Okochi Sanso Villa in Kyoto

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Facts & Figures

The Okochi Sanso Villa in the hills of Arashiyama (northwest part of Kyoto) was the private property of the famous actor Okochi Denjiro (1898 - 1962). The beautiful villa, teahouse, Buddhist halls, and Japanese-style gardens cover an area of approximately 20000 square meters. Four of the buildings have the status of tangible cultural properties by the national government since 2003. Okochi Denjiro picked the perfect spot at the slopes of Mt. Ogura with breathtaking views over Kyoto and the nearby Hozu River. He planned the garden design in a way that every season could show a special highlight with its cherry trees (spring), azaleas (summer), maple trees (fall), and pine trees (winter). Okochi Sanso Villa is one of the most famous villas in Kyoto. It is definitely on the level of Katsura Imperial Villa and Shugakuin Imperial Villa.

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• Okochi Sanso Villa:
• Opening Hours - 9:00 am to 5:00 pm (all year)
• Closed - no closing days
• Admission Fee - 1000 yen (Adults), 500 yen (Middle and Elementary School Students) - Tickets include a cup of green tea (matcha) and a sweet.

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History

The famous actor and garden enthusiast Okochi Denjiro (1898 - 1962) worked for nearly 30 years in the Showa area (1926 - 1989) on perfecting his property in Kyoto. The most important buildings were constructed in the 1930s and 1940s. After his death, the family decided to open the property to the public in 1962. In all these years after the family still takes care of the gardens.

Sightseeing spots

Top:

Okochi Denjiro Museum - You will find in the open-air museum highlights of the film career and life of the Jidaigeki (period dramas about samurai) and war film actor Okochi Denjiro.

Four Tangible Cultural Properties - These are the middle gate (Chumon), a small Buddhist Shrine called Jibutsudo, the main house (Daijokaku), and the teahouse with the name Tekisuian.

Main House (Daijokaku) - It is one of the best examples of traditional Japanese residential architecture in Kyoto. It combines styles of shinden-zukuri, shoin-zukuri, and sukiya-zukuri. Okochi Denjiro had his bedroom here. He enjoyed most of his free time in this house. Unfortunately, it is for tourists not allowed to enter the building.

Chumon - The gate was constructed to mark the separation of the inner and outer garden. The host would typically meet his guests here to invite them inside for tea. Pay attention to the unique roof with its large arch shape in the sukiya-zukuri style. The total width of the gate is just 1,70 meters.

Jibutsudo - The small Buddhist shrine with its unique roof in the Irimoya-style was relocated from its original location to this place. It dates back to the Meiji era (1868 - 1912).

Garden - The garden reflects all four seasons of Kyoto. A special highlight is the cherry blossom season in spring and the foliage season in autumn. Small winding paths guide you through the garden.

Arashikei Observation Deck - This spot offers amazing views over the mountains of Arashiyama, Mt. Hiei, and the Hozu River.

City Viewpoint - The highest point in the garden with its Moon Light Pavilion offers..you guess it:)..the best views over Kyoto.

Myoko-an Hall - Takea, the wife of Okochi Denjiro, lived here. The Myoko-an hall was mainly used for sutra copying and meditation. The building was renovated in 2012 for the 50th anniversary of Denjiro’s death. Kids younger than 15 are not allowed to enter.

Festival & Events in Kyoto (dates can change without notice)

April

Miyako Odori (1st - 31th)
The traditional annual spring dance of the Kyoto district Gion Kobu performed by Geiko and Maiko is a must-see on your Kyoto visit. Don't miss the most popular dances the Miyako Odori "Cherry Blossom Dances" or "Dances of the Old Capital" at the Gion Kobu Kaburenjo Theater (located close to Gion Corner).

May

Aoi Matsuri (15th)
The highlight of this festival is a large parade from the Imperial Palace through the Shimogamo Shrine to the Kamigamo Shrine. More than 500 people wearing aristocratic costumes from the Heian Period (794 - 1185). The Aoi Matsuri belongs with the Gion Matsuri and Jidai Matsuri as the three most famous festivals in Kyoto.

June

Aoba Matsuri (Green Leaf Festival) at Chishaku-in (15th)
The festival is an ancient ritual of followers of the Shingon sect of Buddhism, which is called Yamabushi. They participate in a series of ceremonies like celebrating the birth of founder Kobo-Daishi (744 - 835).

July

Gion Matsuri (whole month)
The month of July is full of different events like the Yoiyama - Kyoto's Magical Night (locals in kimonos look at the giant Gion floats the day before the parade) or the famous Yamaboko Junko (float procession on the 17th of July).

October

Jidai Matsuri ("Festival of Ages") (22nd)
People celebrate with a large parade between Imperial Palace to Heian Shrine the anniversary of the foundation of Kyoto. App. 2000 participants wearing historical costumes from different time periods. Enjoy this great festival which lasts around 2 hours.