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Yokohama Sankeien Garden: Beauty, Tranquility, History

By on May 28, 2017

Sankei-en is the legacy of Yokohama silk trader Tomitaro Hara, more widely known by his pseudonym, Sankei Hara. The expansive outer gardens, originally Hara’s private residence, were opened to the public in 1906, keeping true to Hara’s philosophy regarding the natural world. He is quoted as saying; “The scenic beauties of nature should not be privately owned…it is a natural duty to open them to the public.” As a result of Sankei Hara’s benevolent point of view, visitors are still able to enjoy strolling through these tranquil gardens…100 years later.

Not only was Sankei Hara extremely successful in business during the Meiji Era, he was a great connoisseur of arts, culture, and historic Japanese buildings. Sankei-en is filled with important structures relocated from Kyoto and Kamakura, preserving them for future generations to learn from and enjoy. The buildings are so well set in the natural landscape that one might presume this to be their original location. Although the gardens were severely damaged during the Second World War, they were carefully rebuilt under the administration of the Sankei-en Hoshokai Foundation, which oversees the garden today.

Timelessness prevails at Sankei-en. Upon entering, visitors are treated to the stunning view of the large pond framed by greenery, bridges and arbors, and Sankei-en’s distinctive landmark high in the hills, Tomyoji Pagoda. Each season will lend its particular beauty and ambience to the gardens: cherry trees, wisteria, and azalea bushes steal the show in the spring, and maple trees will set the garden aglow in autumn.

The Memorial also houses a small walk-through exhibit giving more insight into the life of Sankei Hara.

While the grown-ups are enjoying the beauties of the gardens, little ones will be kept busy following the interesting terrain of the paths up and down hills, over creeks, and alongside small waterfalls. You can purchase fish food for feeding the abundant carp and turtles in the ponds and streams. The large old farmhouse is open to explore –don’t miss climbing up into the rafters to see the massive wooden beams supporting the roof. For lunch, visitors can enjoy simple fare such as udon or soba at either of two casual open-air restaurants, or simply snack on Japanese dango (sweet dumplings) or ice cream.

Plan to spend several leisurely hours to experience Sankei Hara’s legacy at Sankei-en. This day trip is a real mix of history, culture, and natural beauty. Take time to enjoy it.

Address: 58-1 Honmoku, Sannotani, Naka-ku, Yokohama, 231-0824

Tel: 045-621-0634

Nearest station: Negishi (10 mins. on bus numbers: 54,58, 99, 101, or 108 to Honmoku, then 7-minute walk) by JR Keihin Tohoku

By car:  Yokohama/Haneda Expressway
Exit name: Honmokufuto
Parking Available: Yes

Information

Price: Adult: ¥ 500
Child: ¥ 200
Other info:

Hours: 9:00am-5:00pm (Closed Dec. 29th –31st)

http://www.sankeien.or.jp/en-about/index.html

Handy Hints:

Plan to spend several leisurely hours to experience the entire garden.
Although many of the buildings are not open to the public, it will take time to see both the outer and inner garden, and to hike up to see Tomyoji Pagoda, the oldest pagoda in the Kanto area. The wide paths are mostly level, and are stroller/wheelchair accessible.

 

About Valerie Sawatzky