Researched guide · Checked on Oct 21, 2026
Sankeien is a large Japanese garden in Yokohama, created by the silk merchant Hara Sankei. Around a big pond and wooded hills stand historic buildings brought from Kyoto, Kamakura and elsewhere, including a Muromachi-period pagoda. Ten of them are National Important Cultural Properties, and the garden is a national Place of Scenic Beauty. It makes a calm half-day trip from Tokyo.
Quick answer
Admission: adults (high school and over) ¥900, children (elementary and junior high) ¥200.
Hours: 9:00–17:00 (last entry 16:30). Closed December 26–31.
Getting there: city bus 8 or 168 from Yokohama Station East Exit to Sankeien-iriguchi, then about 5 minutes on foot.
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About the garden
Hara Sankei (1868–1939) was a Yokohama silk merchant and a major patron of Japanese art. He moved to Sankeien in 1902 and opened the outer garden to the public free of charge on May 1, 1906. After the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923 he worked to rebuild the city and became known as a benefactor of Yokohama. The garden was named a national Place of Scenic Beauty in 2007.
What to see
- Former Tomyoji Three-Story Pagoda: a Muromachi-period pagoda moved from Tomyoji temple in Kyoto. It stands on the hill above the pond and is the symbol of the garden.
- Rinshunkaku: an elegant early-Edo-period villa beside a pond in the inner garden.
- Former Yanohara House: a large thatched farmhouse.
- More Important Cultural Properties: Choshukaku, the Former Tomyoji Main Hall, the Former Tokeiji Buddha Hall, Gekkaden, Tenjuin, Shunsoro and the Former Tenzuiji Juto Shelter.
- Through the seasons: the garden posts what is in bloom on its website. In 2026 a chrysanthemum show runs from October 31 to November 23, and the Former Tokeiji Buddha Hall is specially opened from November 8 to December 13.
Tickets and hours
| Ticket | Adults (high school and over) | Children (elementary and junior high) |
|---|---|---|
| Individual | ¥900 | ¥200 |
| Group (10 or more) | ¥800 | ¥100 |
| Annual pass | ¥2,500 | ¥700 |
- Open 9:00–17:00, last entry 16:30. Hours can change for events.
- Closed December 26–31.
- Online tickets are sold by several sites. You can also buy at the gate.
- Parking next to the main gate costs ¥1,000 for the first 2 hours, then ¥200 per 30 minutes (cash only: ¥1,000 notes and coins). It gets very full in plum, cherry blossom and autumn leaf season.
Getting there
There is no train station next to the garden, so most visitors take a city bus.
| From | Bus | Get off at | Then walk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yokohama Station East Exit (stop 2) | City bus 8 (via Sakuragicho) or 168, about 40 min | Sankeien-iriguchi | about 5 min to the Main Gate |
| Motomachi-Chukagai (Chukagai-iriguchi, stop 2) | City bus 8 or 168, about 15 min | Sankeien-iriguchi | about 5 min to the Main Gate |
| Negishi Station (stop 7) | City bus 54 or 97, about 10 min | Sankeien-minamimon-iriguchi | about 7 min to the South Gate |
| Negishi Station (stop 1) | City bus 58 or 101, about 10 min | Honmoku | about 10 min to the Main Gate |
On weekends and holidays the Burari Sankeien Bus also runs from Yokohama Station and Sakuragicho Station to the garden’s parking lot. Check bus times on the Yokohama City Transportation Bureau website before you go. Combine the garden with a day in Yokohama.
Find Sankeien Garden tickets
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FAQ
How much is Sankeien Garden?
Adults (high school and over) pay ¥900 and children (elementary and junior high) pay ¥200.
What are Sankeien’s opening hours?
9:00 to 17:00, with last entry at 16:30. The garden is closed from December 26 to 31.
How do I get to Sankeien from Yokohama Station?
Take city bus 8 or 168 from stop 2 at the East Exit to Sankeien-iriguchi (about 40 minutes), then walk about 5 minutes.
Is Sankeien worth visiting from Tokyo?
If you like Japanese gardens and old buildings, yes. Ten of its buildings are National Important Cultural Properties, and the garden changes with the seasons.
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Sources
Prices, hours, bus routes, the buildings and the garden’s history come from Sankeien’s official website (checked October 21, 2026).
