Located in Yokohama, close to Tokyo, Sankeien Garden is renowned for its expansive grounds and stunning gardens. The cherry blossoms in spring and the vibrant autumn leaves are particularly breathtaking, especially during special light-up events. Here are some photos from my visit. When you come to Japan, make sure to experience this beauty in person.
Tourist Attractions and Activities
Sankeien Garden spans 175,000㎡, featuring 17 historical buildings such as three-story pagodas and tea houses relocated from Kyoto and Kamakura. Many of these buildings are designated as Important Cultural Properties.
Throughout the year, you can enjoy seasonal flowers like plum blossoms, cherry blossoms, wisteria, lotus, and autumn leaves, all seamlessly integrated with the historical architecture.
In spring, the cherry blossoms around the central pond are absolutely stunning, especially during the evening light-up events. In autumn, the vibrant colors of the leaves provide a picturesque backdrop to the historic buildings.
The garden also displays part of its collection, which includes around 500 pieces of art and calligraphy.
Culture, History, and Traditions
Sankeien Garden’s history dates back to 1868, when a local landowner began developing the area. Later, the garden was expanded by Sankei Hara, a prominent businessman of the Meiji era, who started relocating buildings from other regions in 1902.
The garden opened to the public in 1906, and in 2007, it was designated as a National Historic Site.
Beyond the gardens, the traditional buildings offer visitors a rare glimpse into Japan’s historical architecture.
Dining Guide
There are three cafes in the garden offering light meals from 11:00 to 15:00. You can enjoy soba, ramen, ice cream, and dango. However, it’s better to plan your main meals outside the garden, as these cafes primarily serve light snacks.
The area around Sankeien Garden is a residential neighborhood, so there are no restaurants nearby. However, along the main roads leading to Yokohama’s city center, you can find several good dining options.
If you head to downtown Yokohama, you’ll discover a large Chinatown with many restaurants open late into the night.
Accommodation
The best options for accommodation are in Yokohama or Tokyo.
Transportation
Since Sankeien Garden is located in a residential area, using Google Maps to plan your route is highly recommended.
From JR Tokyo Station to JR Yokohama Station
You can take the JR Tokaido Line, JR Yokosuka Line, or JR Keihin-Tohoku Line to Yokohama Station. All options cost the same, but the JR Tokaido Line is the fastest with fewer stops. It’s also more convenient than the JR Yokosuka Line, which is deeper underground at Tokyo Station. However, if you’re already at the platform for the Yokosuka Line, just take that train.
If you plan to visit via JR Negishi Station later, the JR Keihin-Tohoku Line is a convenient choice.
From JR Yokohama Station to Sankeien Garden by Bus
From the East Exit Bus Terminal at JR Yokohama Station, take a bus bound for Honmoku Shako-mae and get off at either the Honmoku-Hara or Sakuramichi bus stop. The ride takes about 35 minutes and costs 220 yen.
From JR Yokohama Station via JR Negishi Station
Take the JR Keihin-Tohoku Line to JR Negishi Station. From there, you can take a loop bus to the Sankeien Garden South Gate bus stop or a bus bound for Sakuragi-cho Station, getting off at the Sannoya bus stop. The total cost is 400 yen.
Other Options
If you’re visiting the Minato Mirai area or Yokohama Chinatown, which are between JR Yokohama Station and Sankeien Garden, you can either take the JR Keihin-Tohoku Line via Negishi Station or a direct bus.
From the nearest bus stop, it takes about 5 to 15 minutes to walk through residential streets to reach the garden.
Budget and Transportation Tips
Sankeien Garden is open daily from 9:00 to 16:00, except from December 26 to 31. Admission is 900 yen for adults.
During the cherry blossom and autumn leaves seasons, the garden offers special evening light-up events, staying open from sunset to 7:30 PM.
