Yokohama Sankeien Garden Autumn Special Illumination Bamboo Lantern Night November 23, 2024 (Sat)

Sankeien Overview

Sankeien Garden is an important historical heritage site that boasts unique charm and value, even in Yokohama, which has many popular tourist spots.

It was 118 years ago, in 1906, that Hara Sankei, a businessman who made his fortune in raw silk trading, opened this garden to the public, believing that "beautiful natural scenery is a shared asset that should be enjoyed by all." Historical buildings* such as a three-story pagoda and teahouse that were relocated from Kyoto, Kamakura, and other places are cleverly arranged on the vast 175,000m² site. In addition, seasonal flowers and plants such as plum, cherry, lotus, and autumn leaves further accentuate the charm of the old architecture. *As of 2024, there are a total of 17 buildings, including 10 buildings designated as Important Cultural Properties by the National Government and 3 buildings designated as Tangible Cultural Properties by Yokohama City.

In 2007, the entire garden, which combines these ancient buildings with the natural environment that surrounds them, was recognized as a cultural asset and designated as a National Place of Scenic Beauty.

Tour Overview

To coincide with Sankeien Garden's annual autumn event, "Illumination of the Autumn Leaves," special cuisine will be served at Hakuun-tei, a Yokohama City designated tangible cultural property whose interior is usually closed to the public, by Masago Saryo, a popular local restaurant that has received two Michelin stars for five consecutive years.

A new feature in the gardens, bamboo lanterns have been added, something that has not been seen in previous "Autumn Leaves Illumination" events. Participants of this plan can enjoy the illumination of the gardens exclusively.

Hakuun Residence

This retirement home was built in 1920 (Taisho 9) by Hara Sankei for him and his wife. Based on Sankei's own concept, it was built by Yamada Genichi, a carpenter from his hometown. The roof is covered with cypress bark, the eaves are covered with copper sheets, and the interior is fitted with Kyoto-style tatami mats of a size common in the Kansai region. While it is a sukiya-style building based on carefully selected materials and traditional construction methods, there are also attempts to introduce modern elements into Japanese architecture, such as a lounge designed to accommodate chairs and tables, a truss-structured attic, a telephone room, and a shower in the bathroom.

Masago Saryo Restaurant

Masago Saryo is a traditional Japanese restaurant that is known for its dishes that are especially seasonal. Using fresh local ingredients, you can enjoy the flavors of each season. For this special event, at Hakuun-tei, they will be serving kaiseki cuisine full of the seasons, using seasonal ingredients, respecting the "wabi-sabi" spirit of the tea ceremony.

Tour Itinerary

●Date: Saturday, November 23, 2024

●Meeting location: Sankeien Hakuuntei

●Schedule: Reception begins at 17:00

17:30～19:30 Kaiseki cuisine

19:30～21:00 Private viewing

●Price: 33,000 yen per person (tax included) *Sankeien admission fee is required separately.

Capacity: First 15 people

Travel planning and implementation of the tour

Company name: JTB Yokohama Branch

For details and to apply, click here