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Kyoto, Japan - October 5, 2015: Japanese gardens and main house (Daijokaku) in the Okochi Sanso villa in Arashiyama, Kyoto, the former home and garden of the Japanese period film amor Denjiro Okochi.

©AndresGarciaM/Getty Images

Ōkōchi Sansō

Top choice in Arashiyama & Sagano


This is the lavish estate of Ōkōchi Denjirō, an actor famous for his samurai films. The sprawling gardens may well be the most lovely in all of Kyoto, particularly when you consider the brilliant views eastwards across the city. The house and teahouse are also sublime. Be sure to follow all the trails around the gardens. Hold onto the tea ticket you were given upon entry to claim the matcha and sweet that's included with admission.


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