Sankeien Garden, a public interest incorporated foundation, was established in 1953 with the purpose of preserving, managing, and promoting the historic and natural heritage of Sankeien Garden.

Sankeien Garden was created by Yokohama businessman Hara Sankei, who accumulated wealth through the sericulture and raw silk trade. He moved many historically significant buildings from Kyoto and Kamakura to his private residence and built this Japanese garden, which was opened to the public in 1906. Spanning approximately 175,000 square meters, the garden features natural terrain and includes 17 buildings, ten of which are designated as nationally Important Cultural Properties and three as Yokohama City’s designated Tangible Cultural Properties. The entire garden is also a nationally designated Scenic Spot.

Japanese wooden architecture and gardens can be preserved and passed down to future generations in good condition by performing regular maintenance and large-scale repairs at certain intervals, thereby maintaining their shape, structure, and story. The foundation carries out such preservation work using traditional techniques and natural materials while also expanding recognition through the public opening and utilization of the facilities. These efforts raise awareness of the garden’s significance and rarity, helping to secure necessary funding. In addition, the founder, Hara Sankei, not only opened his cultural heritage to the public but also contributed to the creation of new culture by engaging with many cultural figures at Sankeien Garden. The foundation continues to carry out initiatives aligned with this legacy.