Private tour in Kyoto Andrew W
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Andrew W.
5.0
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64
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4 hrs
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This is the Kyoto you came for. The spiritual, insightful one. Travel deep into the heart of Japan for an authentic and unforgettable journey into Japanese aesthetics, history, and world view. Your whole perception of Kyoto will be profoundly different afterwards. Drawing on my 12 years of experience as a landscape designer in the U. S. A. , 5 years working in the traditional garden industry in Kyoto, and my self-studies in Eastern philosophy since as long as I can remember, I am able to provide experiences for my guests that are unique and from the heart. Living in Kyoto for 15+ years, I have come to fully understand that by limiting one's precious time here to visiting only the "must see" sites, one can hardly experience the beauty, serenity and deep spiritual nature of this town. Unless your idea of an enjoyable time is fighting through dense crowds, endless souvenir shops and noisy surroundings, I'd really recommend steering clear of most of the "must-see's" all together. By visiting lesser known but nontheless stunning sites that are far off the usual tourist route, we can immerse ourselves in the exquisite and mystical nature of Kyoto. The experience we will share will feel less like a tour and more like a meaningful day considering design, philosophy and history while visiting amazing locations of harmony and beauty. Available for half-day, full-day, and multi-day tours, I hope I can lead you on an enchanting and introspective outing while helping you to better understand this enigmatic country of Japan. Over 1,350 5-star reviews on various travel websites. Masters Degree in Landscape Architecture. 5 years experience working in traditional Kyoto garden companies. Certificate of Graduation from the Kyoto Japanese Gardener Training Program. 12 years professional experience working in garden design/ build in the U.S.A. As we travel through the town we will utilize public transportation, taxis or walk. As I am not a driver, I can arrange for a separate car and driver.
Have a question or want to customize this tour? Message Andrew W.
As Kyoto's history traces back over 1, 300 years, there are literally hundreds of sites that are worth visiting during one's brief stay in this city. Two places that I personally feel must be visited to fully understand the depth of Kyoto's cultural heritage are part of this experience, Sanjusangen-do and the Kawai Kanjiro Memorial House. The third site, Chishaku-in, is a temple complex that is surprisingly always very quiet and is home to a magestic garden that recreates Mt. Rozan, a mystical mountain in China that often appears in Buddhist mythology. As these three sites were created in 1266, the lates 1500's, and the early 1900's, we will witness how Japanese art and philosophy evolved over Kyoto's long history. Time permitting, we will have a stop at one of the local shops to try some Japanese sweets:)
Sanjusangen-do: The longest wooden building in Japan and one of the oldest structures in Kyoto. Home to 1, 001 jaw-dropping golden Buddha statues. Unfortunately no photographs are allowed inside. Chishaku-in: The first-ever artificially created mountain in Kyoto, this garden will transport your mind to far-away lands. Also on display are sliding door paintings created by Hasegawa Tohaku, one of Japan's most heralded painters. The Kawai Kanjiro Memorial House: The converted home of a noted 20th century master potter, this museum is a fine example of the wabi sabi way of design and living. Japanese sweets: Depending our pace, we will stop at one of several sweets shops in the area.
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This is a walking experience.
Kyoto, Kyoto, 605-0951, Japan
In front of Chishaku-in
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