What is Sankeien Garden? A Historic Japanese Landscape Garden in Yokohama
Located in Yokohama, close to Tokyo, Sankeien Garden is renowned for its expansive grounds and stunning gardens. Whether you’re visiting during cherry blossom season in spring, enjoying the vibrant autumn foliage, or experiencing a firefly-lit summer night, this guide covers everything from transportation options to entrance fees and dining recommendations.
Top Attractions and Things to Do in Sankeien Garden
Explore 17 Historic Buildings, Including a Three-Story Pagoda
Sankeien Garden spans 175,000㎡ and is home to 17 historic buildings, including a striking three-story pagoda and traditional tea houses relocated from Kyoto and Kamakura. Many of these structures are designated as Important Cultural Properties, preserving Japan’s architectural heritage.
Seasonal Highlights: The Best Times to Visit Sankeien Garden
- Spring: Cherry blossoms and plum blossoms in full bloom around the central pond
- Summer: Firefly viewing events at night
- Autumn: Stunning fall foliage and special evening illuminations
- Winter: A quiet garden atmosphere with traditional tea ceremonies and snowy landscapes
The History and Cultural Significance of Sankeien Garden
Sankeien Garden’s origins trace back to 1868 when a local landowner first began cultivating the land. It was later expanded by Sankei Hara, a prominent Meiji-era businessman, who began relocating historic buildings to the garden in 1902. The garden opened to the public in 1906, and in 2007, it was designated as a National Historic Site.
Where to Eat: Dining Options Inside and Near Sankeien Garden
There are three tea houses inside the garden where you can enjoy light meals such as soba, ramen, rice dumplings, and ice cream. Since there are few restaurants near the garden, it is recommended to have a meal at Yokohama Station or in Chinatown.
If you head to downtown Yokohama, you’ll discover a large Chinatown with many restaurants open late into the night. Please refer to this Trip.com for information about Yokohama Chinatown.
Getting to Yokohama Chinatown from Sankeien Garden
- By Bus: Take a bus from “Honmoku Sankeien-mae” to Sakuragicho or Yokohama Station (about 15 minutes).
- By Walking: About one hour walk.
How to Get to Sankeien Garden from Yokohama Station and Tokyo
Since Sankeien Garden is tucked away in a residential area, using Google Maps or a navigation app is highly recommended for precise directions.
From Yokohama Station to Sankeien Garden
By Train and Bus (Fastest Route)
- Take the JR Keihin-Tohoku/Negishi Line to Negishi Station (about 10 minutes).
- Transfer to a city bus at Negishi Station and get off at Honmoku Sankeien-mae bus stop (about 10 minutes).
- Bus fare: Approximately ¥220.
By Direct Bus from Yokohama Station
- Take a direct bus from the Yokohama Station East Exit Bus Terminal bound for “Honmoku Shako-mae.”
- Get off at Honmoku Sankeien-mae bus stop (about 35 minutes).
From Tokyo to Sankeien Garden via Yokohama
To get to Yokohama Station from Tokyo, you can take one of the following JR lines:
- JR Tokaido Line: Fastest option (about 25 minutes).
- JR Yokosuka Line: Underground platform, takes about 27 minutes.
- JR Keihin-Tohoku Line: Local train with more stops, takes around 40 minutes.
- Fare: Around ¥500 for all options.
From Yokohama Station, follow the above routes to reach Sankeien Garden.
Sankeien Garden Entrance Fees, Opening Hours, and Parking
- Entrance Fee: ¥900 for adults, ¥200 for children (junior high school students and younger).
- Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM (last entry at 4:00 PM).
- Nighttime Illumination: Special openings during cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons (until 7:30 PM).
- Closed: December 26 – 31.
- Parking: Available for ¥500 per day.
Where to Stay: Recommended Hotels Near Sankeien Garden
For accommodation, Yokohama offers a range of hotels near Minato Mirai, while Tokyo provides more options near major transport hubs like Shibuya and Tokyo Station. Please refer to this Trip.com for information about accommodations around Yokohama.
Final Thoughts
Sankeien Garden is a must-visit historical garden that offers stunning seasonal landscapes. Be sure to check transportation options, entrance fees, illumination schedules, and parking details in advance to make the most of your visit to Yokohama.
