Japanese Garden

The Japanese garden, which covers about 20,000m² and is surrounded by three Hotels – The Prince Sakura Tower Tokyo, Grand Prince Hotel Takanawa, and Grand Prince Hotel Shin Takanawa – is adorned with flowers, trees, and ponds, that change with the seasons. It is also dotted with historic and artistic sites. In 2021, the garden’s Kannondo Hall, Bell Tower, and Sanmon Gate were designated as tangible cultural properties by Minato Ward.

[Buildings in the Japanese Garden]

Kihinkan
Completed in 1911 as the former residence of Japan’s Prince Takeda, this building was designed by Tokuma Katayama, Kozaburo Kigo, and Yuzuru Watanabe.

Charyo EAN
Built in 1985, this tea house was designed by the late Togo Murano.

Kannon-do Hall
Part of a three-story pagoda previously located at Chokyuji Temple in Ikoma City, Nara Prefecture, this building was relocated to its current site in 1954. The enshrined statue of the eleven-faced Kannon (Goddess of Mercy) was produced in the Muromachi Period (around the 15th century).

Bell Tower
This tower was built in 1656 and relocated from Nenbutsuji Temple in Nara City, Nara Prefecture in 1959.

Sanmon Gate and Bronze Garden Lanterns
The creator and history of the sanmon gate are unknown. The bronze garden lanterns were relocated from the mausoleum of the Tokugawa Shogunate (now the MN Hotel) which ruled during Japan’s Edo Period (1603-1867).

Guardian Lion Dogs
Dating back to the days when China was ruled by the Qianlong Emperor (18th century, Qing Dynasty), these guardian lion dogs were relocated from the JKL Hotel in 1990. The lion dog playing with the ball is the male, while the one nursing her cub is the female.

Six Seasons of Takanawa

Spring
In spring, the Japanese Garden is at its most spectacular, with approximately 210 cherry blossom trees of 17 varieties in full bloom. In the evenings, the cherry blossom trees are lit up, enabling visitors to enjoy the magical night blossoms. Between late March and early April, the annual “Cherry Blossom Festival” is held here.

Early Summer
After the cherry blossom season is over, the entire area is tinted with the lush green of fresh verdure. In this brisk season, satsuki and azaleas are in their prime, and in June, the hydrangeas near the Kabukimon Gate beautifully add to the color of the rainy season.

Summer
In summer, a chorus of cicadas can be heard from the garden.
A “Summer Festival” is held every year in the garden during the Bon Festival in August. Children dressed in jinbei playing at the festival and enjoying fireworks by the pond are a feature of summer in Takanawa.

Fall
Visitors can enjoy the colored leaves in the garden from late November to early December.
The garden’s fall foliage, which gradually changes color as winter draws near, is a must-see.

Early Winter
In December, the Japanese garden prepares for winter.
Ropes are attached to the garden’s pine trees to protect them from the snow as preparations for the onset of winter begin.
At Christmas, visitors can enjoy a seasonal light display befitting of this time of the year.
*Please note that this event may not be held depending on the year.

Winter
In midwinter, the garden is blanketed in snow up to several times per year.
The rarely seen snowy landscape is also beautiful.