Spring at Okochi Sanso Villa

Villa of a famous Japanese film actor of pre-war era

Takako Sakamoto Mar 25, 2015 - 1 min read

<p>Although other trees don't have leaves yet, the pine trees were getting greener</p>

<p>An arched roof of Hiwada-buki (thatched-roof using Japanese cypress bark)! An elaborate gate with a stone lantern and stone Buddha statue on each side.</p>

<p>I sensed warmth in his blank, emotionless expression. I wonder if warm air of spring made me feel that way?  </p>

<p>Yellow carpet under the trees, basking in spring sunshine</p>

<p>Trees waiting for green leaves to come out</p>

<p>Abandoned wooden back gate slowly rotting to the ground</p>

<p>Like plum blossoms, Japanese Andromeda also heralds spring!</p>

<p>Located at the highest ground in the villa, the observation point Gekka (fragrance of moon) has a commanding view of Kyoto City</p>

<p>To the west side of the villa, you can see the river of Hozu Valley which flows into the Arashiyama area.</p>

<p>My snack of the day! A cup of green tea and sweet cake served at a teahouse in the villa. I felt spring with all five senses!</p>

On 16th of March in 2010, I visited Okochi Sanso Villa, which is located deep in a bamboo grove in Sagano, Kyoto.

This villa was built by a legendary Japanese actor Okochi Denjiro, who was famous for his samurai roles in period drama films in pre-war times. It is said that he spent half of his life, and half his movie earnings to build this magnificent 20,000㎡ villa standing on a hill which used to be waste land. Located between Arashiyama (Kameyama) Park and the southeast side of Mt. Ogura, this villa 'borrows' scenery from east (Kyoto City to Mt. Hiei) and west (Hozu Valley), and the view from here is just breathtaking. In Arashiyama, which is always crowded throughout the year, this villa is a well kept secret, a place where you can feel the coming of spring at a leisurely pace.

More info

Find out more about Okochi Sanso Garden.

Takako Sakamoto @takako.sakamoto

I was born in and grew up in Tokushima prefecture, and have lived in many places since then: Nishinomiya, Kyoto, Nara, Mie, Tokyo, Kanagawa, Saitama, Chiba, Fukuoka and Fukui. I am currently living in Yokohama City. All the places I lived, all the places I visited, I have loved dearly. The histor...