As part of the Kanagawa & Yokohama Destination Campaign Pre-Campaign, Sankeien Garden — a nationally designated scenic garden in Yokohama — is hosting a series of special programs that offer access to cultural properties not normally open to the public.
Special Preview of Rinshunkaku
Rinshunkaku, a building considered the centerpiece of Sankeien Garden's inner garden, is being opened to visitors for a limited time. Originally built in 1649 as a villa of the Kishu Tokugawa family, the structure features sliding door paintings by Kanō school artists and elaborate transoms (ranma) adorned with inlaid poetry cards — hallmarks of the refined sukiya-style shoin architecture of the Edo period. From inside the building, visitors can also enjoy views of the lush green garden.
Dates: April 29 (Wed, Holiday) to May 10 (Sun), 2026
Hours: 10:00 AM to 3:50 PM (15 guests per session, 20 minutes per session, fully reserved — no walk-ins)
- ①10:00 AM–10:20 AM ②10:30 AM–10:50 AM ③11:00 AM–11:20 AM ④11:30 AM–11:50 AM
- ⑤12:00 PM–12:20 PM ⑥12:30 PM–12:50 PM ⑦1:00 PM–1:20 PM ⑧1:30 PM–1:50 PM
- ⑨2:00 PM–2:20 PM ⑩2:30 PM–2:50 PM ⑪3:00 PM–3:20 PM ⑫3:30 PM–3:50 PM
Fee: ¥1,000 (tax included; garden admission fee charged separately)
Eligibility: Elementary school students and above
Reservations: Advance reservation required via Peatix: https://peatix.com/event/4921253/
※ Please note that, as a historic structure, Rinshunkaku has steps and narrow passageways and is not barrier-free.
Special Opening of Kyu Tensui-ji Juto Fukudo
The Kyu Tensui-ji Juto Fukudo, another nationally designated Important Cultural Property, will be specially opened during a separate period. This structure once covered the antemortem tomb (juto) that Toyotomi Hideyoshi built to pray for the longevity of his mother, Odai no Kata. Originally constructed in 1591 at Tensui-ji Temple in Kyoto — a temple that no longer exists — it was relocated to the inner garden of Sankeien Garden in 1905, making it the first historic structure moved there.
The exterior's intricate Momoyama-era carvings and imposing irimoya (hip-and-gable) roof are visible throughout the year, but the vividly colored interior, restored after World War II, can only be viewed during this special period. (Viewing is from outside the building in order to protect the structure.)
Dates: May 9 (Sat) to May 17 (Sun), 2026
Hours: 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM
Fee: Free (garden admission fee charged separately; no reservation required)
※ The public viewing may be suspended in the event of bad weather.
Original Teas: "Rinshun" Matcha and "Choshu" Sencha
Sankeien Garden, founded by Hara Sankei — counted among the three great tea masters of modern Japan — is home to many teahouses and continues to host tea gatherings today. A pop-up café called Salon Bōtōtei, set up in the lobby of the Sankeien Memorial Hall, is serving two original teas inspired by iconic buildings on the grounds.
Matcha "Rinshun" draws inspiration from Rinshunkaku. Just as the building's exterior was significantly altered during relocation while its interior retained the original Edo-period design, this matcha preserves traditional craftsmanship while incorporating a distinctive contemporary character.
Sencha "Choshu" takes its cue from Choshukaku, an elegant pavilion-style structure that stands with quiet dignity amid fresh greenery. With transparency and a lingering resonance in both aroma and flavor, it captures the refined atmosphere of the building it is named after.
Dates: April 23 (Thu) to April 26 (Sun), April 29 (Wed, Holiday) to May 10 (Sun), May 14 (Thu) to May 17 (Sun), May 21 (Thu) to May 24 (Sun), May 28 (Thu) to May 31 (Sun), 2026
※ Schedules from June onward will be announced on the Sankeien Garden official website and other channels as they are confirmed.
Hours: 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM (last order 4:00 PM)
Venue: Sankeien Memorial Hall Lobby (Pop-up Café Salon Bōtōtei)
Prices:
- Seasonal Japanese confectionery with Sankeien original matcha "Rinshun" set: ¥1,500
- Seasonal Japanese confectionery with Sankeien original sencha "Choshu" set: ¥1,300
Sankeien Garden
58-1 Honmoku Sannotani, Naka-ku, Yokohama 231-0824
Official website: https://www.sankeien.or.jp/
