Ōkōchi Sansō at a glance
Ōkōchi Sansō is the garden of the film actor Ōkōchi Denjirō, built on the slope of Ogura mountain over about 30 years. Paths lead up through the grounds, and the high points look out toward Arashiyama, the Hozu River and Kyoto.
Most visitors reach it by walking through the bamboo grove, because the bamboo path leads straight toward the villa. If you want a full morning in the district, combine it with Arashiyama tours that cover the bamboo path and Tenryū-ji, and finish here.
Entry and what it includes
Prices in yen, as of 2026.
| Visitor | Entry | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| Adults | JPY 1,000 | Matcha and a rakugan sweet |
| Elementary and junior high school students | JPY 500 | – |
| Preschool children | Free | – |
Most visitors pay the adult ticket, which already includes the tea and the sweet. Plan to arrive by 16:00. The grounds close at 17:00, and last entry is 16:30.
Our pick: a day with Ōkōchi Sansō
The villa entry is arranged as part of this private day.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Arashiyama tours with the bamboo path
Guided walks and rickshaw rides around Arashiyama, plus Kyoto day trips that include the bamboo grove, with live prices and availability.
How to walk there
The villa lies at the far end of the bamboo path, away from the stations.
From Saga-Arashiyama (JR)
About 15 minutes on foot to the villa. The bamboo path is about 13 minutes from the station.
From Hankyu Arashiyama
About 25 minutes on foot to the villa. The bamboo path is about 21 minutes away.
From Randen Arashiyama
The bamboo path is about 10 minutes from the station, and the villa is further along it.
Through Tenryū-ji
The north gate of Tenryū-ji leads out to the bamboo path. From Nonomiya shrine the path runs for about 400 m past the temple's north gate toward the villa.
A morning route with the temple and the garden
Opening times line up well if you start at Tenryū-ji.
Start at Tenryū-ji
The garden opens at 08:30 and costs JPY 500 for adults. From 14 to 30 November 2026 it opens at 07:30 through the garden reception only, and the north gate still opens at 08:30.
Leave by the north gate
The gate leads straight onto the bamboo path. Walk it slowly: it is public, free and about 400 m long.
Finish at the villa
The garden opens at 09:00. Allow time for the paths, the views and the tea.
Walking the bamboo path
The path of about 400 m is a public road and free to walk. Keep to the path, and do not touch or carve the bamboo. Words and symbols scratched into the stalks have damaged the bamboo, and damaging it can lead to a fine of up to JPY 300,000.
On the busiest weekends of late November 2026, staff stand on the bamboo path in front of the villa to guide visitors toward Oku-Saga and Kameyama Park. Plan some extra time on the 21st, 22nd, 23rd, 28th and 29th.
When to go
The garden is open all year. Autumn is the busy season: the colour starts around the second week of November and peaks in mid to late November.
Morning is the usual advice for the bamboo path, ideally before 09:00, though that does not guarantee an empty path. Walk the path first and finish in the garden when the path starts to fill up. Read more on timing in the guide to the best time to visit.
Ōkōchi Sansō: frequently asked questions
How much is entry to Ōkōchi Sansō?
JPY 1,000 for adults, including matcha and a rakugan sweet, as of 2026. Elementary and junior high school students pay JPY 500, and preschool children enter free.
What are the opening hours?
The garden is open 09:00–17:00 with last entry at 16:30. Arrive by 16:00 to have time for the tea and the paths.
Is the bamboo path free?
Yes. The path of about 400 m is a public road. Only the garden of Ōkōchi Sansō charges entry.
How do I get there from Tenryū-ji?
Leave Tenryū-ji by the north gate and follow the bamboo path. The villa lies at the far end of it.
Is the walk uphill?
Expect some climbing. The garden lies on the slope of Ogura mountain, with views over Arashiyama. Wear comfortable shoes.