Okochi Sanso Garden, Kinki Kansai Travel Guide

Okochi Sanso Garden, nestled in Kyoto's scenic Arashiyama district, offers a serene escape into traditional Japanese beauty. Once the private estate of celebrated period film star Denjiro Okochi (1898–1962), this meticulously maintained stroll garden invites visitors to explore its landscapes and experience tranquility.Okochi began constructing the garden in 1934, driven by a desire to create a beauty that would never fade. Over 30 years, he poured his acting fees into designing and building the garden, incorporating the scenery of Mount Arashiyama, Mount Hiei, and the Hozukyo Gorge. The 20,000 square meter garden features a traditional home, tea house, and Buddhist halls amidst carefully planned gardens showcasing the best of each season.Key features include the Jibutsu-do, a Meiji Era Buddhist shrine moved to the property, the Daijōkaku hall combining traditional architectural styles, the Tekisui-an teahouse, and the Gekko-tei offering exceptional views. The garden also includes a dry landscape garden with meticulously spread granite gravel and pruned Japanese black pines. The 1,000 yen admission fee includes matcha green tea and a Japanese sweet served in the teahouse.