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A Mountain Villa Unlike Any Other

Nestled within the slope of Mt. Ogura, behind the thick Sagano bamboo grove, lies a quiet retreat by the name of Ōkōchi Sanso. Ōkōchi Sanso, the former home of Japanese period film actor Denjirō Ōkōchi, has been meticulously preserved and groomed in the Arashiyama district of Kyoto, Japan for the last 85 years.

The mountain villa, as it translates, functioned as a residence for Ōkōchi over 30 years, as he built the various structures and gardens. After his death in 1962, the property was opened to the public, along with an open-air museum dedicated to the life and times of the iconic figure.

There are few words to describe the beauty and serenity that Ōkōchi Sanso possesses. If winding through the gardens that reflect the four seasons doesn’t leave you speechless, the view of the Ōi River below, or the quiet tea service amongst the bamboo will.

Photo by B.S.P.I/Getty

 

Photo by Sunphol Sorakul
Photo by Sunphol Sorakul

 

Photo by John S Lander/LightRocket via Getty Images
Photo by John S Lander/LightRocket via Getty Images

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