Autumn Colors and Culture: Special Seasonal Events at Sankeien Garden
Choshukaku Pavilion and Autumn Foliage
From November 21 to December 14, 2025, Yokohama’s Sankeien Garden will open the path behind the Choshukaku Pavilion to the public for a limited time at the peak of the autumn foliage season. Golden ginkgo leaves and crimson maples surround the garden’s historical buildings, bathing the grounds in the rich colors of fall. Visitors can also enjoy a wide variety of seasonal events—including exhibitions, lectures, nature observation sessions, traditional sarumawashi (monkey performances), and cafés—making it a terrific place to experience autumn.
By AAJ Editorial TeamWalking Through Sankeien: Where History and Nature Intertwine
The Great Ginkgo Tree near the Juto Oido Hall of the Former Tenzuiji Temple
Created by Hara Sankei, a businessman active during Japan’s early modern period, Sankeien is known as a Japanese garden where historical architecture and nature coexist in harmony. The Choshukaku Pavilion, originally part of Kyoto’s Nijo Castle and now designated as an Important Cultural Property, is especially famous for its stunning autumn scenery, like a painting wrapped in vibrant foliage.
For a limited period, visitors can stroll along the normally restricted path behind the pavilion, listening to the gentle sounds of water and birds while admiring a breathtaking view of the autumn leaves and a three-storied pagoda.
Also during this period, the Sankeien Memorial Hall will host a special exhibition titled “Dear Mr. Sankei”, introducing the relationship between Hara Sankei and tea master Matsunaga Jian. Other programs include expert lectures and volunteer-led nature observation sessions. At the Central Plaza, the Nikko Saru Gundan troupe will perform the traditional sarumawashi monkey show.
Local shops such as Japanese Tea Shop Sakura, Pan-ya no Oyaji (Bakery), Ume Kobo Umeya, and Koroan will open for this limited time. Enjoying Japanese sweets and tea while viewing the autumn leaves is a peaceful and refined way to conclude a stroll through the garden.
DATA:
Dates: November 21 (Fri) – December 14 (Sun), 2025
Venue: Sankeien Garden, 58-1 Honmokusannotani, Naka-ku, Yokohama
Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (varies by event)
Admission: Garden entry only (some events require additional fees)
Official Website: https://www.sankeien.or.jp/
Information as of the time of writing. Please check the official website or official social media accounts for the latest details.
