Okochi villa in Arashiyama

Arashiyama is the most charming in Autumn attracting many tourists with maple leaves. However, I love it in the other seasons.

Okochi villa is at the end of Bamboo forest.

You have Maccha tea and sweets here before enjoying the gardens.

Okochi villa was made by the famous film actor , Okochi Denjiro.

He wanted to be a script writer. But with the advice by the film director, he decided to act a little while. But he became a great actor as a result. He acted in many samurai movies
This is his villa. ( His house was near the movie studio ) He invited his friends including film actors and actresses and enjoyed party here.

Little by little, he made the gardens taking 30 years of time.
From here, he commanded a nice view of Kyoto.

The second garden is like Buddhism garden. It is a meditation hall. He used to make a zem meditation here.

He must have enjoyed the quiet time here forgetting his busy days.

This is my favorite garden in front of a tea house. These stepping stones lead you to the house. Please view the garden from the tea house. The garden was made most beautiful when viewed from there.

 

In the highest place here, we can enjoy the view of the city.  

I wonder what he thought or felt when he was here.

The villa has Autumn color change earliest in Arashiyama.  It is so beautiful with colored leaves.

Even when Arashiyama is very crowded, here is not so crowded as outside. 

Still I love this season with the color of green.

Okochi villa : 1000 JPY including picture post cards and a Maccha tea ticket
From Kyoto station, JR to Saga Arashiyama. 15 min walk.

Randen Arashiyama station  10 min walk