Summary:
Exploring Sankeien Garden in Yokohama
Following an evening of refreshments at Miyakobashi Shotengai Street, we opted for a brief repose before venturing into the city.
There was a particular location I was keen to explore upon our arrival in Yokohama, and that was the Sankeien Garden, established over a century ago.
What makes this garden particularly notable is not solely its aesthetic appeal, but also the historic edifices and narratives encapsulated within its grounds.
Within the premises, there are tea houses, a designated daimyo, and the oldest wooden pagoda in this region, which was preserved from Kyoto’s historic Tomyoji Temple.
Moreover, there are several traditional residences originating from Kyoto that date back several centuries.
This is an essential destination when visiting Yokohama, regardless of the weather. Notably, even the local ravens sought refuge in the shade!
After a brief exploration of the Shunsoro, Tenjuin, and the Main Hall of Old Tomyoji, we opted for a leisurely stroll towards the wooden pagoda situated on the hill.
While the journey may not have appeared extensive, the combination of high temperatures and humidity transformed it into a challenging trek. Nevertheless, the sight was undeniably rewarding.
The wooden pagoda is quintessentially Japanese and an unmissable marvel when exploring the city.
Additionally, the gardens offer a complimentary English-speaking tour at 2 PM on most days, relieving you from translating the informational texts via online resources.
After some exploration at the top, we proceeded to indulge in some shopping within the city. First on our list was the Yokohamabashi Shopping District—a local establishment cherished for nearly a century.
This market possesses an impressive array of offerings, catering to almost every conceivable desire or culinary need. It is a vibrant marketplace, abundant with options.
This establishment may not be ideal for souvenir shopping; however, it stands out as an authentic local experience worth exploring if you find yourself in the vicinity. The stroll itself will take approximately ten minutes.
Subsequently, on our return journey towards the bay area, we opted to explore Isezaki Mall, which hosts a variety of shops catering to diverse tastes. This mall features quaint grocery stores, unique boutiques, and nightlife venues closely situated to its borders.
Walking through Isezaki Mall, the tantalizing aromas from various stalls and shops quickly made our appetites known. Consequently, we found ourselves quite hungry.
Fortunately, we found a solution by visiting our preferred eatery in Minato Mirai, where we savored a substantial serving of udon noodles paired with prawn tempura.
To accompany our meal, we also enjoyed a refreshing Kirin Beer.
Neither of us could resist the delectable food before setting out to admire the sunset at Osanbashi Bridge.
In all honesty, this location offers a breathtaking atmosphere for relaxation with a coffee or something more spirited. Furthermore, it serves as the ideal vantage point to witness the city transform from day to night, particularly enhanced by the city skyline.
Historically, we often neglected to visit Yokohama when traveling to Japan and Tokyo, despite their proximity of only 30 minutes. This oversight has been notable, and I am grateful that we finally had the opportunity to appreciate the distinctive, enjoyable, and historical attractions this city has to offer.
Overall, our adventures in Yokohama were enriching, and we eagerly anticipate our next visit.
