Bamboo Forests are thought to protect from evil and often surround Temples and palaces of old. The Sagano Bamboo Forest 30 min outside of Kyoto covers 6 miles and has been recognized by the government as a designated soundscape. The rustling, creaking and swaying are the sounds one would hear if they could escape the hoards of tourists yelling at their kids to heal. Even though it was beautiful, no one enjoyed navigating the large groups of tourists in the hot muggy climate. We did escape to a private residence with meticulous gardens and paid an entrance fee, which kept most visitors at bay.
The Okochisanso gardens and residence are the former home of jidaigeki (period film) star Denjirō Ōkōchi. There are paths that take you from one scenic area to another. A beautiful moss garden gives way to a tranquil tea room; a stunning mountain view leads onto an impressive panorama of the city.
The florescent green of the moss and evergreens was otherworldly.
After cresting a small hill at the top of the garden, a vista of forested hills are framed by a traditional building. In the tea room staff serve traditional match tea in bowls, the bitterness countered by the sugar milk biscuit that accompanies it.
Bochner Family Adventure 