Okochi Sanso Garden (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Okochi Sanso Garden?
Children can hunt stone lanterns and taste sweet matcha, but uneven gravel and steep slopes demand close supervision and there are no playgrounds or hands-on exhibits.
Positives:
- Complimentary Postcard Souvenir: Each child can pick up one postcard after tea at no extra cost.
- Indoor Rest Spots: Tea house seating provides shelter for snack or water breaks.
- Friendly Staff: Staff at the entrance can guide children to the archive and facilities.
Challenges:
- Uneven Paths: Many walkways are gravel or stone—bring sturdy shoes for kids.
- Stroller Access: Flat areas near the entrance and tea house are stroller-friendly; deeper paths are steep.
- Hilly Terrain: Some uphill sections may tire younger children; plan rest stops.
What is so special about Okochi Sanso Garden for with kids?
- Interactive lantern hunt and nature game keep kids engaged
- Tea house break with matcha for adults and juice with sweets for children
- Panoramic views of Mt. Hiei and Hozu River gorge
- Complimentary postcards and friendly staff enhance learning
- Stroller-friendly near entrance with indoor rest spots
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: Allows time for a lantern hunt, tea break, and a slow stroll without tiring the kids.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Okochi Sanso Garden
Stone Lantern Treasure Hunt:
Count the stone lanterns along winding paths.
Tip: Give each child a checklist or sticker to mark lanterns as they find them.
Nature Detective Game:
Spot five tree types: pine, cherry, maple, cedar, and bamboo.
Tip: Print or draw simple tree icons so kids can check them off.
Tea House Snack Break:
Enjoy matcha tea for adults and juice with a sweet for each child at Tekisuian.
Tip: Sit on the terrace benches so kids can rest and watch the garden.
Mini-History Tour:
Visit the Denjiro archive to learn about Denjirō Ōkōchi’s film career.
Tip: Ask staff for the free postcard set as a fun memento.
Panorama Viewing Point:
Climb to a lookout for views of Mt. Hiei and the Hozu River gorge.
Tip: Bring a wide-angle camera or group selfie stick for family photos.
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Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Adult tickets (2 × ¥1,000) | JPY 2,000 |
| Child tickets (2 × ¥500) | JPY 1,000 |
| Total Estimated | JPY 3,000 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
When is the best time to visit Okochi Sanso Garden?
Spring (late Mar–early Apr) brings cherry blossoms; autumn (mid Nov–early Dec) glows with red maples. Summer offers shaded paths but pack water. Winter snow highlights moss—watch for slippery stones.
How to Maximize Your Visit to Okochi Sanso Garden
- Arrive at Opening: Doors open at 9 AM—beat the crowds and find the best seats in the tea house.
- Combine with Arashiyama: Pair your visit with the bamboo grove or Tenryu-ji Temple for a full day of family fun.
- Pack a Snack: Outside food isn’t allowed in the tea house; bring small snacks to eat on benches.
Map of Okochi Sanso Garden
Address: 8 Sagaogurayama Tabuchiyamacho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-8394, Japan
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Reviews of Okochi Sanso Garden
M B
Beautiful gardens with amazing views. I was disappointed though that on my visit the tea house had closed down ( it was removed from the signage too). The price at 1000Y was high when compared with the most famous gardens in Japan. If you are in the bamboo forest, a walk through the free park there is equally rewarding.
Andrew Meador
Peaceful, relaxing garden with a nice view of the city at the top. They have a one way path to help with traffic, and lots of places to sit down and rest. The bathrooms were also in good shape. On site there is also a memorial to an early Japanese actor. Worth the price of admission!!
Eric Vander Weerd
This was one of the highlights of our trip. Much less crowded than the bamboo path, and well worth the money for a path through nature. There is a tea/ice water stopoff to the right when you first walk in, and there is a gardenkeeper’s villa (her “soul resting place”) that is age-limited to 15+ we enjoyed a lot. Please be respectful of the quiet in this place to keep it peaceful.
Erol Uray
Nice garden and is the former home and garden of the Japanese jidaigeki actor Denjirō Ōkōchi. Very iconic in Japan and built in 1913. A few nice view points as well. There is a small admission fee to pay but it is worth it.
Malia Riggs
Absolutely beautiful! I thought it was worth the price to experience the gardens. We went about 15 minutes after they opened, and really enjoyed our time! However, if you have troubles with uneven ground, there are little to no railings throughout the garden.
About Okochi Sanso Garden
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Website
Official WebsitePhone Number
+81 75-872-2233See available options
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