Okochi-Sanso Villa is one of the top sights in Kyoto. It rivals any of the city’s imperial properties, and you don’t need reservations to enter.
Okochi Sanso villa in Arashiyama: Andres Garcia Martin / Shutterstock.com
Formerly the estate of the famed film actor Okochi Denjiro (1898-1962), this sublime villa and surrounding gardens are now open to the public. Many people balk at the Y1,000 admission fee, but we think it’s worth shelling out to see this place, especially since the admission fee includes a nice Japanese sweet and a cup of hot matcha tea (hold onto your ticket in order to get these in the teahouse at the conclusion of the tour). The main house here is one of the finest examples of traditional Japanese residential architecture anywhere and the teahouse is a wabi-sabi gem.
But it’s the gardens here that really boggle the mind. Follow the standard route, which is clearly indicated with arrows, and you’ll see all the important parts, including a viewpoint that offers views across the whole city and a lovely little Shinto shrine. Frankly, we usually counsel visitors who are thinking of going through the admission process to see one of Kyoto’s imperial properties to skip the hassle and just come here. Here, there’s no application procedure and you can explore at your own pace – no following a tour guide with a group of strangers.
Walking Tour: Okochi-Sanso Villa features in our Private Walking Tour of Arashiyama
English address: 8 Tabushiyama-cho, Saga Ogurayama, Ukyo-ku
Japanese address: 右京区嵯峨小倉山田淵山町8
Opening hours: 9:00am-5:00pm
Admission:
Adults and College and High school students: Y1000
Junior high and elementary school students: Y500
Non-smoking area: Yes
Nearest Transport:
15 min walk from Arashiyama Station, Keifuku dentetsu, Arashiyama line
25 min walk from Arashiyama Station, Henkyu railway
Telephone: 872-2233
Website: None

Where Is This Place Located?
See these places on our Kyoto Google map:- Open the Kyoto map
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Kyoto Walking Tour: Arashiyama
Explore the stunning Kyoto district of Arashiyama, including the breathtaking Bamboo Grove, on this guided private walk.(Four hours duration. Price: ¥35,000)
More Details About The Tour
Near To Here:
Okochi-Sanso Villa is located in Kyoto’s Arashiyama district. See our complete list of things to do in Kyoto’s Arashiyama district, including places to eat, nightlife and places to stay.
Kyoto Vacation Checklist
- For all the essentials in a brief overview, see my First Time In Kyoto guide
- Check Kyoto accommodation availability on Booking.com – usually you can reserve a room with no upfront payment. Pay when you check out. Free cancellations too
- Need tips on where to stay? See my one page guide Where To Stay In Kyoto
- See my comprehensive Packing List For Japan
- Buy a data-only SIM card online for collection when you arrive at Kansai International Airport (for Osaka and Kyoto) or Tokyo's Narita Airport. Or rent an unlimited data pocket wifi router
- Compare Japan flight prices and timings to find the best deals
- If you're visiting more than one city, save a ton of money with a Japan Rail Pass – here's my explanation of why it's worth it
- A prepaid Suica card makes travelling around Kyoto easy – here's how
- World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world