Okochi Sanso Garden
Okochi Sanso, the beautiful former estate of Japanese period film star Ōkōchi Denjirō, is well worth a visit on your day out in Arashiyama.
Located at the foot of Mount Ogura, the Okochi Sanso estate includes a villa (the star’s former residence), as well as a teahouse, Buddhist halls, and the famous Okochi Sanso Garden.
The Okochi Sanso Villa and Garden are just a short walk from the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and an easy add-on to your bamboo forest stroll.
Although the villa was built not too long ago, it features a traditional architectural style that transports you to earlier times.
The Okochi Sanso Garden is the major draw here. A joy to stroll regardless of the season, the beauty of the meticulously-planned gardens will captivate you.
So whether you are a nature lover or a history and culture buff, you must definitely plan to stop by Okochi Sanso on your visit to the Arashiyama district of Kyoto!
Planning a trip to the famous grove? Visit our Arashiyama Bamboo Forest home page for the complete rundown on every single detail!
And if you’re just starting to plan your visit to Japan, check out some of the top things to do in Japan, many of which you absolutely don’t want to miss!
What to See at Okochi Sanso
Stroll the Okochi Sanso Garden
Laid out along the southern slope of Mount Ogura, the Okochi Sanso Garden was developed by Okochi Denjiro over a period of about three decades.
Enter the garden through the main gate and simply follow the route marked with arrows to meander through the main points of interest.
With pines, maples, and cherry trees, the garden is beautifully landscaped to show the beauty of the different seasons.
Admire the buildings in the garden
A number of structures scattered about the gardens offer architectural interest.
The Daijo-kaku is a fusion of ancient architectural styles such as shinden-zukuri and sukiya-zukuri. It is the main building in the complex, and has a beautiful setting.
The Jibutsudo is a small Buddhist shrine, and the Denjiro Okochi Memorial Hall showcases exhibits on the actor.
Enjoy the views
At the top of the complex, the Gekko-tei offers sensational views over the city of Kyoto.
The Moonlight Pavilion is the highest point in the Okochi Sanso Garden. Especially in the fall, the colorful foliage in the foreground and the city in the back make for a delightful scene.
You can also enjoy views of the surrounding mountains and a view over the Hozu River and gorge from the Okochi Sanso Gorge Observation Deck.
Have refreshments at the tea house
Tekisui-an, the tea house at Okochi Sanso, is a great place to experience the traditional Japanese tea ceremony and some refreshments.
Okochi Sanso Garden Access
In Arashiyama, exit the Tenryu-ji Temple complex via the north gate, turn left and walk through the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove to the entrance to the Okochi Sanso Garden.
The address for Okochi Sanso is 8 Tabushiyama-cho, Saga Ogurayama, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto 616-8394.
Okochi Sanso Garden Hours
The Okochi Sanso Garden is open daily from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.
Okochi Sanso Garden Entrance Fee
The Okochi Sanso Garden has an entrance fee of 1,000 yen (about USD 6.50).
Elementary and middle school students pay a discounted fee of 500 yen (about USD 3.25) each.
Although the entrance fee may seem a little steep, you will be captivated by your stroll through the gorgeous (and often uncrowded) gardens.
Best Time to Visit Okochi Sanso
The Okochi Sanso Garden has been carefully planned and developed to be attractive in any season.
If you want to cherry blossoms in bloom, visit in the spring. Azaleas also provide color in the spring and early summer.
Maples blaze in reds, oranges, and yellows in the fall.
Summer brings lots of serene green, and pine trees (and sometimes snow!) offer a tranquil experience in the winter.
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