Okochi Sanso Garden

Okochi Sanso Garden is a strolling-style Japanese garden in Sagano, Kyoto, created by the late Showa-era film actor Denjiro Okochi. At the age of 34, seeking a form of beauty that would endure beyond fragile film media, he personally designed and began constructing this garden, devoting approximately 30 years to its creation. Spread across 6,000 tsubo, the expansive garden features seasonal plantings of pine, cherry, maple, and other trees that express the changing seasons. From the garden, visitors can enjoy views of Mount Hiei to the northeast, Arashiyama to the east, and the Hozu Gorge to the west, with the Rakusai area stretching out below, making it one of Kyoto’s most celebrated gardens. Admission includes a serving of matcha green tea and a traditional sweet, allowing guests to relax while appreciating the scenery. The on-site memorial hall introduces the life and work of Denjiro Okochi, offering insight into the history of Japanese cinema. Located along the famous Bamboo Grove Path in Arashiyama and Sagano, Okochi Sanso Garden embodies the tranquil atmosphere of the Sagano area.