If you find yourself in your staying in Tokyo for an extended period, Yokohama is a pleasant destination for an easy day trip. Yokohama is about 30minites far from Tokyo by train and now Japan's second-largest city with a population of almost 3.6 million. Many Yokohama residents work in Tokyo and it's as easy to get to Yokohama as it is to get around Tokyo.

Sankeien Garden

You may remind of Yokohama as a metropolitan and port city. It's true, but there is still tranquil and sophisticated garden there.

Sankeien Garden is located in Honmoku, 35 minutes far from Yokohama station by bus. It is constructed with 17 historical buildings including 10 important cultural properties and spread-out Japanese garden. It covers an area of 175,000sqm. The cherry blossoms in the garden beautifully bloom in the springtime. The sentimental autumnal hues of trees are breathtaking in the fall. Ducks, in their whole flock, merrily flutter their wings and swim in the ponds.

Sankeien was built by Tomitaro Hara, a very wealthy man's son and heir who was engaged in silk trade from the latter part of the 1800s.

Inside the Garden

When he and his family settled in Honmoku, he created and developed a very fine landscape in an extensive land of 175,000sqm. Here, he purchased some of Japan's ancient buildings, and accommodated and provided assistance to well-known and aspiring artists of that time. Valuable ancient treasures from places like Kyoto and Kamakura were carefully dismantled to be transported, reassembled, and installed so that they perfectly suit the landscape of the garden. Hara called this vast land Sankeien, which means a garden of the third valley and adopted a pseudonym Sankei Hara. It is currently owned by the government who to this day, continued Sankei Hara's legacy of preserving Japan's oldest and priceless treasures.

Photo: View of a snow-covered Sankeien

Separated from these three buildings by a rich stream is another group of ancient houses, one built during the Edo Period (1603-1867) called the Choshukaku and another during the Momoyama Period (1573-1603), which is called the Old Tenzuiji Juto Oido. The Tenzuiji was built as a tomb by the powerful Toyotomi Hideyoshi for his mother while she was still alive to celebrate her long life after recovering from an illness. What is interesting about this mausoleum is the intricate artwork on the roofs and the doors that contrast its unornamented walls. Engraved on these is the karyobinga, a beautiful half-human and half-bird creature of paradise.

A tiny teahouse called Shunsouro stands in the middle of the abovementioned Choshukaku and the Old Tenzuiji. What is remarkable about this shingled house is its simplicity coupled with the nine windows that fill the entire house, which is the reason why it was also named Kusotei("Ku-so" means nine windows).

The Old Yanohara House at the Outer Garden

The old Yanohara house once belonged to a wealthy family of farmers of Gifu Prefecture during the Edo period (1600-1867). The very steep thatched roof was so made to prevent the snows from piling on its top. You can see the flame of the Japanese style fireplace everyday at the center of the house.

Other Sights at Sankeien

The Sankei's Memorial Hall exhibits portraits that illustrate Sankei Hara's life history. You will also witness inside the Memorial Hall a demonstration of the tea ceremony where you can have a fine taste of a matcha combined with Japanese sweets. You can also enjoy "Sankeisoba" (Japanese pasta), local dish of Sankeien.

Photo(left): demonstration of the tea ceremony.
Photo(right): "Sankeisoba" (Japanese pasta), local dish of Sankeien.

Upcoming events

Sankeien Plum Tree Viewing
Known for its magnificent plum blossom, viewing, and visitors can feast their eyes on the brilliant white plum and red Japanese apricot blossoms at Sankeien Garden in February and March.

The rare garyobai plum trees whose branches stretch close to the ground in the shape of a dragon are one of the "must see" sights. The garden also offers free hot tea at the Hatsune-jaya arbor every day as well as performances of traditional Japanese music, rice cake pounding (mochi-tsuki) and other events on weekends and holidays.

Photo: Plum Tree in Sankeien.

Dates: February 10 - March 9 2008

Evening Cherry Blossom Viewing
The Outer Garden will extend its hours when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom. The three-storied pagoda and several other buildings will be illuminated. Night viewing of illuminated trees is also popular.

Photo: Cherry Blossom in Sankeien.

Dates: Late March to Early April (including April 4 - April 6)