocated 17 historical structures from Kyoto, Kamakura, and elsewhere in Japan, including farmhouses, tea pavilions, a noh stage, a samurai residence, and temple buildings — reassembling them in a landscape designed to evoke classical Japanese garden ideals.
The most prominent structure is a three-story pagoda from Tomyo-ji Temple in Kyoto (early 14th century), designated a National Important Cultural Property, whose slender form appears above the garden's tree canopy in multiple classic viewpoints. A three-story temple gate (Junpukumon) and a Rinshunkaku villa with shoin-zukuri architecture are among the other significant transplanted buildings. Each is positioned within the landscape to create composed views rather than standing as isolated monuments — walking the garden reveals new compositions at each turn of the path.
Seasonal flowers animate the garden across the year: plum blossoms in February, cherry blossoms and peony in April, iris in June, lotus in August, and autumn foliage in November. The lotus pond at the garden's heart is one of Yokohama's finest summer spectacles. A teahouse within the grounds serves matcha and traditional sweets in a tatami room overlooking the main pond.
Sankeien is located in Yokohama's Honmoku district, approximately 5 kilometres from Yokohama Station. Buses from Yokohama Station East Exit (routes 54, 58, and 99) stop at the garden entrance. The garden is quieter than Kamakura's temples and represents an excellent way to experience classical Japanese garden design.
| Hours | 09:00–17:00 (last entry 16:30); closed Dec 29–31 |
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Location
35.4116, 139.6558 View on map
Highlights
- Three-story pagoda (National Important Cultural Property)
- Seasonal flowers (plum, cherry, lotus)
- Historic farmhouses
- Teahouse
Tips for visiting
- Visit during cherry blossom season for a quintessential Japanese garden experience without Kamakura crowds.
When to visit
Cherry blossoms (early April) and autumn foliage (mid-November) draw the largest visitor numbers; the lotus pond is at its peak in late July to early August.
Accessibility
Mostly accessible; some stone paths
Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit to Sankeien take?
A thorough visit of the Outer Garden takes 1.5 to 2 hours at a relaxed pace. The Inner Garden opens on select dates listed on the official website and adds approximately 30 to 45 minutes.
Is Sankeien accessible for wheelchairs and pushchairs?
The main paths are mostly flat stone or compacted earth, accessible to pushchairs and many wheelchairs. Some inner garden paths near the pagoda have slight inclines or stepping-stone sections that may be challenging.
Is photography allowed throughout the garden?
Photography throughout the garden is freely permitted. The three-story pagoda reflected in the pond is the most photographed composition; early morning light is considered optimal for this shot.