Sankeien Garden — Attraction in Yokohama

In the evening, I take a walk at Sankeien Garden, an ancient garden that is 152 years old. Rough History Sankeien Garden was built during the Meiji era, designed and built by Mr. Tomitaro Hara (原 富 太郎) (in 1868), known as the sankeihara, he was a merchant of Silk Almost all of the wooden buildings are historic buildings that Hara has bought from places around Japan, such as those from Tokyo, Kyoto and Kamakura and Gifu Prefecture and Wakayama Prefecture. This garden Declared an Important Cultural Property Considered a tangible Japanese cultural property, which was determined by Yokohama politics, San Gei Garden was severely damaged during World War II. This park was donated to Yokohama in 2009. In 1953, which was entrusted to the Sangen Foundation, the garden was then restored to its original condition before the war . The garden occupies a total area of ​​175,000 square meters with pools, streams and undulating trails. There is a Japanese-style garden designed by Sangehara himself, including a teak building. Many of the old buildings, such as Tomyo-ji and the ancient three-story wooden pagoda (旧 燈 明 寺 三重 塔), were originally built in Kyoto in 2000 and relocated in 1914 and the former Yanohara House. (旧 矢 箆 原 家 住宅) was originally a private residence of the Yanohara family Was moved to the garden as well Works in the gardens began in 1902 and ended in 1908, two years after it was opened to the public. During Hana's lifetime, this place became a gathering point for Meiji artists . World War II devastated many buildings in 1953. The park was donated by the Hara family to Yokohama, where the Sangen Hoshokai Foundation was built for repairs. And maintain Restoration began in 1953, and five years later the garden was restored and opened to the public again. The Japanese government has designated 10 structures in Sankeien Garden as important cultural properties, while the other three are tangible cultural properties designated by Yokohama. [This garden is popular for Cherry blossom viewing Ume blossoms and autumn leaves For the sensation of walking through this park during the absence of foreigners during COVID. It was so beautiful and so peaceful. There are many kinds of trees that look shady. Has a feeling of being in ancient times There is a vast lake There are pelicans, teal, cats, and turtles and squirrels. As for the old wooden house in the garden, it exhibits the objects and their old style. I was impressed to come to such a beautiful and...

Visiting Sankeien Garden was one of the most peaceful and visually stunning experiences I’ve had in Japan. From the moment I stepped in, it felt like I had been transported back in time. The landscape is absolutely beautiful—perfectly maintained ponds, stone bridges, winding paths, and an incredible collection of historic buildings that were relocated from places like Kyoto and Kamakura. The three-story pagoda on the hilltop is especially breathtaking, and I couldn’t stop taking photos of it from different angles.

I went in the spring, and the cherry blossoms were in full bloom. The reflection of the sakura in the water, the koi fish swimming lazily below—it was honestly like a scene out of a postcard. I’ve heard it’s just as gorgeous in the fall when the leaves turn fiery red and gold, so I definitely plan to come back then.

What really made the visit special was how quiet and calming it was. Even with other people around, it never felt crowded or noisy. I spent time just sitting by the water and enjoying the stillness, something that’s hard to find in a busy city like Yokohama. There’s also a traditional teahouse where I had a quiet matcha break, which felt like the perfect way to soak in the surroundings.

It’s not right next to a train station, so be ready for a short bus ride or walk, but it’s 100% worth the effort. If you’re looking for a place to slow down, appreciate nature, and feel a deep connection to Japan’s cultural heritage, Sankeien is a must-visit. I’ll be recommending it to...

Sankeien Garden in Yokohama is one of those places that feels like it belongs in a different time peaceful, spacious, and full of quiet stories. The moment you walk in, it’s like the city fades away. You’re surrounded by traditional wooden buildings, koi ponds, stone lanterns, and wide-open walking paths that invite you to slow down.

What makes Sankeien special isn’t just the scenery it’s the history woven into it. Many of the buildings here were brought from Kyoto and other parts of Japan, some over 500 years old. The three-storied pagoda perched on the hill is especially striking, like something out of a woodblock print. It feels almost surreal seeing it reflected in the still water below.

Every season has its moment here. In spring, cherry blossoms frame the garden in pink; summer brings lush green and lotus flowers; autumn turns the trees a deep, fiery red; and even in winter, the garden has a quiet charm with camellias and snow-dusted rooftops. You’ll find families with kids, elderly couples, and artists with sketchpads all soaking in the calm.

There’s also a small teahouse and a museum area that adds to the atmosphere. It's not flashy or crowded like some tourist spots, but that’s the beauty of it. Sankeien feels personal, like a well-kept secret you’ll want to revisit whenever life...