Located in walking distance to the famous silver pavillon, Hakusa Sonso tends to get overlooked by the large amount of travelers passing by its entrance (which is, on a side note, very similar to Ōkōchi Sansō in Arashiyama). Hakusa Sonsō is a garden and residence built between 1913–1945 by Hashimoto Kansetsu 橋本関雪, a Japanese-painting artist of the Taishō and Shōwa eras. According to the official homepage, it is the largest artist residence in Japan. In the history of Kyōto, I would personally place Hakusa Sonsō on the same page with the above-mentioned Ōkōchi Sansō or Shisen-dō Jōzan-ji.
Hakusa Sonsō features a large wet-landscape strolling garden, with the pond connecting several tea houses and other buildings. In summer, Lotus flowers can be enjoyed, whereas in autumn, maple foliage turns the place into deep red colors. Behind the main building is a section containing several stone Buddha statues. Here, in summer, hangeshō grass with its white leaf-tops can be enjoyed.
Entrance to Hakusa Sonsō includes the museum, where some of Hashimoto’s work can be enjoyed, along with a view towards Mt. Hiei. Although rather expensive (2,000 Yen), there is a discount for students (500 Yen!).

Admission: open year-round
Nearby places of interest: Ginkaku-ji, The Philosopher’s Walk