Okochi Sanso Villa, Kyoto

Kyoto was once hailed as the "Hollywood of Japan", with bustling studios and renowned film stars flocking to the Uzumasa district. During its zenith in the 1930s, an impressive 500 films were churned out annually in the district. Among the top stars was Okochi Denjiro (1898鈥�1962), acclaimed for his portrayal of a samurai marked by a scarred eye and a missing arm. His fame brought fortune, but also spurred him to create a retreat where he could invest not just money, but his very essence.

A devout Buddhist, Okochi envisioned his villa as a homage to nature's teachings. Strategically nestled atop a hill ridge, it offered panoramic vistas of the Hozugawa Gorge and the revered Mount Hiei. Here, he erected a residence infused with traditional aesthetics, eschewing extravagant film decor for understated elegance and organic charm.

At the heart of the estate lies the inner garden, accessible through a "middle gate". A meandering path guides visitors through a succession of enchanting sights, from quaint tea houses to the picturesque viewpoint, culminating in a serene Buddhist shrine. Meticulously manicured shrubbery and "borrowed scenery" epitomize the finest of Japanese landscaping traditions.

For three decades, Okochi perfected every facet of his estate, carefully curating the seasonal blooms and foliage to reflect nature's cyclical beauty. Following his demise, the grounds were opened to the public, accompanied by an open-air museum commemorating his illustrious career. While the entrance fee may deter some, it ensures a tranquil ambience conducive to savoring complimentary matcha tea amidst the serene allure of a film star's abode infused with Zen sensibilities.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Kyoto. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "黑料吃瓜网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Create Your Own Self-Guided Walk to Visit This Sight

Sight Name: Okochi Sanso Villa
Sight Location: Kyoto, Japan (See walking tours in Kyoto)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Arashiyama and Bamboo Grove Walking Tour

Walking Tours in Kyoto, Japan

Create Your Own Walk in Kyoto

Creating your own self-guided walk in Kyoto is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.

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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles

Higashiyama Walking Tour

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Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles

Arashiyama and Bamboo Grove Walking Tour

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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles

Kyoto Shopping and Food Tour

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In addition to its shopping scene, Kyoto boasts a rich culinary heritage, from Michelin-starred restaurants to humble street... view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.0 Km or 1.2 Miles

Gion District Walking Tour

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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles

Walk on Philosopher's Path

Looking for a scenic walk with a side of existential pondering in Kyoto, you're inevitably bound to end up on the Philosopher鈥檚 Path. Winding its way for about two kilometers along the leafy canal that carries water from Lake Biwa to the foothills, this picturesque walking trail once served as the thinking route of Nishida Kitaro. Back in the first half of the 20th century, the famed... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles

View all walking tours in Kyoto, Japan

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