What other travelers are saying about Okochi Sanso Villa
Well worth a visit! I believe it’s 1000 yen to enter, but it’s much quieter than at the bamboo forest and it’s very pretty.
You’re starting to see some autumn colours (mid October), and the garden is just wonderful. The views of Kyoto from the top are also lovely as you can frame the vistas with the surrounding foliage.
You walk most of the time through isolated stones that can be a tad slippery if their wet (it rained this morning) so be careful and bring adequate shoes.
Not suited for wheelchairs or strollers.
You’ll also be able to hear and possibly see some beautiful birds ❤️
Worth to visit here!! I never known this place before , just walked through Arashiyama bamboo and found this stunning place.
The garden is very big, entrance fee is just 1000 yen. Inside , there is a relaxing place with tea free of charge.
The atmosphere is superb !!
Well worth to visit this beautiful garden estate, in my opinion even more than the garden of a hundred flowers. Incredible scenery and perfectly cared for plants. The Zen garden part should not be missed. We probably spend 30 minutes there relaxing and taking it in.
As per its description, it is a beautiful garden. We really enjoyed strolling around, following its path. Not crowded (not as the bambou forest is), It is a wonderful peaceful place.
Beautiful gardens with amazing views. I was disappointed though that on my visit the tea house had closed down ( it was removed from the signage too). The price at 1000Y was high when compared with the most famous gardens in Japan. If you are in the bamboo forest, a walk through the free park there is equally rewarding.
The villa is accessible by a 15-minute walk from Arashiyama Station on the Keifuku Electric Railroad Arashiyama Main Line. It's also close to the Torokko Arashiyama Station on the Sagano Scenic Railway, making it an easy addition to your itinerary after exploring Arashiyama's other attractions.
Visitors can explore several traditional buildings set within meticulously maintained gardens to celebrate each of the four seasons. Highlights include the main house (Daijokaku), a Buddhist shrine (Jibutsudo), a tea house (Tekisuian), and a middle gate (Chumon), all recognized as tangible cultural properties. The villa features an open-air museum celebrating the life and works of Denjiro Okochi.
While the main path through the villa can be narrow and potentially congested, especially during peak seasons, the overall crowd levels are typically low compared to other nearby attractions. The villa's design and gardens are particularly noted for their beauty, making it a worthwhile visit despite the admission cost. Visitors are encouraged to slow down and fully appreciate the tranquil setting, especially while enjoying matcha in the tea house.
Photography is allowed within Okochi Sanso Villa, making it a perfect opportunity for visitors to capture the villa's stunning landscapes, traditional architecture, and seasonal beauty. However, it's always good practice to respect any specific photo restrictions in certain areas or buildings if mentioned.
Okochi Sanso Villa is designed to showcase the beauty of all four seasons, from cherry blossoms in spring and azaleas in summer to Japanese maple trees in autumn and pine trees in winter. Each season offers a unique perspective of the villa's gardens, making any time of year a good time to visit. However, the peak seasons of cherry blossoms and autumn leaves are trendy for their breathtaking scenery.
