Beautiful garden and definitely worth a visit. A peaceful place to disconnect, slow down and reflect while walking through the grounds. The views are absolutely stunning and make the experience even more special. A perfect escape from the crowds of Arashiyama.
Tucked away in Arashiyama, this garden is a hidden gem located just off the beaten path from the crowds at the bamboo forest, accessible within a short walk. Originally a private villa belonging to silent film actor Denjirō Ōkōchi, it was designed and constructed in the 1930s and opened to the public posthumously in 1962.
The garden is meticulously maintained and elegantly designed, offering a stunning visual experience throughout all four seasons. Situated atop a hill, it can be accessed by following the garden pathway, which rewards visitors with a breathtaking panoramic view of Arashiyama.
The garden ticket includes tea and sweets, which visitors enjoy at a tea house that dates back to the Meiji era and has been relocated to the garden.
Without it the trip to bamboo forest would’ve been a letdown. Definitely a must see when you are in the area. The place is very well kept and beautiful. Right when you enter you can stop at the tea house for a cup of green tea or matcha (they have drinks dispensers but the tea is really good) or you can circle back and stop at the end of the tour. Ticket price is 1000 yen. The bamboo forest was very crowded but this place wasn’t crowded at all. It was very peaceful.
HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend if you’re already in this bamboo forest! Super chill and zen area that gives you unlimited drinks to sample. My friends and I had a blast just chilling away from the crowd as we sipped on many different flavors of matcha and tea. So for the price of 1000 yen, I’d say a great investment!! Plus, the views and vibes from this area was immaculate
After taking a stroll through the bamboo grove, we came upon the entrance to Okochi Sanso right next to it.
With admission fee, you get access to all the gardens and there are several breathtaking views of Kyoto as you ascend up the side of the mountain (Mt Ogura).
The gardens were very well maintained and each area is so unique from the next. Some areas have open space with clean trails and trimmed hedges, other areas have trees neatly arranged in patterns and some areas house groves with hortisculptured foliage. There is an observatory near the summit overlooking Arashiyama.
The entire acreage was home to period film actor, Denjiro Okochi. It was built up over 30 years to function as one of his residences. After he passed away in 1962, the gardens were opened up for public tourism.
Walking through the grounds from start to finish was so calm and serene. My fiancée and I really felt very close to nature and so detached from the bamboo park next door but also from reality itself. It was a beautiful, calm environment well worth the admission fee of ¥1,000.
