Kyoto · Arashiyama
Okochi Sanso Garden
Okochi Sanso is the villa of Okochi Denjiro (1898-1962), a star of samurai films, who built it himself over about 30 years on the southern slope of Mount Ogura. The grounds cover about 20 thousand square meters.
The path climbs among pines, cherry trees and maples, with views of the Arashiyama mountains, the Hozu River gorge, Mount Hiei and the city of Kyoto. There is also a display of photos from Okochi's career and from Japanese cinema before and after the war. The ticket includes matcha and a sweet.
Good to know
- The garden is at the western end of the bamboo path and opens at 09:00. If you start early in the grove, you reach it before the groups.
- From here you can continue north to Jojakko-ji and the quiet streets of Sagano, instead of going back on the same path.
- There is free parking for 10 cars.
What is nearby
Approximate walking minutes from the entrance of Okochi Sanso Garden.
- HereOkochi Sanso Garden
- ~7 min
Nonomiya Shrine More to see
A small shrine with a torii gate of unpeeled wood, which according to the shrine is the ancient style of torii gates. People pray here for relationships, childbirth and studies. Free.
- ~7 min
Shigetsu (Tenryu-ji) Food
The restaurant of Tenryu-ji's monastic cuisine, inside the temple. According to the temple, it uses no animal ingredients at all. The basic meal, 'Yuki', is ¥3,800, plus ¥500 for entry to the garden. Book at least two days ahead.
- ~8 min
Unagi Hirokawa Food
Eel grilled over charcoal. By reservation only, and booking opens a month ahead. Unaju ¥3,900 before tax.
- ~9 min
Yojiya Cafe Sagano Arashiyama Cafe
The cafe of Yojiya, the Kyoto brand of oil-blotting paper, 32 seats. Matcha and sweets. The takeaway menu is currently suspended.
- ~12 min
Kimono Forest, Randen Arashiyama Station Street
At Randen Arashiyama Station about 600 pillars wrapped in Kyo-yuzen fabric stand, lit from sunset until 21:00. Free.
More in Arashiyama
Appears in: Arashiyama: the bamboo grove at sunrise, Tenryu-ji, monkeys and the Romantic Train