Okochi Sanso Garden (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Okochi Sanso Garden?
What makes it 66% Kids-Friendly: 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:
- Stroller-friendly rest area: The tea house has a flat indoor room to park a stroller and rest with snacks.
- Educational fun: Games like lantern hunts and tree spotting teach kids about nature and history.
Challenges:
- Uneven Terrain: Paths use stepping stones and gravel; wear sturdy shoes and consider a child carrier over a stroller.
- Peak-season Crowds: The garden fills up on autumn weekends; arriving at opening helps you avoid lines.
What is Okochi Sanso Garden?
- A two-hectare Arashiyama estate garden created by actor Denjirō Ōkōchi in the early Shōwa era
- A composition of traditional wooden residences, tea houses, shrines and ornamental structures set among pine groves, bamboo stands and moss lawns
- A designed landscape that frames Mt. Hiei and the Hozu River gorge through borrowed scenery techniques
What is so special about Okochi Sanso Garden for with kids?
- Hunt stone lanterns with your kids and spark their curiosity.
- Play a tree-spotting detective game to engage young explorers.
- Relax with matcha for adults and juice plus sweets for children.
- Climb to the bamboo grove overlook for memorable family photos.
- Take stroller-friendly tea house breaks to rest between strolls.
Recommended visit duration: 1-2 hours
Why 1-2 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: 1-2 hours lets you stroll, play games, and enjoy tea without rushing young children.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Okochi Sanso Garden
Stone Lantern Treasure Hunt:
Count and find the stone lanterns dotted along the garden paths.
Tip: Start at the entrance and tick off each lantern on a simple checklist.
Nature Detective Game:
Spot and name five tree species, like pine, cherry, and maple.
Tip: Download a free tree ID guide or ask staff for help to keep kids engaged.
Family Tea Break:
Enjoy matcha and sweets for adults, juice and treats for kids at the Tekisuian tea house.
Tip: Arrive early to get seats by the window overlooking the bamboo valley.
Bamboo Forest Overlook:
Climb to the hilltop viewpoint for sweeping bamboo grove views.
Tip: Hold hands on the short uphill stone steps and use the railing for safety.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Okochi Sanso Garden
- Arrive Early: Get there at opening time to secure tea house seats and enjoy quieter paths.
- Use the Garden Map: Grab a free map at the entrance to choose a shorter loop if kids get tired.
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.
When is the best time to visit Okochi Sanso Garden (Kyoto, Japan)?
In spring, cherry blossoms frame the tea house; in autumn, maples glow. Visit weekdays to avoid fall crowds. In winter, watch for icy paths and wear grippy shoes.
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Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| 2 Adult admissions (¥1,000 each) | JPY 2,000 |
| 2 Child admissions (¥500 each) | 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.
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Map of Okochi Sanso Garden
Address: 8 Sagaogurayama Tabuchiyamacho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto, 616-8394, Japan
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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 75-872-223310 BEST nearby Activities
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