Hakusasa Son-so Garden

Hakusasa Son-so Garden Review

Down the hill from Ginkaku-ji, about 100 yards before the street crosses a canal, sits a century-old villa with an impeccable garden. This was once the home of painter Kansetsu Hashimoto, who created a unique style of painting that combined various Japanese periods and drew inspiration from Chinese imagery. The house contains many of Hashimoto's sketches and paintings, as well as works by both Chinese and Japanese contemporaries and an enthralling collection of Greek and Persian pottery. An exquisite stone garden and a teahouse are also open to the public. If you book at least two days in advance, it's possible to experience a complete tea ceremony. To get here from Kyoto Station, take Bus 5 to the Ginkaku-ji-michi stop and walk east along the canal. Hakusa Son-so will be on the right.