Okochi Sanso Garden, Japanese garden in Arashiyama district, Kyoto, Japan
Okochi Sanso Garden is a Japanese garden on Mount Ogura's slope featuring stone lanterns, bamboo groves, and several traditional buildings connected by winding paths. The layout guides visitors through distinct garden sections as they ascend and descend the terrain.
Actor Denjiro Okochi developed this garden over 30 years starting in 1928, transforming a former Buddhist shrine into his personal project. His work reflects a commitment to traditional Japanese garden design principles.
The property displays traditional teahouse architecture where visitors experience matcha tea and Japanese sweets as part of their visit. This living practice connects architecture, tea culture, and hospitality in one setting.
The garden is open daily and best visited early in the morning to avoid crowds. Sturdy shoes are recommended since the paths are hilly and can become slippery in wet conditions.
The Daijo-kaku building combines two different Japanese architectural styles within a single structure, demonstrating the founder's willingness to experiment with design. This feature often goes unnoticed even though it is visible while exploring the grounds.
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