Okochi Sanso Garden teahouse in Kyoto – PHOTOS – Day 4 Kyoto itinerary – Backpacking Japan Travel

Hi there!

So if you’re looking to be able to try some matcha green tea in a convenient way as you’re visiting Kyoto‘s top attractions, you may consider making a visit to the Okochi Sanso villa!

Here you will find a teahouse where you can drink matcha green tea and eat Japanese sweets with views of bamboo trees.

These Japanese gardens are located in Arashiyama, which you may be already considering visiting if you’re interested in walking through Kyoto’s famous bamboo forest.

Okochi Sanso is located right near that Arashiyama bamboo grove walking path.

If you’ll be visiting Nijo Castle, also consider stopping by the Nijo Castle teahouse!

Or if you’ll be visiting Ginkakuji Temple and the Philosopher’s path walk, then there’s a little tea garden at Ginkakuji too.

Both the castle and temple are among the top UNESCO world heritage sites in Kyoto and are worth a visit.

The Okochi Sanso teahouse as part of a one day Kyoto itinerary

I went to the Okochi Sanso teahouse as a part of my one day in Arashiyama and Sagano:

• Sagano scenic train
• Okochi Sanso Garden
• Arashiyama bamboo forest
• Tenryuji Temple
• Togetsukyo Bridge
• Arashiyama monkey park

So…

What’s a visit to Okochi Sanso like?!

Once you pay for your entry ticket to Okochi Sanso, you’ll start your walk!

Almost immediately you’ll see where to go for the teahouse, and it’ll be off to the right coming from the entrance.

You can go to the teahouse first, but it can also make for a nice way to end your visit at Okochi Sanso.

So consider waiting and instead head off to the other parts of the grounds first.

Walking around Okochi Sanso

And then once you’ve finished up walking around the grounds of Okochi Sanso…

Teahouse visit!

You can choose outdoor seating or indoor seating.

Matcha green tea with views of bamboo trees

If you choose indoor seating, you’ll basically be right next to a bamboo forest!

Once you sit down, you’ll get out your green tea ticket that you received earlier at entry in order to get your matcha drink and Japanese sweet.

Take your time and enjoy your tea surrounded by nature!

How much does this matcha tea experience cost?!

It’s FREE!

Well, it’s included in your admission ticket to the Okochi Sanso Villa grounds.

So you won’t be paying anything extra for it.

By buying an entry ticket for Okochi Sanso, you’ll automatically get a free green tea ticket, so you might as well use it!

So then…

How much is the entry fee for the Okochi Sanso Garden?!

The entry fee for Okochi Sanso is 1,000 yen (US$9).

This might be considered a little steep when compared to other top attractions in Kyoto.

And it’s also likely part of the reason that you can escape the crowds with a visit to these Japanese gardens!

HAPPY OKOCHI SANSO TEAHOUSE VISIT!

Use this Kyoto tourist map to plan out your 5 days in Kyoto with Okochi Sanso!

• Day 1: Top tourist spots with one day bus pass
• Day 2: Fushimi Inari shrine hike through 1,000 torii gates
• Day 3: Philosopher’s Path walk
• Day 4: Arashiyama and Sagano
  • Sagano scenic train
  • Okochi Sanso Garden
  • Bamboo forest
  • Tenryuji Temple
  • Monkey park
  • Arashiyama tourist map
• Day 5: Kurama Kibune Ohara with one day pass

How to spend winter in Japan

• 10 day winter itinerary with the Japan Alps
• 7 day winter itinerary in Hokkaido

More quick tips for planning your trip to Japan

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Among the top 3 things people get specific for a trip to Japan

• JR pass for quick and easy long distance train travel (see price here and see here how to calculate train routes to figure out it's worth it for you)
• Pocket wifi to make travel in Japan easier (see price here)
• Travel insurance for natural disasters just in case especially for travel disruptions (see price here and see here for past natural disaster that affected foreigners)

Use this Kyoto tourist map to plan out your 5 days in Kyoto!

• Day 1: Top tourist spots with one day bus pass
• Day 2: Fushimi Inari Shrine hike through 1,000 torii gates
• Day 3: Philosopher's Path walk
• Day 4: Arashiyama and Sagano
• Day 5: Kurama Kibune Ohara with one day pass

For more on planning your trip to Kyoto, see the 1-day, 2-day, and 5-day Kyoto itineraries. If you'll be in Kyoto in the spring, also see the 1-day cherry blossom photo walk.

Food in Japan

If you are in Japan for FOOD, then be sure to see where to try different types of Japanese food! (Sometimes for cheaper!)

And also have a look at some of these cooking classes in Japan too.

When the JR pass is worth it

In general, 2 long-distance shinkansen train trips will likely end up making it so the JR pass will be worth it. But here's how to calculate it to be sure. See the current price of a JR pass from an official vendor.

Natural disasters in Japan

Unfortunately, Japan can be prone to natural disasters which means risk for travel delays. So be sure to look at travel insurance for natural disasters.

My travel insurance took care of my accommodation and food costs when I was forced to stay extra days in Japan because of a typhoon. There have been a few typhoons that have hit Japan in the past couple of years and they can cause real travel disruptions!

See how much insurance costs for your trip.

Create your Japan itinerary

• 10 day Japan winter itinerary
• 5 day Kyoto itinerary
• Cost of climbing Mt Fuji from Tokyo
• Where to go for famous Mt Fuji views as seen in pictures
• Know before you go to Hiroshima
• One day in Miyajima with famous floating torii views
• 3 days in Okinawa, Japan's tropical islands
• Cherry blossom photo walk
• When is the JR pass worth it for train travel?
• Tokyo to Kyoto train
• Hostels in Japan

That's it for now!