Sankeien Garden

A Summer Escape to Sankeien Garden.. If you're looking for a peaceful break from the energy of Yokohama, you've to visit Sankeien Garden. I arrived arounf 11.30 qnd completely charmed by this place, especially in the summer (which a bit hot). It's not just a beautiful park; it's a collection of history, with a bunch of traditional buildings—old farmhouses, pagodas, even teahouses. I have walked through the paths felt like a journey back in time, with each new structure telling its own story against the backdrop of vibrant green. The whole garden is designed so beautifully. The main pond is a big part of the experience, with the dense summer foliage creating perfect reflections on the water. I could have spent an hour just sitting there, watching the ducks and enjoying the quiet hum of cicadas. The paths wind around, leading you to hidden spots and incredible views. The lush, verdant trees create a natural shade that makes exploring even on a hot day incredibly pleasant. A little tip: make sure you find your way up to the Choshukaku Pavilion. It’s a bit of a slope, but the view is absolutely worth it. It’s the perfect spot to sit and take a moment to soak it all in. The front staff were all so welcoming and the price is affordable 👍🏻

A unique experience in Yokohama, away from the crowds. It's just a 30 minute ride by bus from Yokohama station and costs 220 each way. Entrance fee to the grounds is 900 yen, which can seem a bit high, but they don't charge extra for all the buildings and expositions on-site. You can easily spend multiple hours exploring every inch of this place. They have a large collection of flora which blooms at different times of the year. Currently, the lotus flowers are in bloom. The big, bright pink flowers are breathtaking, especially with the pagoda in the back, it's such a unique view. It wasn't busy at all when I was here. It was so peaceful. There are also a few food and tea stalls where you can take a little break. And enough benches throughout the area to take small breaks. Definitely worth visiting.

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 gets too loud.

Agree to place to enjoy fall foliage at leisure. I suggest going to the garden in day afternoon, so that you can also enjoy the setting Sun right next to Mount Fuji in the observation Tower.

I hesitated to go due to the season (December 2025) but the leaves were still vibrant and the ambiance tranquil. I’d argue it’d be worth going out of your way here any month of the year. After this visit, I’d be excited to check out how the garden changes throughout all the seasons. You can feed the ducks and there was one of those Japanese monkey shows going on while I was there. Free English tour available @1:30PM by main park entrance. My guide, Keiko-san was a joy to be around and chock full of information. There’s a bus from Yokohama station that stops in the parking lot of the gardens.