The "Eternal Tradition amid Yokohama’s Sea Breeze": Discovering the Timeless Spirit of Japan

Another way to get close to the sea is by taking a boat cruise, especially recommended is a nighttime harbor tour. If you have dinner on the boat, the outside light gradually fades into a deep blue curtain. By then, the lights on shore are already too far away, your vision slightly dimmed, and apart from the sound of waves rolling in and the scent of the tide drifting by, all you can feel is being wrapped in a heavy expanse of blue—the stillness and harmony between you and the sea.

Stepping into Sankeien Garden, it’s hard to imagine that such an elegant Japanese garden exists in a port city like Yokohama. Named after Yokohama entrepreneur “Hara Sankei,” this garden was originally privately owned and has been open to the public since 1906. This is no ordinary Japanese garden—hidden among the greenery are numerous historic buildings relocated from ancient cities like Kyoto and Kamakura, all exuding refined charm. When asked why the garden went to such lengths to gather structures from across Japan, the response is: “For a time, people were so focused on discarding the old and embracing the new that they forgot to preserve Japan’s timeless spirit. So Mr. Sankei moved these historic buildings, which were almost demolished, here to protect them.” For example, the gassho-style building “Old Yashiki” was originally located in Shiga Prefecture, but due to modern development, it couldn’t be preserved. So it was carefully relocated here. The garden also safeguards important cultural properties, allowing them to continue standing before the public. In addition, the tea house from Shimizu Sōseki’s former residence, the study from Kanzan Shimomura’s home, and the study from Taikan Yokoyama’s residence—all offer visitors unique cultural experiences.